Level 3 Building Survey Report Services
The most detailed RICS survey — for older, larger, altered or unusual properties.
A Level 3 Building Survey is the most thorough inspection RICS offers, short of a structural engineer’s report. At Gibsons Surveyors, our RICS-regulated Chartered Surveyors carry out a detailed, top-to-bottom assessment of the property’s construction and condition — ideal for period, extended, altered or non-standard homes, or whenever you simply want complete peace of mind before you commit. Reports are typically delivered within 7 working days.
What Is a RICS Level 3 Building Survey?
A Level 3 survey (formerly the Building Survey) is a comprehensive inspection carried out by a RICS-registered surveyor. It examines all visible and accessible elements of the property in detail, explains the cause and significance of any defects, and sets out the repairs and further investigations needed. Unlike the standardised Level 2, a Level 3 is a fully bespoke, narrative report tailored to the individual property.
Ideal for:
- Properties built before the 1930s, and period or listed buildings
- Homes that have been extended, converted or altered
- Non-standard construction, or properties in poor or unknown condition
- Any purchase where you want the fullest possible picture before committing
What’s Included in Our Report?
- Detailed inspection of the roof, walls, windows, floors and chimneys
- The building’s structure and fabric, including movement, cracking and subsidence where visible
- Dampness, timber defects, insulation and ventilation
- Services (electrics, plumbing, heating and drainage) — visually inspected
- The cause, significance and likely cost implications of defects
- Clear repair priorities, using our ratings: Serious Defect, Essential Repair, Further Investigation, Other Repair or N/A
- Advice on alterations, building regulations and items needing legal or specialist review
Why Choose Gibsons Surveyors?
- Regulated Chartered Surveyors and RICS Registered Valuers
- Detailed reports typically delivered within 7 working days
- Local knowledge across London, Essex & the Home Counties
- Plain-English reporting with photographs and a post-survey call
- Independent and impartial — we act only for you
What Sets Us Apart?
We don’t just identify defects — we explain their significance in plain language. Our surveys are structured, logical, and supported by clear photographs and straightforward guidance, so you understand exactly what you’re buying.
Next Steps
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, protect your purchase with a professional, impartial survey.
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Legal Information:
We include information on planning and building regulations, environmental issues, and other legal aspects related to the property.
(Where they are obtainable)
Frequently Asked Questions
The on-site inspection typically takes 3–5 hours depending on the size and condition of the property. The written report usually follows within 7 working days.
A Level 2 is a standardised report with condition ratings, suited to modern, well-maintained homes. A Level 3 is a fully bespoke, in-depth narrative report recommended for older, larger, extended or non-standard properties, or where defects are suspected.
Period homes (typically pre-1930s), listed buildings, properties that have been extended or converted, non-standard construction, and any property showing signs of defects or in unknown condition.
A mortgage valuation is a brief check for your lender to confirm the property is worth the loan. A Level 3 survey is a detailed inspection for you, telling you about the property’s condition, defects and what to budget for.
We flag the significance of each defect and its repair priority, and advise where a specialist quote or further investigation is needed. Where appropriate and where agreed we can comment on likely cost implications. However we recommend that competitive quotations are obtained prior to exchange of contracts.
Absolutely — a post-survey call or Zoom is included, so we can talk through the findings and what they mean for your purchase.
Register Your Interest
Register your interest today to receive further information about our Level 3 Building Survey services. We’ll provide guidance on what to expect from a survey, advice on common property issues, and updates to help you make informed decisions.
Simply leave your details and we’ll be in touch with clear, practical information tailored to your needs.