The RICS Home Buyers Survey and Valuation

This nine-page quality report and valuation in a format prepared by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is an easy to understand guide to the significant defects evident with a property.

What's included?

• All parts of the property that are readily accessible and visible including the roof space if this is readily accessible through a roof hatch
• Where possible drain covers and electrical wiring is inspected

Note: for a definitive report on services a competent electrician and plumber must carry out extra tests and this can be arranged as a separate service.

What's not included?

• Under floor inspection where there is no direct access
• Close inspection of external surfaces of the roof where the roof height is more than 3 metres (10ft)
• In some properties a surface inspection of the floors may not be possible due to the fitted carpets, furniture and other floors coverings. However recommendations may be made as to what further inspections may be necessary

What's it suitable for?

• People who want good insight into major defects
• Suitable for most houses built after 1900. Larger and very old properties may require a more detailed report.

What do you get for your money?

• Peace of mind with facts about major defects before you commit
• Powerful and credible information you may be able to use to reduce the price of the property
• An independent valuation of the property which you may be able to use to reduce the price of the property