Why us?
From large London townhouses, Medieval hall houses, terraces, semis, pubs, heritage, flats and clubs – we have nearly 30 years experience. We have worked as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. A surveyor’s breadth and depth of experience is the most important quality to bring to your survey.
7H Chartered Surveyors always strive to be competitive but may not be the cheapest. House surveys are a service where the quality of advice varies greatly with the experience and time put in by the surveyor. Cheaper survey reports by large survey firms often contain standard text non-specific to the property, very few photos, a strictly limited word count and little opportunity to discuss any concerns with the surveyor – who may be an inexperienced junior. At 7H the quality of advice given to you is paramount:
- We discuss your requirements with you in advance.
- The advice is always property specific with all reports as long and photo detailed as required.
- The surveyor will be available to discuss any concerns on an unlimited ongoing basis, as often as you wish.
- This bespoke attention will cost a little more but we believe, is well worth it for the biggest investment you may ever make.
More about the 3 RICS Survey Levels
7H Chartered Surveyors provide 3 types of RICS survey for house buyers called Level 1, 2 or 3 Surveys. These survey reports replace the previous RICS Condition Report, Homebuyer Report and Building Survey. All surveys are undertaken in close accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standards.
Our Terms & Conditions, available on request, describe each survey in full detail.
Level 1 Survey
Suitable for flats, terraced or smaller modern houses of standard construction in satisfactory condition. This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion at an economic price. It is, therefore, less comprehensive than a Level 2 or 3 service. Replaces the Condition Report.
This level of service includes a visual inspection that is less extensive than for the other survey levels. No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken. The report 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. Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigation should be made.
A survey level one report does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance and this, combined with the less extensive inspection, usually means it is better suited to conventionally built, modern dwellings in satisfactory condition. It will not suit older or complex properties, or those in a neglected condition.
Level 2 Survey
Suitable for detached post-war houses, 19th century or later terraced/semi houses of standard construction and those with minimal levels of alteration or extension in satisfactory condition. This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion at an economic price. It is, therefore, less comprehensive than a Level 3 service. The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property. Replaces the Homebuyer Report.
This intermediate level of service includes an 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 (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). The report describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. At this level, although it is concise, the report does include 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 should be made.
This level of service suits a broader range of conventionally built properties, although the age and type will depend on the knowledge and experience of the Surveyor.
Level 3 Survey
Suitable for larger houses, unique construction and Listed Buildings or those significantly altered and extended. This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion based on a detailed assessment of the property. Replaces the current Building Survey and will include more detailed background information on the area and environment.
The service consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.
The report describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Additionally, it:
- Describes the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
- 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
- makes general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work and
- gives an indication of likely costs.
Drone Roof & Chimney Surveys
Drone roof & chimney surveys are quick, often provided on the same day as inspection. Higher parts of roofs and particularly chimneys can’t be closely inspected in a routine survey. The tops of chimneys are particularly vulnerable to weathering and are often neglected -partly ‘out-of-sight-out-of-mind’ but also because even just access is costly. Chimney repairs found are a worthwhile negotiating point too. These are largely photo or video based and very cost-effective for properties where there may be few other concerns and a full Level 2 or 3 survey is not wanted. They are usually included with Level 3 surveys but can be added to any level survey for a moderate fee. Drone surveys can be subject to local flying restrictions and weather conditions although we will try to re-visit if the weather is a factor on the day.
