Home Surveys for Existing Homeowners

There are several reasons. You might be planning a renovation and need to understand structural constraints before you start. You might want a maintenance plan so you can budget for repairs over the next five to ten years. You might need a reinstatement valuation for your buildings insurance. Or you might simply want peace of mind that your home is in good condition. A survey gives you an expert, independent assessment that helps you make informed decisions about your property.

A home MOT survey (typically a RICS Level 2 Home Survey) is designed to give you a general health check of your property. It uses traffic light condition ratings and highlights maintenance issues that need attention. A full Building Survey (RICS Level 3) goes into much greater technical detail, is more suitable for older or unusual properties, and includes detailed repair advice with cost estimates. If you are unsure which you need, call us and we will advise based on your property and what you want to achieve.

Yes, and we strongly recommend getting one before any major building work. A survey identifies structural constraints, hidden defects, construction materials and potential complications before your builder starts quoting. This means your builder can price the job accurately and you avoid discovering problems halfway through the project that blow the budget. Many architects and structural engineers also ask to see a survey before they start designing.

There is no fixed rule, but we recommend a condition survey every 10 to 15 years for most properties. Older homes, listed buildings and properties with known issues may benefit from more frequent checks. Think of it like a dental check-up: regular inspections catch small problems before they become large, expensive ones. Many of our homeowner clients book a survey every 5 to 10 years as part of their long-term maintenance planning.

In most cases, having a survey does not directly affect your insurance premium. However, if the survey uncovers issues that you then disclose to your insurer, they may ask you to address them. On the positive side, a reinstatement valuation ensures your building is insured for the correct amount, so you are not underinsured if you ever need to make a claim. We always recommend checking with your insurer if you are unsure.

That is exactly why you have the survey. Discovering issues early means you can fix them on your terms and your timeline, rather than waiting until they become emergencies. The report gives you a clear, prioritised action plan so you know what to tackle first and roughly what it will cost. Most homeowners tell us the peace of mind alone is worth the survey fee. If serious issues are found, we can also recommend reputable local contractors who can help.