Home Buyers Survey in Yeadon

Should we go for a Full Structural Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or RICS Level 2 Survey on a property in Yeadon and which one is the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has a new name called a RICS Level 3 Survey and is effectively the same.

If the Yeadon property is a flat, or is a period property, or has been substantially modified, or is of non standard construction, RICS recommend the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you intend to do any alterations, RICS recommend you select a RICS Level 3 Survey. The RICS Level 3 Survey is less cheap, however it does offer a more detailed analysis of the Yeadon property's state of repair in addition to an opinion on defects as well as maintenance options .

For more details why not get an instant Yeadon House Survey Quote online or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to our survey team.

On a RICS Level 2 Survey carried out in Yeadon what does a Condition Rating 1 mean for 'E5 - Windows' ?

In Yeadon, an example may be a sash window with a damaged mechanism. Where practicable, all windows are to be opened and closed, but not forced open, and vulnerable areas closely examined. The surveyor should make notes and advise the client whether it is possible to operate the window transoms/openings satisfactorily. The format of the RICS Level 2 Survey is clear and easy to read, unlike some more complex survey reports. The surveyor uses a scale between 1 and 3 to show the severity of any defects or points of interest included in the report. Condition rating one indicates that no repairs are necessary. However, frequent maintenance could still be needed. Some areas may be marked as 'Not inspected'. RICS have mandated a specific format for the RICS Level 2 Survey to aid the creation of a useful and comprehensive report for both surveyors and home buyers. As a result, some sections may not be relevant to every property, such as reporting on the condition of the roof of a ground floor flat.

The vendor has mentioned that there could be asbestos cement sheets at the building. What is asbestos, what are the risks and will the home survey inspect it?

Asbestos is a dangerous substance. Chrysotile (White), Amosite (Brown) and Crocidolite (Blue) may be in building materials such as asbestos packing in stud walls.

Asbestos was commonly used as it has excellent fire retarding qualities and it may be found in central heating flues.

All forms including white are dangerous and can lead to lung cancer or fibrosis if inhaled over sustained periods. Should you find asbestos, you should be careful never to move asbestos. Professional advice should be sought without delay.

Surveyors will not test for asbestos on a survey. Your Yeadon surveyor should report on the risk of asbestos during the Yeadon survey and will suggest experts are consulted.

I'm unsure about the justification to choose a full structural survey when considering a substantially modified semi detached property in Yeadon instead of a RICS Level 2 Survey?

Recurrently described as a Structural Survey, this survey is now defunct and has actually been given a new moniker by RICS and the proper name is now the RICS Level 3 Survey. If you are contemplating the buying of a modified property like an unloved Yeadon house, RICS Level 3 Survey is the best choice to commission. A RICS Level 2 Survey is enough if investigating a post fifties unmodified Yeadon house made out of standard construction materials. Shortly after a thorough visual inspection of any accessible parts of the house, a formal written report will be posted and emailed to the prospective purchaser detailing comprehensive and far-reaching information about the construction and uses of the property.

There will be a few provisos with any survey because a qualified surveyor is not able to force or open up the fabric of the Yeadon house - such as removing secured panels.