Level 1 - Condition Report
A Level 1 Home Survey is the most basic RICS survey. It offers a traffic light rating system for obvious visible defects, identifies urgent issues and risks, and provides a general overview without deep detail, advice, or valuation, focusing only on accessible areas and flagging major concerns for attention.
Who’s It For?
- Newer homes.
- Conventional homes.
- Houses in a good condition.
- Buyers who just need a quick, economic overview before committing.
What It Covers:
- Visual Inspection: A basic check of the inside and outside of the main building and permanent outbuildings.
- Condition Ratings: Indicating no immediate repair (Green), non-urgent repair (Amber), or serious issues (Red).
- Risks & Legal Issues: Highlights immediate risks to people and the building, plus any potential legal issues.
- Basic Overview: Describes the property's construction, location, and energy efficiency.
What It Doesn't Covers:
- No Detailed Advice: No in-depth guidance on repairs or maintenance.
- No Tests: No tests of services or building fabric.
- No Valuation: Does not include a property valuation.
- Limited Scope: Only inspects accessible areas and doesn't move things like furniture or carpets.
Level 2 - Homebuyers Report
A mid-range property inspection for standard homes in reasonable condition, offering a detailed look at visible issues, required repairs, and maintenance advice, often including an optional market valuation and insurance cost. It's a comprehensive visual check of the building's structure, services, and grounds, helping buyers make an informed decision on whether to proceed with a purchase, without lifting floorboards or testing services.
Who’s It For?
- Most conventional homes - that are built with standard materials.
- Properties that are not extensively altered.
- In reasonable condition.
- Not too old.
What It Covers:
- Visual Inspection: Inspection of accessible areas inside and outside the property, including the roof space (if accessible) and grounds.
- Condition Report: Identifies visible problems and defects that could impact value, like damp, structural issues, or problems with electrics (visible parts only), roofing, or heating.
- Advice: Provides guidance on necessary repairs, maintenance, and potential further investigations needed.
- Optional Valuation: Can include a market valuation and insurance reinstatement cost (NOTE: this is an additional cost service).
What It Doesn't Covers:
- No Tests: It's a non-invasive survey; systems like electrics, plumbing, or gas aren't tested, nor are hidden areas like behind furniture or under floorboards (unless easily accessible).
- Structural: There is no in-depth structural review or recommendation.
- Contamination: Advice on additional surveys and contamination will be highlighted only. (NOTE: Additional testing can be carried out at cost).
Level 3 - Building Survey
A Level 3 Home Survey is the most detailed report, offering an in-depth analysis of a property's structure, fabric, and condition, identifying defects, their causes, urgency, and repair costs, making it ideal for older, complex, or altered properties, even covering hidden issues and providing detailed maintenance advice.
Who’s It For?
- Older or Complex Properties: Ideal for buildings with significant age, unusual construction, or extensions.
- Poor Condition Homes: Essential for properties needing extensive renovation or in apparent poor repair.
- Major Works: Recommended if you plan to carry out significant alterations.
What It Covers:
- Comprehensive Inspection: Examines all accessible parts, including roof spaces (lifting insulation), under-floor areas, and grounds, often moving items for a thorough look.
- Detailed Condition Report: Describes materials, construction, and condition, flagging visible defects and potential issues from hidden flaws.
- Repair & Maintenance Advice: Outlines necessary remedial work, prioritizes actions, suggests cost-effective solutions, and explains consequences of inaction.
- Services: Visually assess services (gas, electric, water) but doesn't test them; flags areas needing specialist attention.
- Legal Issues: Highlights matters for your legal advisor, like potential boundary disputes or property title issues.
What It Doesn't Covers:
- No Tests: It's a non-invasive survey; systems like electrics, plumbing, or gas aren't tested, nor are hidden areas like behind furniture or under floorboards (unless easily accessible).
- Structural: There is no in-depth structural review or recommendation.
- Contamination: Advice on additional surveys and contamination will be highlighted only. (NOTE: Additional testing can be carried out at cost).
PRK+ ™ - The Tailored Experience
A uniquely tailored level of service to meet your needs & requirements, without compromising detail and integrity. This is our most requested service and combines the perfect blend of value and coverage. From focused inspection points to review of lease agreements and previous works – the ‘PRK+’ leaves no area uncovered and acts as the perfect bridge between survey basics and specialist needs.
We handpick and advise on the level of inspection based on your properties unique profile. For example, your new home may require a more in-depth review of the roof structure & components but not necessary service provisions.
Who’s It For?
- Anyone! From first time buyers to £1mil+ properties we handpick and advise on the level of inspection based on your properties profile.
What It Covers:
- Detailed report with in-depth review identifying critical repair areas.
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As a base we use a RICS level 2 inspection and build upon this. Extras scope can include:
- Asbestos sampling.
- Drone roof surveys & in-depth roof report.
- Basic service checks.
- Drainage inspections with camera.
- Structural review.
- In depth review of outbuildings & garages.
- Review and advice on H&S risks within the property and surrounding grounds.
- Recommendations on repairs & works.
Damp Inspections (Awaab’s Law)
Following the imposed Awaab’s law in October 2025 Landlords have a timed responsibility to inspect and rectify damp and mould issues within their properties. This includes both private and social.
What does this mean for you as a Landlord?
Damp & Mould:
- Investigate within 10 working days and provide a written summary within 3 working days.
Emergency Repairs:
- Investigate and act within 24 hours (e.g., gas leaks, no water, broken boilers).
We have the knowledge and facilities to not only inspect but carry out remedial works as required.
Contact us today to discuss one off inspections, remediation or on-going contracts.
Drone Surveys
ACCREDITATIONS
CHARITY PROJECTS
Support for Local Housing Charity
PRK actively supports local community initiatives that focus on creating safe, supportive environments for children and families. Working alongside housing charities and community organisations, we provide professional inspections and practical guidance to help maintain and improve shared spaces such as learning centres, play areas, and family support facilities.
