The RICS Home Survey Level 3 is our most comprehensive property assessment, providing an exceptionally detailed evaluation of your potential new home across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. This advanced survey delivers in-depth analysis of a property’s condition, construction, and defects, making it the ideal choice for older, larger, or non-standard properties, listed buildings, or homes requiring extensive renovation.
What is a RICS Home Survey Level 3?
The RICS Home Survey Level 3 (formerly known as a Building Survey or Full Structural Survey) is the most thorough and detailed property survey available. Following the rigorous standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), this comprehensive survey includes an extensive examination of the property’s structure, fabric, and services.
The Level 3 survey goes significantly beyond the Level 1 and Level 2 surveys, providing exhaustive details about the property’s construction, condition issues, defects, and potential problems. Using the clear ‘traffic light’ condition rating system, our Level 3 survey meticulously documents the severity of all issues found:
- Condition Rating 3 (Red): Defects that are serious and/or need urgent repair, replacement, or further investigation
- Condition Rating 2 (Amber): Defects that need repairing or replacing but aren’t considered serious or urgent
- Condition Rating 1 (Green): No current issues – normal maintenance required
What’s Included in the RICS Home Survey Level 3?
Our Level 3 survey provides exceptionally detailed information about the property’s condition, including:
- Thorough inspection of all accessible parts of the property, inside and out
- Comprehensive examination of the building’s structure and construction methods
- ‘Traffic light’ condition ratings with detailed explanations for all major elements
- In-depth analysis of visible defects and potential problems from hidden flaws
- Detailed technical information about materials and construction techniques
- Clear description of serious risks to the building and personal safety
- Extensive advice on repair options with likely timeframes and consequences
- Identification of issues requiring specialist investigation
- Assessment of past alterations and potential compliance issues
- Evaluation of ongoing maintenance requirements
- Energy efficiency considerations and potential improvements
- Advice on legal matters requiring attention from your solicitor
A market valuation is not included in the standard Level 3 survey but can be provided as an additional service if required. In most cases, however, the Level 3 survey focuses exclusively on the property’s condition rather than its value.
The Survey Process
When you commission a RICS Home Survey Level 3 with Mickleson Surveyors, our thorough process includes:
- Initial consultation to understand your specific requirements and concerns
- Review of property information and background research prior to the inspection
- Arrangement of a convenient time for the extended survey
- Extensive visual inspection by a qualified RICS chartered surveyor (typically 4-8 hours)
- Comprehensive examination of all accessible elements of the property
- Detailed investigation of the roof space, floor voids, and other accessible areas
- Assessment of surrounding grounds, outbuildings, and boundary features
- Preparation of a highly detailed technical report with extensive recommendations
- Delivery of your comprehensive report within 7-10 working days
- Follow-up consultation to explain findings and discuss repair strategies
While the survey is extremely thorough, it remains non-destructive and doesn’t include removing fixed coverings, testing of services, or specialist investigations (though these can be arranged separately if needed).
Why Choose a RICS Home Survey Level 3?
The Level 3 survey is particularly suitable for:
- Older properties (pre-1900)
- Listed buildings and historic homes
- Properties of unusual construction or with non-standard materials
- Buildings in poor condition or showing signs of significant defects
- Properties that have been extensively altered or extended
- Homes requiring major renovation or conversion
- Buildings with known structural issues or subsidence concerns
- Larger, more complex properties
- Buyers seeking the most comprehensive protection and peace of mind
While more expensive than Level 1 and Level 2 surveys, the Level 3 survey provides exceptional value for properties where the risk of expensive hidden defects is higher. The detailed information and expert advice can potentially save you from significant unexpected repair costs and help you plan renovations more effectively.
Professional Qualifications
Our Level 3 surveys are conducted by our most experienced chartered surveyors who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) with specialist expertise in historic and complex buildings. With extensive knowledge of traditional construction methods, period properties, and the specific challenges of buildings in Cheshire and Greater Manchester, our surveyors provide authoritative advice backed by years of experience.
For period properties in areas like Knutsford, Alderley Edge, and South Manchester’s conservation areas, our surveyors bring specialised knowledge of local historical buildings, typical defects, and appropriate repair methods.
When you’re considering a property where the stakes are high โ whether due to age, condition, or planned renovation โ the RICS Home Survey Level 3 provides the comprehensive information you need to make confident decisions and protect your investment.
Compare with our Level 1 survey or learn about our Level 2 survey to determine which is right for your needs, or compare with our Survey Comparison tool.
