Unsure on which type of survey to get

kcon123

I'm trying to decide between level 2 and level 3. The property is around 90 years old, end of terrace and has an extension at the back. There is also a claim for coal mine subsidence on a nearby property (my solicitor has requested more details on this).

I've noticed that the level 3 does not include a reinstatement cost to help avoid under or over-insurance whereas the level 2 one does. Do I need to get this if I go for level 3?

Weathergirl_76

Hi, my understanding is that the older the property the more appropriate a level 3 is. My friend recently had one on a property she purchased that had cracks (significant) on one wall. She got a 76 page report when it came through. 

I am selling my house at the moment, which is a 1960’s build, and the buyers have had a level 2. The surveyor was here an hour. 

Personally if it was me, and I could afford it, I would be getting a level 3, because of the age of the property. If it’s a rebuild cost you need, you could ask for this to be included as part of the survey maybe? Good luck. 

goodwithsaving

I'd get a level 3 to be honest. I was going to get a level 2 but there was only £150 difference so I went for level 3.Due to the traffic lighting, the level 2s can be easier to read, but if planning extensions, internal works etc, then more detail may be more appropriate.

kcon123

Just another quick question. I've been quoted £1000 for this. Does this seem fairly high? The property is worth £200k.

AdrianC

kcon123 said:

I'm trying to decide between level 2 and level 3. The property is around 90 years old, end of terrace and has an extension at the back. There is also a claim for coal mine subsidence on a nearby property (my solicitor has requested more details on this).

I've noticed that the level 3 does not include a reinstatement cost to help avoid under or over-insurance whereas the level 2 one does. Do I need to get this if I go for level 3?

If there's any doubt, go for the more comprehensive survey.

Many buildings insurance policies go with a generic rebuild cost - "up to £x00,000" rather than asking you to specify.

Sunsaru

kcon123 said:

Just another quick question. I've been quoted £1000 for this. Does this seem fairly high? The property is worth £200k.

It's a around the top end of what you'd expect to pay for a level 3 so I'd try and get more quotes.

Weathergirl_76

I’ve just paid £738 for a level 2 survey on a 1992 3 bed terrace house. I think this was a higher fee than I expected but I wanted a specific surveyor to complete it as he had been highly recommended. My friend had a level 3 survey on her purchase, got 76 pages worth of a survey report and paid £600. Her surveyor was semi-retired. Maybe get some more quotes and check lead times as I couldn’t get an appointment for nearly 3 weeks. 

lookstraightahead

Level 3, but expect a lot of jargon and also expect advice to get other types of surveys. 

I'm not sure how useful ours was in the end. The structural engineers report that the vendors got done (prior to us viewing) because of an issue was much more informative and useful.

they will also advise you to get a drains survey, electrical report, etc