How much does a Level 1 Condition Survey cost?
Our Level 1 Condition Survey is a fixed fee of £400 inc VAT, regardless of property value. You can book and pay securely online with same-week availability.
When should I choose a Level 1 over a Level 2?
A Level 1 is most suitable for newer or recently built conventional properties in apparently good condition where you simply want a professional overview. If the property is older, has visible defects, or you want repair advice and maintenance recommendations, a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey provides significantly more detail.
How long does a Level 1 survey take?
A Level 1 survey typically takes 1–2 hours to carry out, depending on the size of the property. The written report is usually delivered within 3–5 working days of the inspection.
Does a survey cover cladding and external wall systems?
Yes. Our surveyors inspect all visible external wall surfaces including cladding, render and brickwork. If the property has composite or rainscreen cladding, the surveyor will note the type and any visible concerns. For properties affected by the cladding crisis, we recommend a Level 3 Building Survey for the most thorough assessment. An EWS1 form is a separate specialist assessment — please contact us if you need guidance.
Does the survey include the garden and external areas?
The surveyor will inspect the garden boundaries, outbuildings, paths, driveways and drainage where visible. They will note any significant issues such as subsidence risk from trees, retaining wall defects, or Japanese knotweed. However, a standard survey does not include a full land or soil survey.
How does the age of the property affect which survey I need?
For properties built within the last 50 years in conventional construction, a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is usually appropriate. For older properties, listed buildings, thatched roofs, timber-framed buildings, properties built before 1900, or any non-standard construction, we strongly recommend a Level 3 Building Survey.
What does the surveyor check for damp?
The surveyor uses a calibrated electronic damp meter to test internal walls at ground floor level and any areas of concern. They check for rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation. If significant damp is found, the report will recommend further specialist investigation from a damp and timber specialist.
Will the survey check the roof?
The surveyor inspects the roof from ground level and from any accessible vantage point. Internal roof spaces are inspected where safely accessible. For a more detailed roof inspection, we offer a Drone Survey add-on which provides aerial photography of the full roof surface.
What happens if serious problems are found?
If significant defects are identified, the report will clearly flag them with a condition rating of 3 (urgent). We recommend you use the findings to renegotiate the purchase price, request the seller makes repairs, or in some cases reconsider the purchase. Our team is available to discuss the findings and advise on next steps.
Is a survey worth it on a new build?
Yes. New build properties can have snagging issues, incomplete finishes and construction defects that a professional survey will identify. We recommend a Level 1 Condition Survey as a minimum, or a Level 2 if you want more detailed commentary.