RICS Level 3 Building Survey TS15

A RICS Level 3 Survey is the highest standard of property inspection. It goes well beyond a basic valuation, covering every accessible part of the building, from the roof structure and foundations to the walls, floors and windows. Our inspectors record what they find, sort issues by severity, and set out what each defect could mean for the property's long-term performance. The aim is simple, no nasty surprises from hidden problems after you move in.

In TS15, that level of detail matters because the area has a real mix of ages and house types. You might be buying a period property in Yarm with original features, or a modern home on one of the newer developments, and in both cases our survey gives the detail needed to make an informed decision. Older homes can conceal defects that only show up under close inspection, while newer ones are not immune from construction issues that an untrained eye could easily miss.

We also include a detailed market valuation, so you can judge whether your offer matches the property's actual condition. Where significant defects turn up, you may be able to renegotiate the price or ask for repairs before completion. That protection can save you thousands of pounds, especially compared with finding the same problems after moving in. In TS15, many buyers have used survey findings to secure reductions that comfortably outweighed the survey cost.

Our inspectors know the kinds of homes found across TS15. We are familiar with the local construction methods, from traditional brick and stone to modern cavity wall builds. That experience helps us focus on the places where defects are most likely to appear, and it means the advice in our reports is tied to properties in this area, not broad guidance that could have been written for anywhere.

• Complete structural assessment
• Detailed defect identification
• Market valuation included
• Priority repair recommendations
• Professional photos and diagrams

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey report goes much further than a standard mortgage valuation. We inspect the whole structure, including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs and foundations. The condition of joinery, finishes and fittings is reviewed, and we assess visible services such as heating, plumbing and electrics. Every accessible element matters to us, because defects often turn up where buyers least expect them.

The valuation in the report reflects the property's condition as well as its location. In TS15, that is important, because prices can differ sharply between detached family homes on sought-after streets and more modest terraced properties. If we identify significant defects during the inspection, the valuation can be adjusted to take account of the repair costs involved, which can be very useful in price negotiations.

Alongside that, we set out specific recommendations for any remedial work required and group them by priority. You get a clearer view of what needs prompt attention and what may fall into longer-term maintenance. In the TS15 area, many buyers have relied on these findings to negotiate reductions in line with the cost of repairs, often more than the survey fee itself. It leaves you with a much firmer idea of what you are taking on before completion.

We do not stop at the main building. Boundary walls, outbuildings and other associated structures are inspected as well. In TS15, where homes often come with generous gardens and useful outbuildings, that wider coverage helps give a fuller picture of what is included in the purchase. Our reports also comment on thermal efficiency and flag any obvious issues likely to affect energy performance.

• Full structural analysis
• Damp and rot assessment
• Roof condition report
• Electrical safety observations
• Thermal efficiency comments
• Boundary and outbuilding inspection