Which Survey Should I Choose?

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Level 1 Survey

This is the basic level of service. Choose this report if you’re buying a conventional house, flat or bungalow built within the last 20 years which appears to be in a reasonable condition. This Survey will give you the following:

A basic description of each element and brief assessment of its condition;
A brief assessment of any health and safety risks;
Advice regarding whether further investigation is needed by specialists before you proceed in order to fully establish the condition of any element;
A clear flag rating system showing the urgency of any repairs needed and whether any risks require immediate attention; and
advice on any planning and Building Control matters.
it does not give repair advice

Level 2 Survey

This report is suitable if you’re buying a conventional house, flat or bungalow built within the last 100 years. It gives more information than the Level 1 Survey, including repair advice. It includes:

all of the features in the Level 1 Survey;
a more in-depth inspection, including a closer inspection of accessible roof spaces and drains;
advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance;
issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions;
location and access issues;
legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your purchase; and
advice on the recorded energy efficiency (where available).
A valuation and assessment of reinstatement costs if required as an optional extra

Level 3 Survey

Choose the Level 3 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. It costs more than the other reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. It includes all the features of the Level 2 Survey, with:

a more thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues;
a more detailed description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws;
an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity; and
a breakdown of urgent and less urgent repairs for each element so you can plan and budget accordingly.
An estimate of repair costs is available if required as an optional extra

Level 4 The Historic Building Survey

This is a much more detailed report which is designed for older properties (with solid external walls or a timber frame; usually pre-war). Old properties have specific needs and requirements to make sure they do not deteriorate and this Report will make sure you are aware of how the property ‘works’ and how best to look after it, including using appropriate materials in repair and maintenance to make sure it can ‘breathe’. It is designed to help you buy the property, fully informed and knowing what you are taking on, without putting you off unnecessarily. It includes all the features of the Level 3 Survey as well as:

a much more detailed Report tailored specifically for the type of property, age and location;
a more detailed structural assessment;
a more detailed assessment of dampness, including what can be done to rectify or manage it;
advice on what you can and can’t do with listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas;
advice regarding works previously undertaken and highlighting whether it was done properly and appropriately and whether consent would have been needed;
A Schedule of Repairs and indication as to how best to manage and look after it in the future.

View Our Survey Comparison Chart

Client Testimonials

    
 
 
        
   Ben Green 
 24 May 2023
 
 
  Having used Paul's services for a survey on our upcoming listed building purchase I can assure you that you will get the most thorough, professional and helpful service that you could wish for. The report tallied over 100 pages covering all aspects of the house, walls, frames, windows, roof space, drainage, outbuildings, render, roof tiles, water tanks, electrics, insulation, listed building consent, health and safety and much more. Not only that but Paul's report also told us how to best maintain the house going forwards, using what materials and how often things need doing. This was most definitely worth every penny and has allowed us to make an informed decision on the purchase going forwards.
A+ rating from me!
  
 
       
   James Marron 
 19 May 2023
 
 
  I could not recommend Paul Gowers highly enough. Excellent service and a very comprehensive, clear report. An extremely knowledgeable and helpful professional.
  
 
       
   Brian Scull 
 15 September 2021
 
 
  I have just had a Survey completed by Gowers of Stamford. I have to say that the team there are superb.
From the first contact with Catherine who was courteous, professional and helpful and who also arranged everything. To the surveyor Paul who was marvellous, the report was clear and well presented and easy to understand. Paul was extremely helpful and prepared to spend time discussing all the sections and any issues i had.He was very professional and a pleasure to deal with.
I don’t normally do revues but felt compelled on this occasion because they deserve enormous praise and i would thoroughly recommend them.
  
 
       
   Cameron Bauldry 
 7 July 2021
 
 
  I needed a building survey doing at short notice after red flags were raised once receiving searches and the sellers paperwork back. Unfortunately Gowers and everyone else I checked with were all booked up for months however Paul took time out of his busy day to speak to me, listen to my situation and provide me with some fantastic advice which I very much appreciate. He is very knowledgeable and the advice given has helped me in the next steps of my house purchase. Thank you again.
  
 
       
   Neil Crees 
 18 March 2021
 
 
  The value of using Paul, a local well known professional, was huge.  I received immediate personal feedback allowing me to take timely action to avoid what could have been an expensive mistake.
  
 
       
   Sam Paul 
 10 December 2019
 
 
  We engaged Gowers to carry out a building survey for an old residential property with multiple issues. Paul Gowers was excellent in his response time to our questions and the level of professional reporting. The service we received was reassuring for us and we would certainly use Gowers again.
  
 
       
   Mandy Ingram 
 6 June 2018
 
 
  We recently used Gowers Surveyors for a building project involving the Party Wall Act. It was applicable on both boundaries and Paul acted as Agreed Surveyor on one side and Building Owner Surveyor on the other. The build itself was fairly straight forward, but the Party Wall process was definitely not... Paul is the consummate professional. Knowledgeable, reliable, calm and level headed he always made himself available whether in person or at the end of a phone or email to ourselves and our contractors. The project lasted 8 months and he continued to deliver the highest level of professionalism and advice throughout. Cannot recommend him highly enough!
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews

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