Which type of survey?

PlumLuck

I've done a bit of searching but can't seem to find an answer to this specific question. I can see that a Level 2 survey is recommended for houses that are fairly new. I can also find that a Level 3 survey is recommended if you're planning on doing any construction work.

I am purchasing a 10 year old house that had a single-storey extension built 5 years ago. Which survey type should we go for to make sure that the extension is sound? Will it be covered somewhere else other than our own survey?

Thanks

lookstraightahead

Usually a survey just tells you what other surveys you need - especially L3 as the surveyor isn't an engineer. 

Is there much difference cost wise between the two? 

Ashworks

I would go for a Homebuyers (L2). If the extension has Building Regs approval there should be no need for anything more, as it will have been checked against the appropriate standards. Some people would go for a basic for a fairly new house.

owenjt

With the extension, the vendor should provide a certificate that shows the work has been inspected by suitably competent building control surveyors and therefore the work done has complied with building regulations. I would expect a Level 2 Survey would suffice given the age of the property - I think a Level 3 is for older properties that may have more issues.

lookstraightahead

Ask if they have all the building Reg docs - ours didn't, abs it's very old, so we had a level 3.

to be honest, all that really told us was to get more checks. But we did have 50 pages to read ...

PlumLuck

lookstraightahead said:

Usually a survey just tells you what other surveys you need - especially L3 as the surveyor isn't an engineer. 

Is there much difference cost wise between the two? 

It's about a £300 cost difference so if it's not going to show anything then definitely not worth it!

lookstraightahead

PlumLuck said:

lookstraightahead said:

Usually a survey just tells you what other surveys you need - especially L3 as the surveyor isn't an engineer. 

Is there much difference cost wise between the two? 

It's about a £300 cost difference so if it's not going to show anything then definitely not worth it!

A level 3 can't tell you everything that's wrong, but it will guide you. For example, if walls look bulging then a surveyor will pick that up at L3 and advise you to investigate.