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SURVEYS

RICS Level 3 Building Survey

The Most Comprehensive Survey We Do!

Buying a Home? Make Sure You’re Making a Smart Investment

Purchasing a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, with a long list of things to consider. Is the home right for your lifestyle? Does the neighbourhood suit your needs? And crucially, is the property a solid investment, or are you buying into hidden issues that could cost thousands to fix?

Our mission is to give you the clarity and confidence you need when buying a home. With our RICS Level 3 Building Survey, you’ll receive a detailed, no-jargon report that clearly outlines the condition of the property. We don’t just inspect, we advise. Acting as your trusted property advisor, we’ll highlight key risks, offer practical recommendations, and even help you understand when a renegotiation might be appropriate.

We believe in honesty, value, and reliability, and our bespoke client surveying service reflects that. With over 25 years of surveying experience and deep local knowledge, our RICS qualified surveyors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Let Dunham Hale Surveyors help you protect your investment, avoid unexpected costs, and move forward with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more or request your survey

So What is an RICS Level 3 Building Survey?

Protect Your Money. Know the Risks. Renegotiate with Confidence.

Buying a home is one of the most exciting—and expensive—decisions you’ll ever make. But even the most attractive properties can hide serious issues beneath the surface: structural problems, damp, roofing defects, outdated electrics, and more. These hidden risks can lead to costly repairs if not identified early.

That’s why a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is essential.

An RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive survey available and is carried out by a qualified RICS surveyor. It includes a thorough inspection of the property’s structure, condition, and services, followed by a detailed written report that highlights:

  • Structural and hidden defects
  • Urgent and long-term repair needs
  • Estimated repair costs
  • Health and safety concerns
  • Guidance on next steps, including whether to renegotiate the purchase price

This type of survey is ideal for older properties, homes that have been extended or altered, or any building where you want a deeper understanding of the risks before proceeding.

Why Choose Dunham Hale Surveyors?

Not all surveyors are the same.
Some firms focus on volume, cramming in 8 to 10 surveys a week, resulting in rushed inspections and vague reports with minimal useful detail.

At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, we take a different approach. We believe in quality over quantity. We only handle a maximum of 5 surveys per week, thats one a day not two a day, allowing us to dedicate real time and care to your inspection and report.

  • That means:
    Detailed reporting, not tick-box surveys
  • Clear repair costs you can use to renegotiate the purchase price
  •  One-to-one client care from a senior surveyor, not a call centre
  • Bespoke advice until you no longer need us

What is Covered Within an RICS Level 3 Building Survey?

At Dunham Hale Surveyors, an RICS Level 3 Building Survey, covers an inspection of 20+ different internal and external elements, such as walls, floors, ceiling, external walls, roofs and fenestration (windows) of the property. In addition, this also includes:

  • Inspecting as much as physically and visually accessible, including basements, cellars, lofts, windows, and doors.
  • Advice on insulation, condensation, and dampness
  • Garages, Permanent Outbuildings, Conservatories and Porches.
  • Roof Voids, Pitched Roofs, and Flat Roofs
  • Visible Assessment of Services
  • Leasehold & Freehold advice
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Cost guidance for Repairs

In addition to the standard RICS Level 3 Building Survey, we also offer add-ons for an additional fee, such as;

Drone Surveys, RICS Redbook Valuations, Thermal Imaging Surveys and Reinstatement (Rebuild) Valuations.

An RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property’s condition, identifying defects, potential structural issues, and areas needing urgent repair. It goes beyond surface-level observations by offering detailed advice on the integrity of each building element, estimated repair costs, and any recommended further investigations.

However, if the property is relatively modern, straightforward in design, and appears to be in generally good condition, a more concise RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report may be more appropriate and cost-effective.

Why Should You opt for an RICS Level 3 Building Survey instead of an RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report?

Don’t Cut Corners on Your Survey – It Could Cost You More in the Long Run

In today’s cost-of-living crisis, it’s understandable that homebuyers look for ways to save money. But one place we strongly advise against cutting costs is on your property survey. The difference in cost between an RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report and an RICS Level 3 Building Survey typically ranges from just £100 to £400, small change when compared to the thousands of pounds of hidden issues that could cost you later.

Qualified surveyors spend 4–5 years gaining the expertise needed to give reliable, detailed advice. Writing a comprehensive survey report takes time. Some firms offer cheaper surveys to meet volume targets, which often leads to rushed inspections and vague, surface-level reports that leave you exposed to costly surprises.

At Dunham Hale Surveyors, we focus on quality, not quantity. Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides in-depth analysis of the property’s structure, condition, and potential defects, complete with repair advice, cost estimates, and recommendations for further investigations. Meanwhile, the RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report offers a more basic overview of the property and is suitable for newer, simpler homes.

Due to recent legal cases like Hart v Large, we may advise clients who initially requested a Level 2 survey to upgrade to a Level 3 Building Survey, especially where the property is over 40 years old, has been extended or altered, is located in a conservation area, is listed, or is of non-standard construction such as concrete or steel frame

In short:
– Opt for a Level 3 Building Survey if the property is older, altered, or of unusual construction.
– Choose a Level 2 Homebuyer Report for modern, straightforward homes in good condition.

Still unsure? Contact us, we’ll help you choose the right survey based on your property type and buying situation.

More details can be found HERE or you can download an example of a Dunham Hale Surveyors sample RICS Level 3 Building Survey Report

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