Are you purchasing a property? Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, a first-time buyer, or a property developer - buying a property is a big financial and personal investment. You likely already know that, because you’ve probably found this page looking for a pre-purchase survey!
We can help you to have confidence in your purchase, understand the risks and liabilities of the property, and explore the potential of your property. We can help you save time, money and effort by giving you exactly what you need to know about a property before you commit to purchase. We believe every house purchase should be accompanied by an RICS survey, and undertaken by a competent surveyor. We tell you what you need to know, before you realise you need to know it!
We are experienced in our field and can provide detailed survey and advice for the inspection of conventional, traditional, non-traditional and historic buildings. We offer two levels of RICS pre-purchase survey: Level 2 (Homebuyer) and Level 3 (Building Survey).
Level 2 Home Survey
This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars).
The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
At this level, although it is concise, the report does include advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues. Where we are unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations should be made.
​
​As an optional service a valuation and a drone survey could be added to a Level 2 Survey.
​
Honeywell Survey & Design Ltd - RICS Home Surveys
Level 3 Home Survey
A Level 3 Survey (also known as a Building Survey) provides a detailed visual inspection of the property, its services, and grounds, offering more extensive coverage than a Level 2 survey. Accessible areas such as roof spaces, basements, and cellars are inspected if it is safe to do so. While building services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation with the occupier’s permission.
​
The survey identifies potential or hidden defects in areas not directly inspected, suggests likely causes, outlines the scope of remedial work, explains the consequences of non-repair, and provides general guidance on prioritising work, likely timescales, and indicative costs for structural or compliance-related repairs.
​
Level 3 Surveys also include a drone inspection, enabling us to assess hard-to-reach areas such as roofs and chimneys, uncovering potential hidden defects. Valuations can be added to these surveys for a complete overview of both condition and market value.
​
This survey type examines the property’s construction and materials, describes the condition of all elements, and provides an assessment of the relative importance of any defects, helping you make informed decisions about your investment.
Home Survey FAQ's
1. What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 Home Survey?
A Level 2 Home Survey (Homebuyer Report) is designed for conventional, modern properties in generally good condition. It provides an overview of the property’s construction, condition, and any urgent or significant issues.
A Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey) offers a more detailed analysis, suitable for older, larger, or altered properties. It includes a comprehensive assessment of the structure, materials, and condition, plus repair advice and indicative costs where appropriate.
​
At Honeywell Survey & Design Ltd, our Level 3 surveys include further advice on energy matters, a drone inspection as standard, and (if possible) cost estimates for repairs.
2. How long does it take to receive my report?
​Reports are usually delivered within 5–7 working days of your survey. Each report undergoes a detailed internal review to ensure quality and accuracy.
3. Do you cover my area?
​Yes. Our team covers a large area across the North and East Midlands, including: South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. Our surveyors are local experts with in-depth knowledge of regional building types and market conditions. Please see the 'areas we cover' page to find out more.
4. How do you maintain quality of inspection and reporting?
Each surveyor undertakes one survey per day to ensure every inspection is given the time, care, and attention it deserves. We have a robust internal auditing process to ensure that each report is checked and peer reviewed before issue.
5. Do your surveys check for dampness and mould?
Yes. Both Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys include checks for dampness, condensation, and mould. We follow the methodology outlined in the RICS Joint Position Statement: Investigation of moisture and its effect on traditional buildings in all our reports. We give pragmatic advice on repairs and refurbishment, but may need to suggest undertaking further investigations before a full diagnosis.
6. How do you inspect the roof?
​All our surveyors are trained drone pilots, allowing us to capture high-quality photos and videos of roofs and other hard-to-reach areas. Drone technology provides a safer, more detailed inspection and enhances the accuracy of your report. Drone inspections are included as standard in a Level 3 inspection, but can also be added onto our Level 2 inspections if required.
7. What details are covered in the survey report?
Every report includes a summary of the property, including its construction type, age, and key materials. It also contains detailed descriptions of defects, severity ratings, and professional recommendations for maintenance or repair. We summarise the defects and recommendations into one easy to read page. Request a sample report from our office to see the kind of content you will receive.
8. Are your surveyors qualified?
Yes. All of our surveyors are RICS-qualified, either Chartered or Associate Members, ensuring the highest professional and ethical standards. Take a look at our 'Meet the team' page.
9. I want to proceed. What happens next?
Fill in our contact form or give us a call, and we will be in touch to discuss the property, your concerns, and provide a tailored quotation. After you have instructed us, we will liaise directly with the agent or vendor to arrange access. If the property is vacant, we can often collect the keys directly to make the process hassle-free. After the survey, we will give you a post inspection call to give you the key findings, and you will receive the report 5-7 working days after.