This survey type often referred to as a The RICS Condition Report LEVEL 1 is by nature less extensive than both level 2 & level 3 surveys.

It is important to know that NO tests of the materials used in the construction of the property, nor its services are undertaken. The objective being to report on the ‘condition of the property’, its services & any attached grounds.

A RICS LEVEL 1 condition report will highlight any relevant legal issues & any obvious risks to the property, to people & its grounds.

The report will also provide an assessment of defects & problems along with their importance.

A RICS survey LEVEL 1 will not include advice on such as repairs & ongoing maintenance. Given this point a RICS LEVEL 1 condition survey is best suited to modern homes that are in good condition. It will not be suitable for older properties, those of a complex construction or in poor condition.

A home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make, so make sure it’s a sensible one.
Investing in a Home Condition Survey (HCS) will help you to understand the pros and cons of your potential purchase, give you peace of mind – and can save you thousands of pounds later down the line.

A Home Condition Survey, or HCS, is a survey designed to non-invasively analyse the condition of your home, whether you are buying or selling. It gives you a professional opinion on any major problems that may affect the asking price, or your future repair costs, so you can decide if you’re getting a good deal or not.

A HCS will identify and explain any issues with your property, including internal, external and key services inspection. When you buy a new property, it’s important to commission an independent surveyor to find out if there are any major problems that may affect the buying price or your future comfort in your new home.

Every home surveyed receives a rating of 1, 2 or 3, depending on the condition, 1 being in great condition and 3 showing serious or urgent repairs needed. The report is based on a number of areas including the building condition and any defects, any structural movement or environmental issues, possible damp, rot and woodworm problems, and the condition of heating, electrical services and drains.

This level of service consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds that is more extensive than survey level two. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces and under- floor areas). Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on and/or operated where appropriate.

The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Additionally, it should:

• describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
• propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
• outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non- repair
• make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work
• identify and describe the legal implications of ownership in detail; and
• give an indication of likely costs (this aspect would normally form part of the level three service, but some surveyors may choose to omit it. The terms and conditions must make this choice clear).

The purpose of an EPC is to provide information on a properties energy use and typical energy costs, and to make recommendations about how to reduce energy useage and increase efficiency. It is the responsibility of the property seller or landlord to arrange an EPC to show to prospective buyers or tenants.