Frequently Asked Questions

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' (RICS) research estimates that 1 in 5 buyers who did not commission a survey needed to spend on average £5,750 correcting defects they did not know about. Detecting these defects before you purchase can help you plan for future costs or allow you to negotiate the sale price with the vendor.

Mortgage Valuation is not a Survey. The valuation the lender carries out is to determine the property is worth the amount you are seeking to borrow and is not a detailed inspection of the property. Often the valuations are calculated without even going inside the property, online or simply by driving past the property. A thorough inspection by a professional surveyor is the only way to understand the condition of the building you are buying.

The RICS categorises surveys in levels from 1-3:

• Level 1: A basic Condition Report. We do not offer this type of report as we believe it doesn’t provide enough meaningful information for our clients and doesn’t represent good value.
• Level 2: Homebuyer Report. This is our most popular survey, which provides buyers with enough information to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with their purchase. Elements of the property inside and out are given a condition rating based on a traffic light system, with further sections highlighting any risks and summarising issues that should be raised with your legal advisor.
• Level 3: Building Survey. This is our most comprehensive level of inspection, giving an in-depth description of the construction and condition of the property. It not only describes the visible defects but considers potential problems caused by hidden flaws and provides an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity.

We specialise in Home Buyer Surveys and Building Surveys. We don’t currently offer valuations or reinstatement costs.

We use the Skyline Mi Home Buyer Survey and the Skyline Mi Building Survey as they are the most comprehensive and detailed reports of their type in the industry. Skyline’s Mi Home Buyer Survey and Mi Building Survey are recognised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA).

Depending on the size of the property and type of survey we will be on site between 2-5 hours.

We aim to send you the report within 5 working days of the property inspection.

We understand that the specialised language of property surveying can be daunting, and that the results of the survey have long-term implications. Our surveys are written with clarity and easy to understand information in mind. However your surveyor will always follow up their report with a phone call, or email as you prefer, to go through the report with you and answer any queries you may have.

Yes, we are regulated by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and members of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA).