RICS Level 2 & Level 3 Home Surveys in Brighton & Sussex

We are independent RICS Chartered Building Surveyors providing clear, practical advice to help buyers proceed with confidence. 

Our surveys are usually booked within a few days of instruction, with concise reports issued within three working days of inspection. 

We are a small practice and offer a personal service so don’t be reluctant to email, call or WhatsApp any question or to chat about your survey.  Spencer on our ‘About’ drop down will contact you back.

We combine modern inspection techniques with experienced professional judgement to focus on what matters most.

We have great ratings on Google reviews, take some time to look us up.

We carry drones, ladders, thermal cameras, laser levels, resistance damp meters, remote cameras  for surveys.

The right survey depends on the property rather than the buyer. 

Factors such as age, construction, condition, and alterations all influence whether a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is most appropriate. 

Level 2 surveys are based on reporting the current condition of the property.   

Level 3 surveys are more thorough building surveys with a full review of defects found and short / longer term lifecycle views on the building and materials so you can plan for the future.

We assess each property on its own merits to ensure the level of survey provides meaningful, proportionate advice. 

Independent consumer guidance is available from RICS if required.

A more detailed description of both level 2 and level 3 surveys  is in the further boxes of information in this page.

A RICS compliant Level 3 Building Survey is the only survey that should be undertaken by an experienced RICS Chartered Building Surveyor .  This provides a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the property and is typically recommended for older, altered, converted or more complex properties.

It offers greater analysis of defects, their likely causes, and longer-term maintenance implications, helping buyers fully understand risks, long term planning and budget before proceeding.

In the level 3 report we budget the works and give useful dialogue short / longer term so you know what your likely commitment is from day one.

Given our qualifications and experience, this is the most common survey we undertake.

A Level 2 Home Survey provides a clear, practical overview of a property’s condition at the time of inspection.

It is generally suited to more conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition and have not been significantly altered, extended, or refurbished.

Newer built properties generally under 30 years old seem to best suit level 2 surveys.

Properties that have been altered or refurbished will likely start to have problems, lifecycle of components start to fail at years 15 to 30 onwards so you need will then need extended advice that a level 3 survey will provide.

We are generally in flats or houses between 2 and 5 hours, more if it is an exceptionally large property. We do  desktop work researching ground conditions, EPC’s, Flood risk data, Radon and other areas which all form parts of the report.

We carry drones, ladders, thermal cameras, laser levels, resistance damp meters, remote cameras  for surveys.

Flats can take as long as houses if surveyed properly, the whole block & common parts will need some form of review so you know what your getting into with service charges and maintenance planning.

With regards to desktop work, surveys take 8 - 12 hours to write up, we annotate photos, give the respective dialogue on the condition and defects.  Level 3 reports take longer as they delve into lifecycle, onward issues, budgets and remedies.

In addition to the core survey, there are a number of optional services that may be appropriate depending on the property and your requirements. These can be discussed at quotation stage and added where relevant.

A BCIS insurance reinstatement cost assessment, where required

Budget cost advice for anticipated defect repairs or replacement works, where requested

Commentary on development potential, or a separate feasibility review

Seller surveys are prepared for the benefit of the instructing client only and provide an independent professional assessment of the property at the time of inspection.