In most cases, no. A Level 2 Survey (typically the RICS Home Survey – Level 2) is designed to be a visual, non-intrusive inspection. In RICS’ own description of the service, the surveyor “does not force or open up the fabric of the building.”
That means it is carried out in a way that avoids damage, disturbance, or dismantling parts of the property—while still giving you a meaningful professional assessment of condition.
What “non-intrusive” actually means
When surveyors use the term intrusive (or invasive), they usually mean activities such as:
- lifting fitted carpets or floor coverings,
- lifting floorboards,
- opening up walls/ceilings,
- removing fixed panels,
- dismantling services or fittings,
- moving heavy furniture or emptying cupboards to see behind/within.
A Level 2 Survey avoids those actions. RICS is explicit that the surveyor will not open up the building fabric, including: taking up fitted carpets/floor coverings/floorboards, moving heavy furniture, removing the contents of cupboards/roof spaces, removing secured panels/hatches, or undoing electrical fittings.
So, in day-to-day terms, it’s a “look and report” inspection rather than a “take apart and investigate” inspection.
What the surveyor will do (and what can feel “intrusive” even though it isn’t)
Although it’s non-intrusive, a Level 2 Survey is still a thorough visual inspection of the building, services and grounds.
Some parts may feel more hands-on than a casual viewing, but they are still non-destructive:
Using basic inspection equipment
Surveyors may use tools such as a damp meter, binoculars and a torch.
This doesn’t involve opening up the building—just checking visible areas more methodically.
Using a ladder within safe limits
RICS notes the surveyor may use a ladder for flat roofs/hatches no more than 3m above ground or floor level, where safe to do so.
Entering the roof space (loft), if accessible
If it’s safe and reasonable, the surveyor will enter the roof space and visually inspect the structure, but they won’t move or lift insulation or stored items.
Opening some windows (only where possible)
At Level 2, the surveyor may open windows only where permission is given, keys/locks are available, and it’s safe.
If they can’t, the report should state the limitation.
Checking floor “bounce” in a simple way
RICS notes Level 2 includes assessing floors for excessive deflection using a heel-drop test, but the surveyor will not lift carpets/floor coverings/floorboards or move furniture.
Lifting accessible drain inspection covers (where safe)
If accessible and safe, the surveyor may lift inspection chamber covers and visually inspect the chamber(s) without causing damage.
What a Level 2 Survey does not do (and why that matters)
A Level 2 Survey remains non-intrusive, so there are limits. For example:
No specialist testing of services
Services are often hidden, so the surveyor only inspects visible parts, and does not carry out specialist tests (e.g., electrics, gas, plumbing, heating, drainage).
No opening up concealed defects
Because nothing is opened up, certain problems can remain hidden (for example, issues beneath floor finishes or behind wall linings). RICS notes that where the surveyor cannot reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, they should recommend further investigation.
Flats have additional practical limits
When inspecting flats, RICS notes the surveyor does not inspect items like drains, lifts, fire alarms and security systems, and external wall systems are not inspected (with further investigations recommended if there are concerns).
So, should you be worried about disruption?
For most sellers/occupiers, a Level 2 Survey is low disruption:
- the surveyor needs access to rooms, loft hatch (if applicable), and grounds,
- they may ask for keys to windows/garage/outbuildings,
- but they should not be moving heavy items or taking anything apart.
If access is restricted (locked rooms, blocked loft hatch, heavy storage), it won’t make the survey “intrusive”—it will simply limit what can be inspected, and the report should record that limitation.
Bottom line
A Level 2 Survey is not intrusive in the way most people worry about. It’s a thorough visual inspection designed to be informative without being disruptive or destructive, and it explicitly avoids opening up the building fabric.
Need advice on whether Level 2 is right for your property?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 and we’ll advise on the most suitable survey level based on the property’s age, construction, and any concerns you’ve noticed.