RICS Level 3 Building Survey
The most thorough RICS survey — for period, altered, extended or run-down homes where you need to know exactly what you are taking on.
What this service covers
A RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive of the RICS home surveys. It is the right choice when a property needs more than a standard check — an older or period home, a listed building, non-standard construction, a house that has been heavily extended or altered, one in visibly poor condition, or a purchase you intend to renovate. It gives you a detailed understanding of how the building is put together, what is wrong with it, why, and what it will take to put right.
As well as condition-rating every element as a Level 2 survey does, a Level 3 survey investigates the construction and materials in depth, describes the nature of each defect and its likely cause, sets out the repair options and the likely consequences of not acting, and gives you the fuller picture you need before taking on a complex or ageing property. The inspection is more extensive, examining the fabric wherever it can be safely and reasonably accessed.
This is where local knowledge earns its keep. West Sussex has a lot of the building types that call for a Level 3 survey — Victorian and Edwardian coastal terraces in Worthing, flint and heritage construction around Arundel and Chichester, and homes on the shrinkable weald clays around Horsham where movement is a real consideration. We tailor the survey and the advice to the property's age, construction and setting.
The survey is carried out by a RICS-qualified surveyor to the RICS Home Survey Standard, and we follow up in person or by phone to talk through the findings, the priorities and what they mean for your purchase.
Typical deliverables
- RICS Level 3 Building Survey report, to the RICS Home Survey Standard
- Condition rating for every element of the property
- Detailed analysis of defects, their likely causes and repair options
- Guidance on the consequences of not carrying out repairs
- Advice tailored to the property's age, construction and condition
- A follow-up discussion of the findings and the priorities
When to call us
When you are buying an older, larger, listed, non-standard, extended or run-down property, or you are planning significant works after purchase.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey across West Sussex.
We provide rics level 3 building survey services across West Sussex from our Worthing office. Our work spans the coast, the market towns and Mid Sussex — we travel to sites and meetings across the county.
Other services from CSQS Ltd.
RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey
The mid-level RICS home survey for conventional houses and flats in reasonable condition, carried out to the RICS Home Survey Standard.
Preconstruction & Feasibility
Order-of-cost, feasibility and viability advice before you commit to a scheme.
Cost Planning & Quantity Surveying
Elemental cost plans, bills of quantities and pricing schedules aligned to RICS NRM1 and NRM2.
Project Management
Single point of accountability from brief through to handover, aligned to the RIBA Plan of Work.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey — your questions answered.
What is a RICS Level 3 Building Survey?
It is the most detailed RICS home survey. As well as condition-rating each element, it analyses the construction and materials in depth, explains the cause of each defect, and sets out repair options and the consequences of not acting.
Do I need a Level 3 Building Survey?
A Level 3 survey is the right choice for older or period homes, listed buildings, non-standard construction, heavily altered or extended properties, homes in poor condition, or any property you plan to renovate. For a conventional home in reasonable condition, a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is usually enough.
What is the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 survey?
A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey gives condition ratings and flags the key issues on a conventional property. A Level 3 Building Survey goes much further — a detailed analysis of construction, the causes of defects and the remedies — and is designed for older, larger or more complex buildings.
How much does a Level 3 Building Survey cost?
A Level 3 survey costs more than a Level 2 because of its depth. The fee depends on the property's size, age and complexity, and we give a fixed quote before you instruct us. Send us the address and we will price it.
How long does a Level 3 survey take?
The on-site inspection takes longer than a Level 2 survey, and the report typically follows within about a week depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Is the survey carried out by a RICS surveyor?
Yes. It is carried out by a RICS-qualified surveyor and follows the RICS Home Survey Standard.
Talk to us about your project
We reply to emails quickly, and we meet in person across West Sussex — Worthing, Chichester, Horsham, Crawley and everywhere between.
Whether you have a scheme at feasibility, a project going out to tender, a contract that needs administering or a dispute that has already started, the first conversation is free and useful.