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A full structural survey (also known as a Level 3 Building Survey) is a comprehensive and detailed examination of a property’s condition, structure, and construction and is developed by industry qualified, RICS-accredited, CIOB-accredited and/or RPSA-accredited surveyors. The level 3 full building survey provides a thorough assessment of the building’s integrity and identifies any significant defects or issues that may exist and require urgent repair.
The full structural survey is typically recommended for older properties (usually over 100 years old), properties of non-standard construction, or properties where significant alterations or renovations are planned.
If you want to learn about Level 3 Building Surveys from our very own CEO Nicholas Prinse, buy the Prince Surveyors building survey course.
A full structural survey (also known as a Level 3 Building Survey) is a comprehensive and detailed examination of a property’s condition, structure, and construction and is developed by industry qualified, RICS-accredited, CIOB-accredited and/or RPSA-accredited surveyors. The level 3 full building survey provides a thorough assessment of the building’s integrity and identifies any significant defects or issues that may exist and require urgent repair.
The full structural survey is typically recommended for older properties (usually over 100 years old), properties of non-standard construction, or properties where significant alterations or renovations are planned.
When a surveyor conducts a full building survey, they look at many features of the building and surrounding environment. Features relating to the level 3 building survey include:
If you have had an offer accepted, we would recommend getting your level 3 building survey booked in as soon as possible so that you can fully understand the state of the building. You want to have all the facts as you proceed through the purchase process.
Contact building survey experts to book your full building survey or to get a FREE no-obligation full structural survey quote.
A full Building Survey on the property provides a more in-depth analysis than a Homebuyers Report (Level 2 survey), or Level 1, so the timeframe tends to be longer.
It can take up to 8 hours for the surveyor to complete a full building survey. However, most surveys typically take 2 hours to do the internals and 2 hours to do the externals. The time it takes to complete can also vary depending on the size and condition of your property.
The general recommendation for booking full building surveys is “essential for larger or older properties or if you are planning major works”, but Prince Surveyors recommends a level 3 full structural survey for any property being purchased to make sure everything is covered and to give you full peace of mind in your purchase – as for most, this will be their most expensive purchase!
Although not normally needed, a full building survey can be a good idea should you have any concerns about the builders cutting corners – for instance, if your building was erected very quickly!
Alternatively, a snagging report will identify defects or problems which need fixing before you move in.
Contact building survey experts to discuss your needs or to get expert initial advice for FREE based on which option is best for your circumstance.
If you are protected by NHBC, then your home should be guaranteed for at least 2 years.
In basic terms, a Level 3 Full Building Survey offers much more depth and analysis than a Level 2 Homebuyers survey.
A Level 2 Homebuyers survey is commonly used for properties of conventional construction that are in a reasonable condition. It provides a more detailed assessment than a Level 1 survey, offering a balanced overview of the property’s condition. The surveyor will examine the accessible interior and exterior parts of the property, commenting on its general condition and highlighting any significant issues. The surveyors will also provide recommendations for repairs and ongoing maintenance.
A Level 3 Full Building Survey is more comprehensive and suitable for older properties, those of non-standard construction, or properties undergoing major renovations. It provides an extensive analysis of the property’s condition, structure, and construction. Your surveyor will conduct a detailed review of the visible and accessible parts of the property. Analysis and advice on necessary repairs and remedial actions on the property’s structure and significant defects are provided.
The total cost for a Full Building Survey depends on the property in question. Contact building survey experts to get a FREE no-obligation full structural survey quote.
No, you do not need to be present at the survey. All that is needed is access to the property, which the team will agree with the current owner.
It is best that surveyors are left to carry out the survey on their own. This is because they have a set process to follow and need to carry out the inspection without distraction to ensure that nothing is missed during the inspection.
In most cases, you can expect to receive a completed full building survey report within 4-5 working days from the full structural survey taking place. The report will also be available in electronic format.
A Full Building Survey report includes a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the property’s condition. The report highlights any defects, potential issues, or areas requiring attention. It includes photographs, diagrams, and technical explanations to support the findings from the surveyor.
On occasion, receiving your full building survey report may take a little longer, depending on the property and the findings.
Yes! If your building survey finds many issues that need fixing, then this will give you ammunition to revert to the seller and renegotiate. We would recommend going through your estate agent for this.
You can either negotiate a reduction in the price to factor in the required repairs that will be needed on the property or ask the seller to make the necessary repairs. Your estate agent will guide you through this.
With these building survey services, there are a number of features you can expect, including:
Our panel of experts are regulated by the following regulatory bodies including but not limited to: the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Property Ombudsman (TPO), Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS), the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
If you are interested in residential or commercial building inspection services, speak to Prince Surveyors for a full structural survey quote or some FREE initial advice.
