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What We Do
At 4Sight Surveying, we provide professional solutions for all your property needs. Our RICS Regulated surveyors near you, are experienced team and here to assist.
Our services are tailored to ensure accurate and transparent results, whether you’re buying a property and want to understand any potential issues, repaying a Help to Buy loan, managing probate, or determining a property’s market value. Trust us for clear, comprehensive reports that provide actionable insights.
RICS Level 2 Survey
A Level 2 Survey, formerly known as a RICS HomeBuyer Report, is an essential instrument for homebuyers seeking to gain a thorough understanding of a property’s condition before finalising their purchase. This comprehensive report delves into various aspects of the property, ensuring that buyers are well-informed and can make educated decisions.
One of the key features of a Level 2 Survey is the rating system, which assigns an overall condition score to each element of the property. This rating helps buyers quickly grasp the state of the property and identify any pressing concerns that might require attention or negotiation with the seller.
In addition to the rating, a visual inspection of the property’s services, such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, is conducted. Although this inspection does not include testing, it helps identify any visible defects or potential issues that may require further investigation.
Legal advisors also benefit from the Level 2 Survey, as it highlights critical issues that could impact the transaction. These may include boundaries, rights of way, or other legal matters that could affect the property’s ownership or use.
The survey also assesses potential risks to the building and occupants, such as structural problems, damp, or defects in the construction materials. This information is crucial for homebuyers, as it enables them to take appropriate action to address these concerns or reconsider their purchase if necessary.
In summary, a Level 2 Survey is a vital tool for homebuyers looking to make well-informed decisions about their property purchase. With its comprehensive report on a property’s condition, visual inspection of services, legal considerations, and potential risks, it provides invaluable information that can influence negotiations and guide buyers towards a successful transaction. The optional market valuation further enhances the buyer’s understanding of the property’s value, ensuring a fair and informed purchase.
RICS Level 3 Survey
A Level 3 Survey, formerly known as a Building Survey, is an essential tool for homebuyers seeking a comprehensive understanding of a property’s condition. This thorough report delves into various aspects of the property, providing detailed insights to inform educated decisions.
Similar to a Level 2 Survey, a Level 3 Survey assesses the property’s overall condition, but it goes beyond by offering a more in-depth analysis. It thoroughly examines the property’s structural integrity, identifying any major defects, potential issues, or hidden risks that may require attention or further investigation.
A Level 3 Survey is particularly recommended for older properties, those with complex structures, or if you’re planning major renovations. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition, enabling you to make informed decisions and plan accordingly.
The survey includes a visual inspection of the property’s services, such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. While it does not involve testing, this inspection helps identify visible defects or potential problems that may need further examination.
In summary, a RICS Level 3 Survey offers a detailed assessment of a property’s condition, providing valuable insights to guide your decision-making process. Whether you’re purchasing an older property, one with complex structures, or planning significant renovations, a Level 3 Survey equips you with comprehensive information to make informed decisions and ensure a successful property investment.
Structural Survey
Ensure the stability and safety of your property with our expert structural surveying services, specialising in the detection and assessment of subsidence and other structural issues.
A structural survey focuses on a property's structural integrity, the main purpose of the survey is to identify any defects or potential problems with the building's structure and to help identify any structural issues that need to be addressed before work begins.
Our experienced team employs advanced techniques to deliver thorough inspections and detailed reports, empowering you to make informed decisions for your property's maintenance and longevity.
The main reasons to have a structural survey carried out is when you are buying a old or dilapidated property or if a mortgage/valuation survey has highlighted potential structural issues.
RICS Red-Book Valuation Survey
A survey report that will provide an impartial look at the property’s true market value to learn if what you’re paying for it is accurate.
There are many reasons to request a valuation including;
Property purchase
Separation
Probate
Remortgaging
A property valuation is an expert assessment on the value of a property. Whilst it will consider the condition, it will mainly focus on the location, size and characteristics of the property. The report will solely be about giving an estimate of how much it is worth.
Property valuations can be carried out by an estate agent, but they have a tendency to inflate the figure, so it’s best to hire a qualified surveyor.
It’s also important to note that a property valuation is not the same thing as a mortgage lender’s valuation.
A property valuation is a relatively in-depth report about a property’s worth and the factors that determine it, whilst a mortgage valuation is a brief inspection that a mortgage lender carries out to check a property is worth what a buyer is going to pay for it.
Specific Defect Survey
A specific defect survey is also known as a specific structural survey. It is an assessment of a building's particular structural problems. The survey inspects a specific issue with the building's structure.
For residential properties, these issues are commonly a specific defect that another surveyor has uncovered during a Homebuyer or Building Survey. The surveyor then recommends further structural inspection to more comprehensively investigate and rectify the issue.
Unlike a full building survey, this type of inspection only examines the specific area of concern, providing a more in-depth analysis of that particular problem.
If a preliminary property survey identifies a potential structural problem, or if you have concerns about a specific visible defect, a specific defect survey can provide further insight and help you make informed decisions.
Snagging Survey
When purchasing a new build you should always have an independent snagging survey to ensure that the housebuilder has not left any unfinished or inadequate work. Our expert team meticulously inspects every detail, providing comprehensive reports to address any issues and guarantee your satisfaction.
Ideally, the inspection will take place after exchange of contracts. But, many developers won’t allow a snagging expert on the site until the sale is legally completed.
If you wait until you’ve moved in, it can become harder to have the remedial work completed. The builder could claim that any damage was caused by you and not during construction.
That said, you have two years from your completion date to report defects to the developer. They are legally obliged to fix these as part of your new home warranty. Therefore, it is important your surveyor understands nhbc warranty
Drone Services
Harnessing the power of advanced drone platforms, our team delivers comprehensive aerial inspections of roofs, chimneys, facades and other tall or hard-to-reach structures. We capture ultra-high resolution photography, 4K video and data-rich imagery to give you deep insight into asset condition, maintenance needs and visual documentation.
Because our drones access areas that would otherwise require scaffolding, lifts or high-risk access, we provide results faster, safer and more cost-effectively. With minimal disruption to site operations, fewer safety risks and streamlined deployment, you gain efficiency and savings from the outset.
Whether you are buying a property, assessing roof damage, monitoring construction progress, surveying land boundaries or inspecting infrastructure such as power lines or chimneys — our technology delivers clear, accurate visual data and actionable insights.
Our certified pilots are fully compliant with UK commercial aviation regulations and hold the appropriate licences and insurance, ensuring that your survey is not only state-of-the-art but also professional and safe.
Contact us today for a tailored survey proposal and discover how our drone-based services can enhance your asset management, maintenance planning and visual documentation needs.
Our RICS Homebuyer and Building Surveys
RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey
A Level 2 homebuyer survey is most suitable for conventional properties that are in reasonable condition and are simple in form and layout (for example, a property that does not have multiple alterations or extensions). The report gives you detailed information about the property, and ideas about future repairs or maintenance that may be required.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 building survey is the most comprehensive survey report. It provides you with an extensive, in-depth analysis of the property’s condition, as well an assessment on its structural condition and subsidence. It includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options, as well as estimated costs. Choose a Level 3 homebuyer survey if you’re dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.
Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey Comparison
Service Description | Level 2 Survey | Level 3 Survey |
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of inspection | ✔ | ✔ |
Identifies any problems that are serious, need urgent attention, or require further investigation to prevent serious damage | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes a standard visual inspection (does not remove secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection covers, or similar features) | ✔ | ✔ |
Helps you decide whether you need further advice before committing to purchase | ✔ | ✔ |
Advises on the amount of ongoing maintenance required and helps budget for future repairs or restoration | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes roof space inspection and ground-level roof inspection | ✔ | ✔ |
Moisture and Infestation Checks – Identifies damp, rot, woodworm, and potential decay | ✔ | ✔ |
Structural Checks – Visual inspection of walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations | ✔ | ✔ |
Doors & Windows – Assesses visible damage and maintenance requirements | ✔ | ✔ |
Photos of Defects – Clear photographs of any issues found during inspection | ✔ | ✔ |
Condition Ratings – Simple traffic-light system showing urgency of repairs | ✔ | ✔ |
Detailed Structural Report | ✔ | |
Cavity Wall Insulation Check | ✔ | |
Drone Inspection – Extensive aerial review of roof, guttering, and chimney | ✔ | |
Describes Visible and Potential Hidden Defects | ✔ | |
Provides Repair Options, Timelines, and Consequences of Not Completing Repairs | ✔ | |
More Detailed Visual Inspection – Broader review of roof space, grounds, floors, and services | ✔ | |
Estimated Repair Costs – Provides an estimated cost to rectify identified issues | ✔ | |
Practical Repair Advice – Recommendations on necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance | ✔ | ✔ |
Ideal Property Type – Best for conventional, well-maintained homes | ✔ | |
Most Comprehensive Option – Best for older, larger, or unusual properties requiring deeper investigation | ✔ | |
Carried Out by RICS Accredited Surveyors | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes Discussion with Surveyor to Review Findings | ✔ | ✔ |
Arranged Directly by Our Team (We Coordinate Access with Agent or Vendor) | ✔ | ✔ |
