Why the House Buyer Survey is important. 

- To ensure that you are buying your house in the same condition it was when you viewed it. 
 
- If the price of your chosen home is low, a residential house survey can uncover any hidden problems that you would not know unless you moved in. 
 
- If any issues are uncovered in the pre-purchase survey, you may be able to negotiate a lower asking price for your new home. 
 
- If your potential new home needs renovation work, a detailed property survey can clarify the extent of the work needed, so you can either find quotes for building work, or decide to find a different property that is more suited to your budget. 
A home buyer survey is a comprehensive visual check of your potential property which will leave you well equipped to deal with any potential issues. 
 
A home buyer survey (RICS Level 2 Structural Survey) will help you understand what you are really buying. Whether you are getting a mortgage or buying outright, this is a significant financial commitment for anyone, especially in the current market. 
 
A mortgage valuation is only commissioned to satisfy your bank or building society of the financial viability of the loan decision; it does not provide adequate advice and reassurance to you as a purchaser. 

The Survey 

Our Home Buyer Surveys are carried out by chartered professionals and are produced in a RICS format report. They will cover the following elements which will be supported with photos taken during the survey: 
 
• External paths and driveways 
• Moisture levels in the superstructure 
• Signs of structural issues or potential movement on day of survey 
• Internal Drainage (WC, Baths sinks etc) 
• Visual inspection of floors and ceilings 
• Visible Electrical Installations (switches etc.) 
• Window assessment (sill projections and external sealants) 
• Roof coverings (external) 
• Roof coverings internal, (structure and membranes) where accessible 
• Environmental Agency approved Flood Risk Assessment 
• EPC energy efficiency rating (if available) 

The Final Report: What to Expect 

A RICS level 2 home survey is a detailed summary of the condition of a residential property. It highlights the condition it is in and uses a traffic light rating to detail any issues that need attention. 
 
Green rating – No repairs or action needed 
 
Amber rating – some repairs or defects identified, but not needing urgent attention 
 
Red rating - Serious issues that carry potential risk, and need urgent repairs 
 
This system breaks down all the information about your property in a way that you can understand. Our home surveyors are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your final report, and any actions that you may need to take. 
 
External paths and driveways 
Check for moisture levels in the superstructure  
Check for signs of structural issues or potential movement on day of survey 
Internal Drainage (WC, Baths sinks etc) 
Visual inspection of floors and ceilings 
Visible Electrical Installations (switches etc.) 
Window assessment (sill projections and external sealants) 
Roof coverings (external) 
Roof coverings internal, (structure and membranes) where accessible 
Environmental Agency approved Flood Risk Assessment 
EPC (if available) 
Please note that we do not provide a valuation service, provide costing, or make recommendations on any repairs that need to be carried out. 
 

Contact Us 

To book your home buyer survey, simply complete the contact form here. A member of our Cheshire based team will be in contact shortly. 
 
To make an enquiry about any of our house buyer survey services, email info@sdsurveyors.co.uk or call us on 01606 535793. We look forward to hearing from you. 
Our site uses cookies. For more information, see our cookie policy. Accept cookies and close
Reject cookies Manage settings