A Level 1 report is better suited to conventionallybuilt, modern dwellings in satisfactory condition. It will not suit older or complex properties, or those in a poor condition.
- • The visual inspection is less extensive than for survey levels 2 and 3.
- • No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken.
- • The report objectively, but only in high-level detail, describes the condition of the building, its services and the grounds.
- • It highlights relevant legal issues and any obvious risks to the building, people or grounds.
- • The report is succinct and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems.
- • The report does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance.
A Level 2 report is unlikely to suit complex buildings, unique or older historic properties, properties in poor condition, or those where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work.
- • More extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests.
- • Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected, if it is safe to do so.
- • The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
- • It includes advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues.
- • Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations may be necessary.
The Level 3 report consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds that is more extensive than survey Level 2.
- • Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so.
- • Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation e.g. heating systems.
- • The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property.
- • It describes the condition of the property and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
- • It describes the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected.
- • The report proposes the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection, outlines the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair.