You’ve just received an email containing your RICS Level 2 or Level 3 Building Survey report. This detailed, multi-page document is the result of a meticulous inspection of your prospective property. For many buyers, opening it can feel overwhelming, with technical terms and a list of identified issues.
Firstly, don’t panic. The purpose of the report is not to be a simple “pass or fail” test. It is a vital information tool designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition, empowering you to make a confident and informed decision.
Here is a step-by-step guide to using your survey report effectively.
Step 1: Read the Summary and Digest
Start with the executive summary at the beginning of the report. This section provides a high-level overview of the key findings. Our reports use a clear condition rating system (often a traffic-light colour code) to highlight the urgency of any issues. Remember, it is exceptionally rare for any property, especially an older one, to have a “perfect” report with no issues.
Step 2: Clarify Your Questions with Your Surveyor
Your survey fee includes the surveyor’s time to discuss their findings with you. This is a crucial part of the service. Read through the full report and make a list of anything you don’t understand or would like more detail on. A phone call with the surveyor who personally inspected the property can provide invaluable context and clarity that isn’t always possible in writing alone.
Step 3: Quantify the Costs
The report identifies the defects; the next step is to understand their financial implications. For any significant issues identified (e.g., condition rating 3, or “Red”), you should seek quotes from reputable contractors.
For issues like roofing, specialist damp proofing, or structural repairs, get at least two quotes from qualified specialists.
For a collection of smaller jobs, a reliable general builder can provide an estimate.
Your surveyor can often advise on the type of contractor you need and may be able to provide very rough ballpark figures to help you gauge the scale of the costs involved.
Step 4: Decide Your Course of Action
Armed with the information from the report and the contractors’ quotes, you have three clear options:
1. Renegotiate: You can use the quotes to go back to the seller (via the estate agent) and negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to contribute towards the cost of the necessary works. This is a very common outcome.
2. Proceed and Plan: If the issues are manageable and you are happy to take them on, you can proceed with the purchase at the agreed price. You now have a clear “to-do list” and can budget for the repairs after you move in.
3. Reconsider: In a small number of cases, the survey may uncover issues so significant or costly that the property is no longer a viable purchase for you. While disappointing, the survey has done its most important job: it has protected you from a potentially disastrous investment.
Your building survey report is arguably the most powerful tool you have during a property purchase. It replaces uncertainty with factual information, allowing you to proceed with your eyes wide open.
If you have any questions about a recent report from us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your surveyor.