What Is The Difference Between a Homebuyers Report and a Building Survey?

Reading Time: < 1 minute

RICS Homebuyer Report - Traffic Light System VS RICS Building Survey

The main difference between a HomeBuyer Report & Building Survey is that a RICS Building Survey is significantly more comprehensive. A Building Survey involves:

  • Inspecting the roof space, grounds, floors & services
  • Establishing how the property is built, the materials used & how these will fare as the property ages over time
  • Suggesting the repair options of any faults & explaining the consequences of not acting on them.

Comparing the Different Types of Home Survey
Our home surveys comparison table explains the main differences between Homescore Reports, RICS Homebuyer Reports & RICS Building Surveys:
Feature of Your Home SurveyHomescore ReportRICS Homebuyer ReportRICS Building Survey
Cost:££££££
Report completed by an RICS qualified surveyor✔✔✔
Describes the condition of the property on the
date of the inspection		✔✔✔
Aims to show up potential issues and defects,
before any transaction takes place		✔✔✔
Aims to identify any problems that need
urgent attention		✔✔✔
Aims to identify things that need to be investigated
further to prevent serious damage		✔✔✔
Includes the standard visual inspection during
which secured panels, electrical fittings etc. are
not removed		✔✔✔
An enhanced service that includes a more
extensive roof space inspection and comments on
underground drainage		- ✔✔
Aims to identify any repair or restoration work which
can be factored into price negotiations		-✔✔
Provides a market valuation-✔-
Provides a reinstatement cost for insurance
purposes		-✔-
Report delivered to you electronically within 24
hours of the inspection		✔--
Simple score ratings with no complicated language✔--
A comprehensive visual inspection which includes
a more thorough consideration of the roof space,
grounds, floors and services		--✔
Aims to establish how the property is built, what
materials are used and how these will perform in
the future		--✔
Aims to outline the repair options, whilst explaining
the consequences of not acting		--✔

If you’d like a print friendly version of our home survey comparison guide, you can download your very own copy to take away:

Download Our Home Surveys Comparison Guide

 

Which Property Survey Do I Need?

VIDEO: Which Type of Home Survey Is Right For Me?

If you still need a helping hand to decide which home survey would be best for you, watch our helpful summary video:

Want to learn more about a specific type of home survey? Our individual product pages go into more detail on the individual types of property surveys that SDL Surveying provide:

 

Book Your Home Survey:

Know which property survey you need? Book yours with SDL Surveying today:

Get a FREE Quote for your House Survey

Still undecided on which home survey to choose? Get in touch with our expert team for some impartial advice.

Archive

Mortgage Introducer Awards – SDL Surveying Have Been Shortlisted!

16.10.2019

Surveyor’s Blog: Solar Panel Considerations

17.09.2019

Snowden Charity Challenge

16.06.2019

Regional Conference Success!

31.05.2019

Curry and a Chaat – Raising Mental Health Awareness

17.05.2019

SDL Surveying’s Simon Jackson Shortlisted for Industry Award

10.05.2019

Derby 10k for Myeloma UK

07.04.2019

Red Nose Day 2019

16.03.2019

Casino Royale Charity Dinner

01.02.2019
SDL Surveying logo

Contact us now

Scroll Back To The Top

SDL Surveying IconSDL Surveying

Chetwynd Business Park, 3 – 4 Regan Way, Nottingham

4.4 728 reviews

  • Avatar Ranjit Singh Bhogal ★★★★★ in the last week
    The surveyor arrived promptly, was very professional and polite! He had a very good … read more knowledge of the local area so was able to provide a good and accurate valuation of our property. Would recommend them
  • Avatar Ross Humphrey ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago
    Our valuation today was really good. The man who carried it out was really professional … read more and followed all the Covid safe rules. He was quick but thorough and very friendly. Really happy with the service!
  • Avatar Mica Barrett ★★★★★ a month ago
    I had a surveyor attend to my property today; he was so polite and very professional. … read more I would definitely recommend to family and friends. Excellent service, easy to book a slot and communication from booking the appointment to receiving a precise slot window was spot on.
    Great company to use.