Full Structural Surveys
(Level 3 Full Building Survey)
Our team of chartered building surveyors specialise in delivering full building surveys tailor-made for you and your individual full structural survey requirements.
What is a full structural survey?
A full structural survey (also known as a Level 3 Building Survey) is a comprehensive and detailed examination of a property’s condition, structure, and construction and is carried out by our RICS-accredited surveyors. The level 3 full building survey provides a thorough assessment of the building’s integrity and identifies any significant defects or issues that may exist and require urgent repair.
The full structural survey is typically recommended for older properties (usually over 100 years old), properties of non-standard construction, or properties where significant alterations or renovations are planned.
If you want to learn about Level 3 Building Surveys from our very own CEO Nicholas Prinse, buy the Prinsegates building survey course.
What does a full structural survey cover?
When one of our chartered surveyor services team comes and conducts a full building survey, we will look at many features of the building and surrounding environment. Features relating to the level 3 building survey include:
- Construction and condition
Building Pathology (damp, movement, etc.) - Urgent and/or dangerous issues
Options and solutions - Budgeting repairs and restoration, upon request
- Maintenance
- Materials usage and performance
- Hidden and visible defects
- Timescales
- Consequences of failing to act
Areas of further investigation - Sourcing extra advice
- Building regulations compliance
- Statutory considerations
- Legal
- Planning (conservation areas and listed buildings)
- Asbestos
- Transport links
- Environmental issues
When should you get a Level 3 house survey?
If you have had an offer accepted on an older, larger or heavily developed property, we would recommend getting your level 3 building survey booked in as soon as possible so that you can fully understand the state of the building, so you have all the facts as you proceed through the purchase process.
Contact our building survey experts to book your full building survey or to get a FREE no-obligation full structural survey quote.
How long does a Level 3 Building Survey take?
A full Building Survey on the property provides a more in-depth analysis than a Homebuyers Report (Level 2 survey), or Level 1, so the timeframe tends to be longer.
It can take up to 8 hours for the surveyor to complete a full building survey. However, most surveys typically take 2 hours to do the internals and 2 hours to do the externals. The time it takes to complete can also vary depending on the size and condition of your property.
Should I get a full structural survey?
The general recommendation for booking full building surveys is “essential for larger or older properties or if you are planning major works”, but Prinsegate recommends a level 3 full structural survey for any property being purchased to make sure everything is covered and to give you full peace of mind in your purchase – as for most, this will be their most expensive purchase!
Should I get a full survey on a new build?
Although not normally needed, a full building survey can be a good idea should you have any concerns about the builders cutting corners – for instance, if your building was erected very quickly!
Alternatively, a Prinsegate snagging report will identify defects or problems which need fixing before you move in.
Contact our building survey experts to discuss your needs or to get FREE expert advice on which option is best for your circumstance.
You are protected by the NHBC in this case and your home should be guaranteed for at least 2 years.
What's the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 building survey?
In basic terms, a full building survey offers much more depth and analysis than an RICS level 2 homebuyers survey.
A level 2 homebuyers survey is commonly used for properties of conventional construction that are in a reasonable condition. It provides a more detailed assessment than a Level 1 survey, offering a balanced overview of the property’s condition. The surveyor will examine the accessible interior and exterior parts of the property, commenting on its general condition and highlighting any significant issues. Our surveyors will also provide recommendations for repairs and ongoing maintenance.
A level 3 full building survey is more comprehensive and suitable for older properties, those of non-standard construction, or properties undergoing major renovations. It provides an extensive analysis of the property’s condition, structure, and construction. Our surveyor will conduct a detailed review of the property, inspecting both visible and hidden elements – for instance behind walls or under accessible floorboards. The property’s structure, significant defects and analysis and advice on necessary repairs and remedial actions are provided.
How much does a Prinsegate Level 3 survey cost?
The total cost for the full building survey depends on the property in question. Contact our building survey experts to get a FREE no-obligation full structural survey quote.
Do I need to be present at the time of the Survey?
No, you do not need to be present at the survey. All we need is access to the property, which we will agree with the current owner.
We find it best that our surveyors are left to carry out the survey on their own. This is because the surveyor has a set process to follow and needs to carry out the inspection without distraction to ensure that nothing is missed during the inspection.
When will we receive the report after the survey?
In most cases, you can expect to receive a completed full building survey report within 8-10 working days from the full structural survey taking place. The report will also be available in electronic format.
A full building survey report includes a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the property’s condition. The report highlights any defects, potential issues, or areas requiring attention. Our full structural survey reports include photographs, diagrams, and technical explanations to support the findings from our surveyor.
On occasion, receiving your full building survey report may take a little longer, depending on the property and the full building survey findings.
Can you renegotiate the property price after a building survey?
Certainly! If your full building survey finds many issues that need fixing, then your building survey report will give you ammunition to revert to the seller and renegotiate – we’d recommend going through your estate agent for this!
You can either negotiate a reduction in the price to factor in the required repairs that will be needed on the property or ask the seller to make the necessary repairs. Your chosen estate agent will guide you through this.
Why Choose Our Building Survey Service?
When using our building survey services, there are a number of things you can expect, including:
- Widely Recognised
- Extensive internal training and skill sharing
- High Levels of Professionalism
- Reliable & Communicative
- Extremely Knowledgeable
- Members of Several Awarding Bodies
- Happy Clients & Positive Reviews
- Located Near You
Our Professional Standards
Our building survey services are widely recognised for its professionalism and we are proud members of the following regulatory bodies:
Get in Touch
If you are interested in our residential or commercial building inspection services, speak to our Chartered Building Surveyors for a full structural survey quote or if you have general queries about the building surveyor services process then please get in touch.