INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.
Will a Level 3 Survey advise on property movement?
Yes — a Level 3 Survey will advise on property movement, and it’s one of the key reasons many buyers choose Level 3 in the first place. Movement can be benign (historic settlement that has stabilised) or serious (progressive movement linked to foundations, drainage,...
Will a Level 2 Survey find defects?
Yes — a Level 2 Survey (typically the RICS Home Survey – Level 2) is specifically designed to identify and report defects, but with an important caveat: it mainly finds significant visible defects that are apparent at the time of inspection and within accessible...
Will a Level 2 Survey check for subsidence?
Yes — a Level 2 Survey (typically the RICS Home Survey – Level 2) will look for signs of movement that could indicate subsidence and will report on what’s seen during a more extensive visual inspection of the building, services and grounds. What it won’t usually do is...
Will a Level 2 Survey check for damp?
Yes. A Level 2 Survey (typically the RICS Home Survey – Level 2) will check for signs of damp as part of the inspection, and the surveyor will usually use basic inspection equipment—RICS specifically notes the surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter as part of...
Why Are There Three Party Wall Surveyors Involved?
It can look confusing at first: you appoint a surveyor, your neighbour appoints a surveyor—and then you hear there’s a third surveyor as well. In most party wall matters, there are not three surveyors actively working day-to-day. The “third surveyor” is best...
Why a building surveyor is perfect for a snagging list
A snagging list is only as good as the person compiling it. If the inspection is rushed, overly cosmetic, or poorly documented, you end up with a list that’s easy for a developer or contractor to dismiss. A building surveyor is particularly well suited to snagging...
When should I choose a Level 3 Survey over a Level 2 Survey?
You should choose a Level 3 Survey over a Level 2 Survey when the property (or your plans for it) carries a higher risk of costly surprises, and you want a survey that goes beyond a prioritised condition snapshot into deeper explanation, likely causes, repair...
Want help choosing the right survey level for your purchase?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 with the property type, age, and any concerns. You should choose a Level 3 Survey over a Level 2 Survey when the property (or your plans for it) carries a higher risk of costly surprises, and you want a survey that goes...
When is a Party Wall Notice required?
Understanding when a notice is needed A Party Wall Notice is a formal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. You must serve notice before starting certain works that could affect a shared wall, a boundary structure, or nearby foundations. Getting this right...