At Silk Sharples Jennings Surveyors, we’re proud to be an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors serving clients across Chester and the surrounding area. We offer a comprehensive range of surveying services tailored to meet the needs of both residential and commercial clients, helping buyers gain a clear understanding of their prospective property before making a commitment.
With over two decades of experience and a proven track record throughout Chester, Cheshire, the West Midlands, Staffordshire, and parts of Wales, our team brings deep expertise in assessing a wide range of buildings – from modern developments to listed and historic properties. Our commitment is to deliver thorough, insightful reports that empower our clients to make confident, informed property decisions.

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Our Services Include:
RICS HomeBuyer Report – Level 2
The HomeBuyer Report is a detailed inspection and report designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to provide home buyers with important...
View serviceRICS HomeBuyer Report – Level 2
Learn more about this service and how Silk Sharples Jennings can help.
View serviceRICS Building Survey & Structural Reports – Level 3
A Level 3 Building Survey is the most detailed and comprehensive RICS survey available.
View serviceRICS Building Survey & Structural Reports – Level 3
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View serviceCommercial Property
Appointing a Commercial Property Surveyor may be one of the most cost-effective decisions you can make when considering a commercial property or office space,...
View serviceCommercial Property
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View serviceParty Wall Surveyors
As Chartered Building Surveyors and Chartered Valuation Surveyors in Shrewsbury, Silk Sharples Jennings can provide professional advice on a wide range of property related...
View serviceParty Wall Surveyors
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View serviceProperty Valuations
As an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors and Chartered Valuation Surveyors, Silk Sharples Jennings have over 20 years’ experience in providing expert property...
View serviceProperty Valuations
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View serviceBuilding Defect Reports
Silk Sharples Jennings have over 20 years’ experience in providing property valuations and surveys including RICS HomeBuyer Reports and Building Surveys. In cases where these...
View serviceBuilding Defect Reports
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View serviceRICS Level 2 Home Survey
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, previously known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a detailed assessment of the condition of a property and highlights defects or issues that may need attention before you proceed with a purchase.
The survey uses clear condition ratings to show the seriousness of any problems found within the visible and accessible areas of the property. It can help you understand whether repairs or further investigations may be required and make a more informed decision before exchanging contracts.
A Level 2 Home Survey is generally most appropriate for conventional houses, flats and bungalows that appear to be in reasonable condition and are relatively straighforward in its construction and layout. This can include many relatively modern homes as well as traditionally constructed older properties that have not been substantially altered.
RICS Level 3 Home Survey
A RICS Level 3 Home Survey, comminly referred to as a Building Survey and formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, provides a more detailed assessment of the property’s construction, condition and any defects identified.
It is usually the more appropriate option for older, larger or unusual properties, including listed buildings, properties built using non-standard construction methods, or homes that have been substantially extended or altered. A Level 3 survey may also be suitable if the property appears to be in poor condition or you are planning significant renovation or refurbishment work.
The additional level of detail can help you better understand the nature and likely causes of defects, the repairs that may be required and the potential implications before committing to the purchase.
Commercial Building Surveys
For commercial property purchases, identifying significant defects or structural problems before committing to a transaction can help avoid unexpected costs later.
Our commercial building surveys provide a detailed assessment of the property and highlight defects that may require repair or further investigation. Where appropriate, we can also provide advice on remedial work and potential costs, helping you understand the wider implications of the property’s condition before completing your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A property survey is not a legal requirement, but it can provide important information about the condition of a home before you commit to the purchase. An independent survey can identify defects, maintenance concerns and areas that may require further investigation, helping you make a more informed decision.
For an older, listed, significantly altered or unusually constructed property, a RICS Level 3 Home Survey will often be the more appropriate choice because it provides a more detailed assessment of the building’s construction and condition. The right survey should be based on the individual property’s age, construction and condition rather than its location alone.
Potentially. If a survey identifies significant defects or repairs that were not apparent when you made your offer, the findings can help inform further discussions with the seller. Depending on the issue, you may decide to obtain repair estimates or specialist advice before deciding whether to renegotiate. The seller is not obliged to agree to a price reduction.
No. A mortgage valuation is primarily carried out for the lender to assess whether the property provides suitable security for the loan. It is not designed to give you the same level of information about the property’s condition as an independent RICS Home Survey.
A survey finding does not automatically mean you should withdraw from the purchase. Depending on the issue, you may need further specialist investigation, repair estimates or additional advice before deciding how to proceed. The important point is to understand the significance of the defect and its likely implications before exchanging contracts.
Yes. SSJ provides surveying services in Chester and across the wider Cheshire area, alongside its established coverage across Shropshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands and North Wales
