Home Survey

When to use it: 

Level 1: The level 1 survey is designed for clients (buyers, vendors and owners) seeking a professional and objective report on the condition of the property at an economic price. It includes a visual inspection that is less extensive than survey level 2 and 3.  No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken.  This level of survey is designed as a very basic overview of the condition of the property. It will not contain any detailed advice on repairs.  This level of service is better suited to conventionally built, modern dwelling in satisfactory conditions.

Level 2: The level 2 survey is design ed for clients (buyers, vendors and owners) seeking a professional and objective report on the condition of he main elements of a property.  it will not contain any detailed advice on repairs.  This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds.  This level of service suits a broader range of conventionally built properties.  The level 2 survey with valuation option provides for a valuation of the property in addition (not currently available)

Level 3: The level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than the others and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property.  Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so.  Although services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation.  This level of service is for clients seeking a professional opinion based on a detailed assessment of the property.

Scope of Services

Mensura Ltd provide a Report benchmarked against the RICS Home Survey Standard Level One.  This Report includes inspection of the following elements:

  1. Windows:  Inspection includes opening of windows only where permission has been given, any keys/ locks are available, and it is safe to do so.
  2. Roof Space:  Visual inspection of roof space that is not more than 3m above floor level including roof structure and other features that can be seen from the access hatch; secured access panels and insulation material shall not be lifted or removed (Levels 1 and 2).  The roof space will be entered and visually inspected with attention paid to vulnerable and deteriorated sections; thermal insulation will not be moved but small corners will be lifted and thickness and type inspected (Level 3). 
  3. Floors:  Inspection of surfaces of exposed floors undertaken but carpets, floor coverings or floorboards will not be lifted not will furniture be moved. All floors shall be tested for excessive deflection by a ‘heel-drop’ test (All levels).  Where floors have unfixed access hatches/panels or floorboards these will be inspected by an inverted 'head and shoulders' inspection (Levels 2 and 3).
  4. Inspection chambers and underground drainage:  Inspection chamber covers to drains or septic tanks will not be lifted (Level 1) but will be lifted and visually inspected (Levels 2 and 3).
  5. Other services:  No comment provided on design calculations.  Testing of service installations or appliances is excluded. 
  6. Grounds:  Visual inspection of the grounds, cursory inspection of the grounds during a general walk around (Level 1); thorough inspection of the grounds (Levels 2 and 3).