OUR SERVICES
FIND OUT WHICH SURVEY IS BEST FOR YOU
When considering a property, homebuyers are frequently puzzled about the appropriate survey to choose. Thus, this guide has been created to assist in clarifying the distinctions between different surveys. Additionally, assistance is provided by a convenient flow chart found below.
Three survey levels, as established by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – RICS, are available to be chosen from.
A range of survey types, suitable for both houses and flats, has been made available by us. Our variety can be viewed below:
THE VALUATION
We do not undertake valuations. A valuation report (erroneously referred to as a valuation survey) is not a survey; it is often, in many cases, a rather quick non-technical inspection or, in some cases, a driveby valuation report performed by a VRS registered valuer to confirm the property is suitable security and is similar to comparable properties sold in the local area.
The valuation report is provided for the benefit of the lender only, not your benefit, although you usually must foot the bill. You must not rely on this for peace of mind for your investment. Sometimes buyers mistakenly rely on the valuation as a survey at their peril.
THE ROOF REPORT – (DRONE SURVEY)
A roof plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of a building. It shields the interiors from weather elements, contributes to energy efficiency, and significantly impacts the overall property value. But how can you be sure of the roof’s condition? That’s where our Roof Survey Report comes in.
At Flettons, our Roof Survey Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of a roof. We deploy cutting-edge drone technology for the inspection to ensure an unbiased, accurate, and thorough examination. With a bird’s-eye view, our drones capture high-resolution images that enable us to identify any signs of wear and tear, potential leaks, or other structural issues that may need immediate attention or could pose problems in the future.
Level 2 – (Homebuyer Report)
This survey level is more detailed than level one but less detailed than the level three survey. The condition of components of your prospective property is objectively described, and each section is flagged with a traffic light rating to draw your attention to the respective section. However, there are no photos as part of this service.
This report contains no structural advice, such as which walls are load-bearing and whether you can extend the property. The report contains no recommendations on how to improve the property. It highlights the defects only and includes a visual inspection of the building services, such as the electricity and gas installations.
Suitable for: Modern buildings such as houses from the mid-1980s and in seemingly good condition. Not the best if you have cracks in the building or want to know whether you can improve the building by extensions etc. This survey is not suitable for properties that have been extended or converted. So, for example, if you are buying a period conversion flat, a level three survey is the best.
Level 3 Survey – (Building Survey)
Our level three survey, often referred to as a full building survey, is the most comprehensive inspection and report service, designed to provide you with all the answers you could ever need and more.
This level three report aims to answer your questions, such as the cause of the cracks and the next steps, the risk of subsidence to the property, whether you can extend the property and what steps you would need to consider as part of the process. Our level three report has taken many years to fine-tune and is geared towards answering the most common questions among homebuyers.
The level three survey report also goes into the materials used in the construction, their performance characteristics, estimated remaining life, and future maintenance.
Also, the surveyor gives their opinion on improvements which could ultimately positively impact value. In older properties, say from Georgian to post-war construction up to the early 1980s, it is important to ensure that buildings are maintained using the appropriate materials to avoid damaging and even devaluing the building. Some types of defective works may affect your ability to sell the property in the future.
Suitable for: All property types (old and new) – houses/flats freehold and leasehold. Whether they have been extended/converted or not, listed buildings and buildings in a conservation area.
LEVEL 3 + SURVEY (Building Survey Plus)
This report has all the bells and whistles. It has everything the level three survey provides, plus the following add-ons:
- Aerial photographs using a professional drone. Our drone pilot will use the drone to capture close-up images of the roofs and associated components. This is particularly handy if the property has flat roofs and chimneys that are not easily visible from the ground. All images are integrated into the report.
- Breakdown of estimated costs: If you want to know the costs to repair, maintain and improve the property, the estimated costs to repair and improve the property are provided in each section of the report.
- Reinstatement Cost. You need this figure to provide to your building insurer. It is important to have the correct figure so that you are covered and not left financially short in the event of a catastrophe.
Suitable for: All property types – houses/flats freehold and leasehold. Whether they have been extended/converted or not, listed buildings and buildings in a conservation area.
(If you don’t want to purchase the whole level three plus survey, you can purchase the above add-ons individually when buying a level three survey.)
WHICH SURVEY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
(*If the internal floor area of the dwellinghouse exceeds 1650 sq Ft, please call for a quote.)
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Is a Snagging Survey Worth It for a New Build?
Most new builds complete with defects — from paint runs to plumbing leaks and insulation gaps. A snagging survey documents them while the developer must still put them right. When to book, what it finds, and when a full survey serves better. -
Roof Survey: What It Covers and When You Need One
Standard surveys inspect the roof from ground level with binoculars — hidden slopes, valleys and chimneys go unseen. When do you need a roof survey, what does it cover, and what can drone imagery show? A complete guide, with real drone findings. -
Who Organises the Survey When Buying a House?
You organise and pay for the survey when buying a house — not your solicitor, the estate agent or your mortgage lender. Who does what in a purchase, when to instruct a surveyor, and the sequencing traps that catch first-time buyers. -
House Valuation vs House Survey: Which Do You Need?
A mortgage valuation protects the lender, an online estimate is a marketing tool, and only a home survey reports on condition. What each product tells you, what it does not, and when you need a valuation, a survey, or both. -
Do You Need an Independent Damp Survey?
Free damp surveys are often provided by companies that sell the treatments they recommend — a built-in conflict of interest. Learn what an independent damp survey involves, when independence is essential, and why damp assessment is included in every Flettons survey. -
Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?
Loft conversions, chimney breast removals, extensions and basements all trigger the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. When you need a party wall agreement, which notice to serve and when, who pays, what the award contains — and the real risks of skipping it.