Which Survey Do I Need?
Choosing the right property survey is crucial when buying a home. At Mickleson Home Surveys, our inspections follow the RICS Home Survey Standard, ensuring consistent, high-quality assessments for all property types.
Three levels of survey to suit your needs
RICS Home Survey Level 1
- Best for: Newer, conventional properties in good condition
- Features: Concise report highlighting urgent issues and condition ratings
RICS Home Survey Level 2
- Best for: Conventional properties in reasonable condition
- Features: More detailed inspection with maintenance advice and legal considerations
RICS Home Survey Level 3
- Best for: Older properties, unusual buildings, or those needing renovation
Features: Comprehensive assessment with thorough inspection, detailed repair advice and cost estimates
Key
★ = Basic inspection
★★ = Standard inspection
★★★ = Comprehensive inspection
– = Not included
| Survey Feature | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior elements | |||
| Chimney stacks | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Roof coverings | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Rainwater pipes and gutters | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Main walls | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Windows | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| External doors | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Conservatories and porches | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Other external joinery | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Interior elements | |||
| Roof structure | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Ceilings | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Walls and partitions | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Floors | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Fireplaces and flues | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Built-in fittings | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Internal joinery | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Bathroom fittings | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Services | |||
| Electricity | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Gas/oil | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Water | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Heating | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Water heating | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Common services | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Drainage | – | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Outbuildings & grounds | |||
| Garage | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Other outbuildings | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Grounds | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Boundaries | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Tree assessment | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Energy efficiency | |||
| Insulation | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Heating efficiency | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Lighting efficiency | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Ventilation | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| EPC review | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Energy improvement advice | – | ★ | ★★★ |
| Legal & planning | |||
| Building regulations | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Planning issues | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Rights of way/easements | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Title boundaries | – | ★ | ★★★ |
| Neighbouring planning | – | – | ★★★ |
| Environmental factors | |||
| Flooding risk | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Subsidence risk | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Invasive plants | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Noise factors | – | ★ | ★★★ |
| Radon risk | – | ★ | ★★★ |
| Technical assessment | |||
| Repair advice | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Specialist investigations | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Defect causes | – | ★ | ★★★ |
| Non-repair consequences | – | ★ | ★★★ |
| Maintenance planning | – | ★ | ★★★ |
| Cost estimates | – | – | ★★★ |
What Level of Home Survey Do I Need?
Not all homes need the same level of survey inspection. The age, type, condition and your plans for the house will determine the most appropriate level of detail.
We offer three different levels of Home Survey. Answer a few simple questions to find out which survey best suits your needs.
Your Recommended Survey
RICS Home Surveys
We provide a range of home surveys for buyers and owners of property across Manchester and Cheshire. Our surveys are compliant with RICS Home Survey Standard, and are undertaken by MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyors.
