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The benefits of a Structural Survey for homebuyers

A Structural Survey – or Home Survey Level 3 – is the most in-depth residential survey you can get from RICS. The resulting report gives you a greater understanding of the property than even the current owner.

Structural Surveys aren’t cheap, typically costing several hundred pounds. This is a lot of money (even next to the vast sum you’ll spend on the home).

So, is it worth it? What benefits would you receive as a homebuyer?

Well, lots. Learn how Structural Surveys benefit buyers, helping you submit a strong offer and avoid unnecessary risks.

What does a Structural Survey involve?

A Structural Survey is a residential survey framework from RICS, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. RICS is the UK’s governing body in this field, and only registered individuals can use the title ‘chartered surveyor’.

A couple of years ago, RICS updated its guidelines. A Structural Survey is now officially known as a Home Survey Level 3, making it more transparent for customers.

Structural Surveys include a detailed inspection of a home’s structural integrity. This involves checking the foundations, walls, brickwork, floors and ceilings, beams, roof, and basement or cellar (if applicable).

They also include everything from the lower-level surveys, such as the Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyer Report). These examine properties for common problems and provide an excellent general overview of their conditions.

In general, consider a Structural Survey for the following properties. However, this should always be taken on a case-by-case basis:

  • Historic buildings (definitely anything from the Second World War or older)
  • Barn conversions (or any other types, like mills, boathouses, or lighthouses)
  • Converted offices or shops
  • Renovated properties
  • Houses with any unauthorized rooms or extra buildings
  • Generally apparent problems in any structural elements

How a Structural Survey helps you make a stronger offer

A Structural Survey is of massive benefit to a buyer. As the most comprehensive RICS survey (Level 3), it’s the most detailed and accurate insight into the condition you can get.

Let’s start off by considering the best-case scenario. Your Structural Survey might find that the home’s in perfect condition, with hardly anything of note to report.

In this case, you’ll have a competitive edge over the rest of the market, knowing for sure that the building is safe. If nobody else knows this, you’ll have the confidence to be bolder in your negotiations.

Put this alongside the Valuation you might get with your Structural Survey, and you’ll have a detailed knowledge of what you want to buy. This understanding means you’re in the best position to make the strongest possible offer.

How a Structural Survey helps you avoid significant risks

The other side of a Structural Survey is avoiding otherwise severe mistakes.

For instance, imagine the Structural Survey you get when buying a property finds something wrong. Let’s say there’s a dry rot problem, and it’s spread from a roof leak all through the trusses and loft floor beams.

Identifying this issue means several things:

  • You know there’s a problem (and that it urgently needs fixing).
  • You have undeniable evidence that the home is worth less than what you initially offered (and that you definitely shouldn’t overpay).
  • You can reduce your initial offer to account for the professional repair costs.
  • You could ask the seller to fix the problem as a condition of the sale (pending an inspection).
  • If the problem is too severe, you could withdraw your offer altogether.

In short, if a Structural Survey finds a high-risk issue, it’ll – without a doubt – save you a large sum of money.

Instruct a Structural Survey from GB Home Surveys

GB Home Surveys conducts Structural Surveys on behalf of homebuyers. This crucial step isn’t a legal requirement, but it definitely shouldn’t be skipped.

In some cases, you might not need such a detailed home survey. A Level 2 (Homebuyer Report) might be more appropriate in your circumstances.

To discuss this in more detail or instruct a Structural Survey, why not get in touch? Use the form below or ring us on 03333 600 685 to ask away. We’re always happy to have a friendly, commitment-free chat.

In the meantime, check out our Structural Survey Quote Calculator. There’s no need to leave any of your contact details, and we’ll be sure to honour our quote. We look forward to hearing from you.

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