Regulated by RICS · Same-day response
RICS Level 3 Building Survey: Full structural survey · Liverpool · Chester · Northwich
The most thorough RICS survey, for older, listed, altered, larger or poor-condition homes. It investigates the causes of defects, not just the symptoms, and sets out your repair options.
- Recommended for period, listed, extended and non-standard properties
- Investigates the causes of defects, not just the symptoms
- Covers structure, condition and repair options in depth
- ★★★★★ Google reviews
- Same-day response
- One client at a time
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Survey: RICS Level 3 Building Survey
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What type of property is it?
Pick one to carry on. No obligation, same-day reply.
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- OneClient at a time
- Same dayResponse, every enquiry
- ★★★★★Google reviews
- FreeNo-obligation quotes
Every element rated
1 · 2 · 3
What it is
The thorough end of the range
A detailed inspection to the RICS Home Survey Standard, looking for the likely cause of each defect and setting out the repair options. Liverpool, Chester and Northwich are full of the period, listed and altered homes it is written for.
- Roof void and subfloor where accessible
- Causes, not just symptoms
- Repair options explained
- Report within four working days
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No action required
No repair is needed at present. The element is performing as expected and needs no further investigation.
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Repairs or maintenance needed
Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not serious or urgent. The property should be maintained in the normal way.
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Urgent attention required
Serious defects that need repairing, replacing or investigating as a priority. They may affect the value of the property.
What's included
A closer look at every accessible element
Inside and out, the structure and the fabric, with the causes of defects investigated.
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Roof structure and covering
Roof void inspected where accessible
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Walls and structure
Movement, cracking and bulging assessed
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Floors and subfloor
Rot, beetle and ventilation where accessible
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Damp and moisture
Rising, penetrating and condensation, separately
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Windows, doors and joinery
Frames, lintels and seals checked
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Services overview
Heating, plumbing, drainage, electrics
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Specialist investigations
Flagged with priorities and next steps
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Repair advice
Options and priorities for each defect
Who it's for
When a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the right call
Knowing whether the survey fits the property helps you get the most from it. When it does not, we say so before you book.
Well suited to
- Homes built before 1900 or of non-standard construction
- Listed buildings and period properties
- Homes that have been altered, extended or converted
- Properties in poor condition or with visible defects
- Large or unusual buildings
- Purchases where renovation or structural work is planned
Consider a RICS Level 2 Home Survey instead for
- Homes of standard construction built after 1900 in reasonable condition
- Flats and apartments of standard construction
- Buyers who want clarity before exchange without a full structural review
Level 2 or Level 3
Which survey fits the property?
Both are carried out by a surveyor from a practice regulated by RICS. The difference is depth: how far the inspection goes and what the report sets out to establish.
| Compare | RICS Level 2 Home Survey | RICS Level 3 Building Survey This page |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Conventional homes of standard construction, built after 1900 and in reasonable condition | Older, larger, altered, listed or non-standard homes, or where major works are planned |
| Inspection | All visible and accessible elements, inside and out | Everything in Level 2, with a closer look at the roof space, the subfloor where accessible, and the causes of defects |
| What the report tells you | The condition of each element with a 1, 2 or 3 rating and what to do next | The likely cause of each defect, its consequences and the options for putting it right |
| Time on site | Typically two to three hours | Typically three to four hours |
| Report | Within three working days of the inspection | Within four working days of the inspection |
| Carried out by | A surveyor from a practice regulated by RICS | A surveyor from a practice regulated by RICS |
| Next step | View the Level 2 Home Survey | Get a Free Quote |
Free, no-obligation quote
Ready for your RICS Level 3 Building Survey quote?
Tell us about the property and we come back the same working day with a fixed fee and the earliest available dates.
What happens next
- Eight quick steps, about two minutes
- A fixed fee the same working day
- No obligation, no pressure
Buying a newer home?
RICS Level 2 Home Survey
A thorough, practical inspection for conventional homes in reasonable condition.
Where we work
RICS Level 3 Building Surveys across the North West
Based on Rodney Street in Liverpool, covering the city and the towns around it.
Reviews
What homebuyers say
★★★★★ Reviews on Google
Read our Google reviews (opens in a new tab)FAQs
Questions homebuyers ask
What is a RICS Level 3 Building Survey?
It is the most detailed survey RICS offers for a home you are buying. The surveyor examines every accessible element of the building and investigates the causes of any defects. A full written report sets out the repair options and priorities.
Is a Level 3 the same as a full structural survey?
Yes. Full structural survey is the older name for the same inspection. The RICS Home Survey Standard now calls it a Level 3 Building Survey. It remains the most thorough option for older, altered or unusual homes.
How long does the inspection take and when will I get the report?
Typically three to four hours on site, longer for a large or complex property. Your report follows within four working days of the inspection, and we are happy to talk it through with you.
Do you inspect the roof void and under the floors?
Yes, wherever access allows. We enter the roof void and lift accessible hatches and coverings to check timbers, ventilation and damp. Where access is not possible, the report says so and explains what to do about it.
What happens if you find something serious?
The report explains the defect, its likely cause and the options for putting it right, with priorities. That gives you documented evidence to renegotiate, ask for repairs, commission a specialist investigation or walk away before you are committed.
Should I choose a Level 2 or a Level 3 for a Victorian terrace?
Most Victorian and earlier homes suit a Level 3. Solid walls, original timbers and past alterations deserve a closer look at causes rather than symptoms. A later terrace of standard construction in good order is usually well served by a Level 2. If you are unsure, tell us about the property and we will advise before you book.
Independent RICS surveyors
A survey done properly.
Liverpool · Warrington · Chester · Northwich · Wigan
Tell us about the property and we come back the same working day with the right survey and a fixed fee. A traditional surveyor who takes due care over every instruction, and a report written in plain English.
Same-day reply · No obligation · Takes two minutes