PRICE
TIME ON SITE
REPORT TURNAROUND
INCLUDED
What a Level 3 Building Survey Covers
Also known as a building survey, a Level 3 includes everything in a Level 2 survey with greater detail, the surveyor identifies the building materials and methods used in construction, and gives detailed advice on the cause and repair of any defects found.
Everything in a Level 2
Full condition assessment of the structure, roof, damp, windows, doors and grounds, with traffic-light condition ratings throughout.
Construction materials & methods
Identifies how the property was built and comments on the likely maintenance and repair it will need in the future.
Cause & repair of defects
Not just what’s wrong, but why, with detailed advice on how each defect should be repaired.
Concealed areas
Areas normally opened or used by the occupiers, such as drains and underfloor areas, are inspected where it’s safe to do so.
THE SURVEY HUT DIFFERENCE
Level 3 vs Level 2 — What the Extra Depth Buys You
Both are RICS home surveys with traffic-light ratings and a call with your surveyor. Here’s exactly what the extra £200 adds.
| Level 2 Home Survey | Level 3 Building Survey | |
|---|---|---|
|
Depth of inspection |
Visible condition of all accessible elements |
Greater detail, incl. construction materials & methods |
|
Repair advice |
Flags defects and their urgency |
Detailed advice on cause & repair, plus future maintenance |
|
Concealed areas |
Not inspected |
Drains and underfloor areas inspected where safe |
|
Photos |
Included |
More, annotated in greater detail |
|
Property types |
Conventional, built in the last ~100 years, limited extensions |
Older, larger, non-traditional, multiple extensions/conversions |
|
Time on site |
1.5–4 hours |
3–6 hours |
|
Price |
from £485 |
from £685 |
Level 3 Building Survey Cost
A Level 3 Building Survey with Survey Hut starts from £685 — your exact price depends on the property, and takes two minutes to get. The price you see is the price you pay.
Payment is requested two days before the inspection, and you can cancel for a full refund up to two days before.
Properties That Almost Always Need Level 3
The period villa
Victorian and Edwardian homes built over 100 years ago — solid walls, original timbers and construction methods a Level 2 isn’t designed to unpick.
The much-extended semi
More than one extension or conversion means junctions, alterations and additions that deserve the deeper inspection a building survey provides.
The cellared terrace
Cellars, underfloor voids and old drainage are exactly the concealed areas a Level 3 inspects where safe — and where costly problems hide.
How Your Survey Works
Book your survey
Get an instant quote, ask any questions you have and instruct us to do the survey.
Expert inspection
We book the inspection and a RICS-qualified surveyor conducts a thorough, non-invasive survey.
Detailed report
You receive an easy-to-understand, comprehensive report with lots of photos.
Discuss your findings
Have a call with your surveyor to answer any questions and get additional guidance.
Level 3 Survey FAQs
What's the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?
A Level 3 is a more in-depth and detailed report into the condition of your new home. It identifies the building materials used in construction and comments on the likely maintenance and repair required in the future. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers, such as drains and underfloor areas, are inspected if it’s safe to do so.
What sort of property is a Level 3 survey for?
A building survey is suitable for larger, more complex, non-traditionally constructed properties with more than one extension, built over approximately 100 years — or for any buyer who simply wants more detail in their survey.
Is the extra £200 over a Level 2 worth it?
For the right property, yes. On older, extended or unusual homes, the Level 3’s detail on construction, defect causes and repair advice regularly informs negotiations worth far more than the difference in fee — and tells you what maintenance to budget for after you move in.
Are photos included?
Yes — and more annotated photos are included in a Level 3 report than a Level 2, as it’s more detailed. A drone investigation can be added as an extra for clear aerial photographs of the roof and chimneys.
Will the electrics, gas, oil and heating be checked?
Your survey includes photographs, the location and visible issues with the utilities, but surveyors aren’t qualified to test them. Add electric, gas/oil and heating checks by qualified engineers as extras — the findings and certificates are included in your report.
When should I instruct a survey?
Once you have the property under offer and have secured a mortgage, if you need one. It can be done any time before you exchange contracts — but the earlier it’s done, the more time you have to negotiate on the findings.