RICS Home Surveys in Cheshire & Greater Manchester
If you are buying a property in Cheshire or Greater Manchester, a RICS home survey provides a clear understanding of its condition & construction before you commit, as well as any areas of concern and what you will need to do & when in order to address these issues. At Cheshire Properties, I carry out professional residential property surveys to help you identify defects, risks and potential costs before exchange.
With over 20 years of experience surveying homes across Manchester, Stockport, Warrington, Knutsford and surrounding areas, I provide detailed and thorough, but easy-to-understand reports to support confident decision making.
- ✓ RICS Chartered Surveyor
- ✓ Fully Insured
- ✓ Fast Turnaround
- ✓ Clear Fixed Pricing
- ✓ Detailed Digital Reports
What Is a RICS Home Survey?
A RICS home survey is an independent inspection of a house carried out by a Chartered Surveyor to assess the condition of a property. It includes identification of risks within the building (eg electrical issues, gas, services etc), risks to the grounds and risks to people.
A survey is a thorough inspection of the house, any permanent outbuildings such as garages, and grounds. It highlights visible issues such as structural movement of the envelope of the building (ie walls, ceilings, floors, roofs etc) and their likely causes, as well as other issues such as the presence of asbestos, damp, wood rot, roof defects and condition of each element of a building. The aim is to give buyers a clear picture of the property’s condition and identify any risks before proceeding with the purchase.
Unlike a mortgage valuation survey which assesses the value of a property, a survey focuses on the physical condition of the fabric of the property.
20+ Years Experience
Our RICS Home Survey Options
I provide two main types of RICS home surveys depending on the property and level of detail required.
Level 2 Homebuyer Survey
A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is suitable for most modern or traditionally constructed properties; usually from around the 1900s onwards which appear to be in reasonable condition.
It provides:
- Condition ratings for key elements
- Identification of visible defects / common property issues
- Guidance on repairs and maintenance ie what to do, when to do it, and who to use
- Optional valuation if required
Peace of mind for you. Identification of potentially expensive repairs early means you can budget for these, and you can use the findings of the survey to renegotiate the purchase price, or ask the seller to carry out the repairs, or reconsider if you want to go ahead with the purchase
Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 Home Survey, aka a Building Survey, is the most detailed and comprehensive non-invasive property inspection, and is recommended for historic, larger and/or significantly altered/extended properties.
It includes:
- In-depth structural inspection
- Detailed analysis of defects & their causes
- Advice on different options for repairs and future maintenance
- Greater level of detail throughout, including additional sections on energy performance of the property, itemised breakdown of repairs needed, a comprehensive list issues which require further investigations
20+ Years Experience
Which Survey Do You Need?
Choosing the right survey depends on the property you are buying.
A Level 2 survey is typically suitable for conventional, traditionally built, more modern homes which are in reasonable condition, while a Level 3 survey is recommended for older properties, properties with alterations or those requiring a more detailed inspection, or those properties where significant alterations/extension/refurbishment will be carried out.
If you are unsure, I can advise based on the property and your requirements.
Why Choose Cheshire Properties
- Independent Chartered Surveyor who is MRICS qualified
- Over 20 years experience in Cheshire & Greater Manchester
- Clear, jargon-free reporting
- Fast turnaround times for reports; usually within 24-48 hours of survey
- Friendly and professional service
- Direct access to your surveyor with a standard follow up call to you to discuss the report as part of the service
- Detailed in-depth local knowledge of property types and common issues
You will deal directly with your surveyor and their team throughout the process.
20+ Years Experience
What Does a Home Survey Include?
A RICS home survey concerns the main accessible areas of the property, as follows:
- External Items of the Property ie the Roof, Chimney, Rainwater Goods, External Walls, Windows, Doors, Joinery, Conservatories, Porches, Balconies etc
- Internal Items of the Property ie the Roof Structure, Attic, Ceilings, Walls, Floors, Fireplaces, Built-in Fittings, Woodwork, Bathrooms, etc
- Garages & Permanent Outbuildings
- Visual assessment of the Grounds of the Property
- Defects identified typically include Damp, Mould, Condensation, Wood Rot, Structural Movement, Roof Issues, Issues with the fabric of the building, presence of Asbestos, and any of the external/internal items as mentioned above
- We assess the Building’s Condition, its Defects and Maintenance Issues based on a visual inspection, and using a handheld moisture meter to identify damp, condensation, mould
The report highlights urgent problems and provides practical advice on repairs and future upkeep.
Property Surveys Across Cheshire & Greater Manchester
We provide comprehensive survey coverage across Cheshire, Greater Manchester and surrounding areas including M, SK, WA and CW postcodes.
How Much Does a Home Survey Cost?
The cost of a RICS home survey depends on:
Property size and value
Age and construction
Survey level required
All quotes are clear and transparent with no hidden costs.
Our Survey Process
Step 1
Request a Quote
Step 2
Book Your Survey
Step 3
Property Inspection
Step 4
Receive Your Detailed Report
All quotes are clear and transparent with no hidden costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a survey when buying a house?
Yes. A survey helps identify issues that may not be visible to an untrained eye during a viewing, giving you a clearer understanding of the property before you proceed. As an example, consider if you would buy a 2nd hand car without an MOT?
How long does a home survey take?
Property inspections typically take 2-3 hours depending on the size & complexity of the property, with reports usually being delivered within 24-48 hours of the inspection.
Can a survey help with price negotiation?
Yes. If defects are identified, the findings can be used to renegotiate the purchase price or request repairs before exchange.
What is the difference between a survey and a valuation?
A survey assesses the condition of the building fabric of a property, while a valuation provides a property’s market value at a particular date. Valuations can be used for various purposes including Probate following the death of someone, Matrimonial ie divorce, IHT (inheritance tax), Help To Buy (HTB), SIPPs (self invested private pensions) etc
Book Your RICS Home Survey
If you are buying a property in Cheshire or Greater Manchester, a RICS home survey provides the clarity you need before committing.
Get in touch today for a professional, independent survey.