If you’ve found your dream home, it’s a good idea to have the property inspected by an expert before investing. Brittain Hadley are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and offer several types of surveys to meet different requirements. 

Level 3 - Full Building Survey

Formerly known as a Structural Survey, this is the most common type of pre-purchase survey as it provides a fully comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the building’s construction and condition. The report we provide will detail every aspect of the house and identify any visible defects, their cause and any urgent repairs and maintenance issues.

A Full Building survey can more than pay for itself. Not only will it provide the information needed to make a decision whether to proceed with purchasing the property but it will also advise of any pre-existing or anticipated defects within the premises and provide advice on how to deal with them.

On completion of the survey, Brittain Hadley can provide a report to help you budget for anticipated works over a 5-10 year period so that you can fully evaluate your budget prior to purchasing the property.

We are also qualified to provide a drone survey for a deeper analysis of roof structures and a thermal imaging survey if the home efficiency is of concern.

If your insurance company requires a reinstatement valuation, this can also be undertaken as part of the building survey.

Our building surveys cover:

Description – the age of the property and any alterations or additions since construction.
Construction – materials used in the form of the property and additions.
Defects – report on defects and recommendations.
Specialist Advice – advice if further specialist reports are recommended for example: asbestos, damp and timber treatments, electrics, gas and plumbing.
Outbuildings – report on the condition and description of garages, sheds and other outbuildings within the property boundary.
Gardens – both front and rear gardens together with fences and boundaries.
Externally – all walls, roof coverings, rainwater goods, joinery, drainage and decorations.
Internally – structure and decorative condition of walls, floors and ceilings, joinery, internal plumbing within kitchens, bathrooms, cloakrooms, roof voids, lofts and cellars.

Level 3 - Partial Building Survey

Often referred to as a Structure Only Survey, this is similar to our Full Building Survey and provides a thorough and detailed evaluation of the building’s construction and condition. However, and unlike the Full Building Survey, it excludes comments on the decorative condition of the walls, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, driveways and gardens. This type of survey is ideal if you are planning to carry out minor repairs or refurbish and update the property.

Level 2 - HomeBuyers Survey (without Valuation)

Formerly known as a Condition Report, this type of survey is recommended for purpose-built houses or flats constructed from 1990 up to the present day, usually without extensions or alterations. You’ll find the RICS endorsed report provides a clear and easy to follow ‘traffic light’ rating system identifying urgent and non urgent defects. It also includes a section providing advice for your legal conveyancer.

Schedule of Outstanding Works / Snagging Survey

This type of survey  is recommended for newly built properties. The report will consist of a list of defects which forms the basis of the Schedule of Outstanding Works. It provides a comprehensive list of incomplete / defective work for the developer to remedy prior to the exchange of contracts. We will undertake a detailed inspection of the property where it is accessible both internally and externally including roof spaces, garages and outbuildings to produce the Schedule. Upon further instruction, we can carry out a final inspection prior to your completion date to ensure all the outstanding works listed in our report have been carried out to the appropriate standard.  

To find out more, get a quote, or request a sample of the types of survey reports we produce, please give us a call or drop us an email.

Q&A

Q: What's the difference between a building survey and a full structural survey?

A: Building surveys go much further and comment on all aspects of the building and its existing state. A structural survey concentrates mainly on the structural performance of a building.

Q: What type of survey is right for me?

A: Full Building Surveys are best suited for older and more traditional types of properties. This is the most common type of survey for buying a house. More recently constructed buildings may be best served by the use of a HomeBuyers or Condition Survey. If you're only looking to understand the condition of the building structure and have plans to refurbish the property, a Partial Building Survey may suit you best. And if you're buying a newly built house or flat with first time occupancy, a Snagging Schedule may be all that is required.   

Q: Should I get my survey carried out by the surveyor acting on behalf of my bank / building society?

A: Most people like the independence of a separate survey and report produced by a Chartered Surveying practice, as they have no links to mortgage provider.

Q: How quickly can a building survey and report be produced?

A: It typically takes our team 3 days to gain access to the property and the Survey Report follows 5-10 days thereafter.

Q: What's the best type of report to have if buying property?

A: This will depend on the age of the property and the plans you have for it. Whilst the most common type of survey is a Full Building Survey, your requirements may be more suited to a different type of survey. Our team will guide you through the options and advise on the type of survey that’s right for you.

Speed and efficiency!

“I came across Brittain Hadley through www.chiswickw4.com. I have been so impressed with the speed and efficiency of their service. We managed to get a full building survey report produced within 7 days of call. I would definitely recommend them.”

— J.A. Chiswick, November 2021