RICS Level 3 Building Surveys
Comprehensive, expert property inspections giving you complete confidence before you buy.
What is a Level 3 Survey
A Level 3 Building Survey is the most detailed inspection available under the RICS Home Survey Standard. It is intended for older, larger, altered or more complex properties, or where significant defects are suspected.
It provides a comprehensive, in‑depth assessment of the property’s construction and condition, suitable for anyone considering a purchase or seeking a detailed understanding of their building. All accessible elements are examined, defects are identified with their likely causes, and the implications and potential risks are clearly explained. The survey also includes detailed recommendations for remedial work and maintenance to help you understand the building’s performance and plan for future care.
A ‘traffic light’ ratings system illustrates the condition of the different elements of the building, highlighting problems that require varying degrees of attention and providing a useful overview of the property's condition.
The on‑site inspection typically takes 3–6 hours, depending on the size, age and complexity of the property. Older, heavily altered or stone‑built buildings, or those with known issues, may require longer. Following the inspection, a detailed written report is usually issued within 3–5 working days.
Digital Report
“Stoneworks carried out a RICS level 3 survey on a Glasgow tenement flat. Provided a detailed report which allowed me to make an informed decision about the property. Surveyor David was really knowledgeable, answered all my questions and provided lots of information and advice in addition to his report.”
What is included
Full inspection of all accessible areas
Includes the building’s internal and external fabric, structure, roof spaces, sub‑floor areas (where safe), visible services and the immediate grounds. Can be combined with a drone roof survey offering improved inspection of chimneys, roofs and gutters with additional detail.
Identification of defects
Identifies significant defects, developing problems and areas of concern. Provides clear analysis of the likely causes, explaining why issues have developed, how they are affecting the building, and the potential implications if left unaddressed.
Clear, detailed written report
Delivers a comprehensive condition report supported by high-resolution photographs, with recommendations prioritised to show what needs urgent attention, what is medium‑term, and what can be planned for later.
Condition Ratings
To determine the condition of the property, we assess the main parts (the ‘elements’) of the building, garage and some outside areas. These elements are rated on the urgency of maintenance needed, ranging from ‘very urgent’ to ‘no issues recorded’.
Elements that require urgent attention
These elements have defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently. Failure to do so could risk serious safety issues or severe long-term damage to your property.
Elements that require attention but are not serious or urgent
These elements have defects that need repairing or replacing, but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. These elements must also be maintained in the normal way.
Elements with no current issues
No repair is currently needed. The elements listed here must be maintained in the normal way.
