Home Buyer Survey (Level 2)

A Level 2 Building Survey, commonly known as a “Homebuyer Survey” in the UK, is a popular and cost-effective option for property buyers who are looking for a mid-range level of information about the condition of a property they intend to purchase. It is a more focused and less comprehensive survey compared to the Level 3 Building Survey, making it suitable for standard residential properties that are in reasonable condition. The Level 2 Building Survey provides a snapshot of the property’s condition and highlights potential issues that could affect the purchase decision.

In all our surveys, we utilise a user-friendly traffic light system, categorising each relevant area with a number from 1 to 3: Green (1), Amber (2), and Red (3), allowing for easy identification of the severity of each issue and simplifying the navigation of concerns throughout the report.

Here’s an overview of what a Level 2 Building Survey typically covers:

1. Property Exterior:
– Examination of the property’s external walls, roof, chimneys, and any visible parts of the drainage system.
– Identification of any obvious defects or areas of concern such as dampness, cracks, or structural issues.
– Inspection of boundary walls, fences, and outbuildings.

2. Property Interior:
– Inspection of accessible rooms and areas within the property, excluding concealed spaces like lofts and under-floor areas.
– Evaluation of floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and visible fixtures.
– Identification of visible defects, including signs of rot, subsidence, or dampness.

3. Building Services:
– Basic assessment of the electrical and plumbing systems to identify potential safety issues or non-compliance with regulations.
– General inspection of the heating and insulation systems to evaluate their condition and operation.

4. Dampness and Moisture:
– Detection of any visible signs of dampness, moisture ingress, or condensation issues that may impact the property’s integrity or occupant comfort.

5. Accessibility:
– The survey is non-invasive and focuses on accessible and visible areas without dismantling or extensive investigation.

6. Recommendations:
– Provision of recommendations for necessary repairs, maintenance, or further investigations based on the identified issues.

7. Summary and Conclusion:
– A concise summary of the survey findings and an overall assessment of the property’s condition.
– An informed opinion on whether the property represents a reasonable investment given the identified issues.

The Level 2 Building Survey is suitable for properties that appear to be in a generally reasonable condition and do not have significant structural or unique features. It provides a balanced overview of the property’s condition, making it an excellent choice for many homebuyers who want to understand any potential issues and negotiate the purchase price accordingly. However, for older or more complex properties, a Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate, as it offers a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of the property’s condition.