Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. Yet, many buyers move forward without fully understanding the condition of the property they are purchasing. A RICS pre-purchase survey from Honeywell Survey & Design Ltd can help you avoid costly surprises, negotiate with confidence, and protect your investment.
Why Choose a RICS Survey?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the leading professional body for property and construction experts, setting high standards for quality and impartiality. A RICS survey is a detailed inspection by a qualified professional, designed to highlight issues that could affect your property's value, safety, and future repair costs.
Unlike a mortgage valuation, which is a basic check for the lender to confirm the property's worth, a RICS survey is for you, the buyer. It provides clear, independent advice to help you make an informed decision.
We are trained to provide:
✅ An independent, unbiased assessment
✅ A structured report detailing severity and repair urgency
✅ Expert advice tailored to your purchase, not a sales pitch for repairs
What Do We Look For in a Survey?
At Honeywell Survey & Design, our detailed property assessments include:
✔ Structural integrity – checking for subsidence, cracks, and movement
✔ Damp, rot & timber decay – identifying moisture-related damage
✔ Roofing defects – assessing missing tiles, poor drainage, or wear and tear
✔ Plumbing, drainage & electrics – identifying outdated or faulty systems
✔ Building regulations compliance – ensuring no unauthorised modifications
✔ Snagging inspections for new builds – identifying poor workmanship and unfinished areas
✔ Potential repair costs – helping you plan for future maintenance
For hard-to-reach areas like roofing, chimneys, and gutters, we also offer drone surveys. Our high-resolution drone inspections provide a detailed aerial view, allowing us to spot issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Types of RICS Surveys – Which One Do You Need?
RICS Level 2 Home Survey (formerly HomeBuyer Report)
Best for:
Modern or conventional homes in reasonable condition (typically built after 1900 with standard construction methods).
A Level 2 survey provides a clear, concise assessment of the property’s condition, using a traffic light rating system to highlight:
🔹 Urgent repairs that need immediate attention
🔹 Potential maintenance issues that may arise in the future
🔹 Defects that could affect the property's value
A Level 2 survey is suitable for homes that appear to be in good condition and have not undergone major alterations. It is designed to give buyers peace of mind that there are no hidden surprises, but it does not include an in-depth structural analysis.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey (formerly Full Structural Survey)
Best for:
Older properties, larger homes, non-standard construction, or properties in poor condition.
🔹 Detailed structural analysis – essential for older or altered properties
🔹 Identification of hidden defects – including those that may not be visible to the untrained eye
🔹 Future maintenance advice – outlining necessary repairs and costs
This survey is highly recommended for Victorian, Edwardian, or period properties, properties with extensive renovations, and homes with known structural issues. If you’re buying a thatched cottage, timber-framed house, or a property with unusual materials, a Level 3 survey is essential to understand its true condition.
Snagging Surveys for New Builds
Best for:
Brand new properties, ensuring they meet quality standards.
Even newly built homes can have defects. A snagging survey identifies:
✔ Poor workmanship (uneven walls, misaligned doors, unfinished paintwork)
✔ Plumbing and electrical faults
✔ Structural concerns such as poorly fitted windows and roofs
✔ Compliance with building regulations and NHBC warranty standards
A snagging inspection ensures your developer addresses issues before you move in, saving you from costly fixes later.
The Financial Benefits of a Survey
💷 1 in 3 buyers who had a survey saved money, with 10% renegotiating the purchase price and 9% having the seller fix issues before completion.
💷 Without a survey, homebuyers face unexpected repair bills averaging £3,676.
💷 Surveys give you negotiating power, allowing you to adjust your offer or request repairs based on the findings.
Why Honeywell Survey & Design?
RICS-registered professionals – Independent, highly qualified surveyors
High-quality inspection, and high-quality reporting. Ask for a sample report.
Dedicated training and professional support to all employed surveyors.
Clear, jargon-free reports – Easy to understand, with practical recommendations
Fast turnaround times – So you can proceed with confidence
Local expertise – Knowledge of common property issues in your area
Camera pole utilisation as standard for hard-to-see areas.
Drone inspections available – Providing detailed roof assessments
A RICS survey is not just an extra cost—it’s a smart investment that could save you thousands and prevent future headaches. Contact Honeywell Survey & Design today to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision on your next home.
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