RICS Building Surveys & Structural Reports

What is a RICS Building Survey?

A Level 3 Building Survey is the most detailed and comprehensive RICS survey available. Formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, it includes a detailed evaluation of the condition and construction of the property, using a traffic light condition ratings system to highlight the findings in a format that is easy for the layman to understand.

A RICS Building Survey Report will provide a description of the condition of each element of the property, and identify any building defects along with likely causes. We will furthermore make professional recommendations for urgent repairs, maintenance issues and cost implications of any suggested repairs. The structural survey report broadly comprises:

• In-depth appraisal of construction materials and methods used
• Technical assessment of significant defects found, plus advice on appropriate course of action
• Description of less significant defects, general disrepair and shortcomings in the building’s condition, maintenance and design
• A photographic inventory of the property, any defects found and other highlighted issues

For your ultimate peace of mind, our RICS Building Survey reports adhere to all professional RICS standards, the benchmark for best practice.

Read our Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Michelle Moore 
 
 
 
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Silk Sharples Jennings, (SSJ) have staked their reputation on thorough assessments of two properties for us, bringing peace of mind about the good the bad and the ugly in all they expertly surveyed. With years of practice, Paul Sharples saved us thousands of pounds in what would have been a disastrous investment. He left no stone unturned, and from the tallest to the smallest of details he exhausted all efforts to expose his findings until the proof became apparent. We exited his office feeling relieved that the SSJ survey had been carried out, rather than full of regret that we had not purchased the property. Attention to detail has been a key theme throughout both survey reports. With a quick turnaround from Sian in the office, we could liaise using our brochure to pinpoint exactly what we needed to do and obtain realistic quotes, so we could continue with executive decision making and keep our senses tuned in to where we were at and what we needed to do. Mr. Sharples went beyond his inspections, seeing us personally to review exactly what his findings were. He ensured a descriptive and fair assessment of the second property and nailed every detail until we knew exactly what we were looking at. We are now confident about our purchase. Don't waste time buying a house and all it encompasses without consulting the best that money can buy. You might think you will save time and money by not doing a survey; but I sincerely doubt it. Even when the jobs listed are finalised on the property, we will continue to save thousands more than it cost us to pay Silk, Sharples, Jennings to ensure everything is correct and proper inside and out of the house, making a decent survey from SSJ the ultimate weapon in ensuring a watertight home If you are fortunate enough to come across a limited survey report, lucky you; it won't be because SSJ have cut corners, it'll be because you found an amazing house with nothing more than a solid foundation with iron clad assurance! 100% recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Martin Ward 
 
 
 
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Very detailed report which has helped us seek out the appropriate contractor to carry out the requisite improvement work.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Antony David Davies FRSA 
 
 
 
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Grand professional company, highly recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 R Benson 
 
 
 
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Fantastic service! David Silk at SSJ recently designed plans for an extension for us, and managed the planning application from start to finish. The process ran smoothly throughout, entirely due to the professional, reliable and friendly service I received from David. The plans were excellent, David understood what we were trying to achieve and used his knowledge & experience to suggest changes, which improved the design immeasurably. We were kept updated regularly during the process and David always delivered on time and exceeded my expectations. I would recommend David at SSJ to anyone in a heartbeat, clearly expert at what he does and a pleasure to work with.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 sophie groom 
 
 
 
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Professional, reliable and helpful. David Silk recently designed and guided us through planning for a first floor extension, without his guidance I'm convinced we would not have planning permission. The drawings I received were high quality, David thought of everything from head height to space and light. David used his expertise, experience and initiative to liase with the planning office, ensuring an acceptable solution to meet planning requirements could be reached without the need for a lengthy appeal. When required David submitted redraws for my review within hours. David even took the time to contact me to inform me of regulation changes that would effect the build. I could not be happier with the level of service I have received.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sam Hartley 
 
 
 
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Really helpful, David was professional and friendly and has helped us right through the process.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Andrew Stephens 
 
 
 
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As a novice to the planning game. It can be daunting to say the least! on friends recommendation my partner and I approached David Silk as our preferred surveyor to plan our home extension. We have found David to be very professional, helpful,  easy to talk to. Approachable and considerate to what we thought might have been at times, basic questions. David always listened to our concerns and has assisted with instructing a structural engineer and approved building inspectors.  We have no hesitation in recommending David Silk of Silk Sharples Jennings Chartered Surveyors to assist anyone with their building ventures.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 John Smith 
 
 
 
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From overseas we bought an old house needing extensive renovation which due to Covid were unable to see it.  We engaged Colin to design and manage the renovations and alterations.  Despite all our communications being over Zoom etc Colin quickly grasped what we were wanting and developed plans meeting our requirements to retain the character of the house whilst bringing it up to modern standards and complying with all the regulations. and attending to the smallest detail.  He obtained us an excellent builder and as they ran in to various and some significant challenges kept us informed and overcame them to great results! Colin handled all the beaurocracy, finances etc and made the whole process stress free for us.  Despite significant extra unforseen work being necessary he was able to make savings elsewhere that enabled it to come in pretty much on budget. Now we have finally seen the house and are living in it we are very pleased with the result.  We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Colin.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Keithyboy25 
 
 
 
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Couldn't have done more for us in our extension planning and application. David was clear in his communication every step of the way, listening to our needs and guiding us through the possibilities and their implications. Felt well looked after and the entire process was smooth and trouble free. Would definitely recommend and use again
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Tim Robbins 
 
 
 
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Excellent customer service from Dave, very friendly, honest and trustworthy. Dave was very knowledgable and informed us about everything. We would highly recommend the service.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

Is a RICS Level 3 Building Survey the right choice?

At SSJ Surveyors, we offer the full suite of RICS property surveys, and are happy to provide our professional guidance to help you choose the right survey for your property and your needs. A RICS Building Survey can be carried out for any property, however we would particularly recommend this type of RICS structural survey for older, larger or unusual properties with complex surveying issues. These include:

• Large buildings and high value properties
• Properties that are more than 50 years old, and especially historic buildings and Grade I, II* and II listed buildings
• Buildings of any age that are built with non-standard construction methods or materials, including timber framed properties, steel framed homes, wattle and daub construction, thatched properties, prefabricated concrete houses, and eco builds
• Properties that have been substantially altered or extended, or that are proposed to undergo major alteration or refurbishment

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recommends that all purchasers should have a Building Survey, not only because it is the most extensive report but also because it provides far greater detail and gives more recommendations on how to approach any remedial work than a mid-range RICS HomeBuyer Report.

At Silk Sharples Jennings, we can advise on the right level of survey for your residential
property purchase and talk you through all the available options. Rest assured that our professional expertise is available to you throughout the process, from undertaking the survey and providing the report to discussing the findings with you in depth.

What does the RICS Building Survey cover?

Our surveyor will carry out a detailed inspection of all visible, accessible parts of the property including roofs and chimneys, doors and windows, walls and floors, cellars and basements, garages and outbuildings. The visit will take around 3-5 hours, depending on the size and type of property.

While we will check cupboards and manholes and inspect services, enclosed or hidden parts of the building will not be examined. Specific aspects such as heating or electrical installations are also outside the scope of a RICS Building Survey unless an additional Building Defect Report has been requested.

Our Chartered Surveyors have a legal responsibility to identify and inform you of any major problems found. This means they will be actively searching for building defects and potential problems including but not limited to:

• Evidence of subsidence and/or the presence of large trees close to the house
• Evidence of damp, existing damp proofing and insulation, and drainage issues
• Damage to brickwork and roof structures
• Damage to timbers, including evidence of woodworm, dry rot and wet rot
• Structural issues including alterations to supporting walls
• Presence of asbestos or other potentially hazardous materials
• Information on building materials used, including any technical information
• Renovations carried out without relevant planning consent

The extensive final report will incorporate photographs of the property including visual evidence of the identified defects, where possible.

Contact Us

At SSJ Surveyors, we have built our reputation on providing impartial advice to clients who trust our independent professional judgement and expert technical skills. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your next residential property purchase and how a RICS Building Survey can protect your interests. You can reach our team by phone 01743 461777 or email info@ssjsurveyors.co.uk. For all your property surveying needs in Shrewsbury and beyond, we should be your first port of call.

Specialist Surveyor – Paul Sharples

Is also a Chartered Building Surveyor and for many years, worked as a Building Control Officer with the local authority and therefore has a detailed knowledge of building regulations and building construction.  Paul specialises in building surveys and specific building defect reports and in addition, also undertakes building design work including planning and building regulations applications, together with project management and monitoring.

Click here to find out more about the specialist team here at SSJ Surveyors.

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