House Buying Surveys
Building Surveys
Carvers provides clear, reliable and professionally delivered home surveys for buyers across County Durham, North Yorkshire and the wider North East. Our surveys are designed to give you a proper understanding of the property you are about to buy — before you commit.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Our role is to give you clarity about condition, risks and future repair costs so you can move forward with confidence.
All inspections are carried out by experienced Chartered Building Surveyors who understand local building types, materials and common defects, from period stone properties to modern housing developments.
Which Survey Do I Need?
Level 2 Home Survey
Previously called a ‘Home Buyer Report’ or ‘Home Buyers’ Survey’, an RICS Level 2 Home Survey is most suitable for conventional properties that are in reasonable condition and are simple in form and layout (for example, a property that does not have multiple alterations or extensions). The report gives you more detailed information about the property, and ideas about future repairs or maintenance that may be required. Level 2 can be a survey only, or a survey and a valuation:
1. Level 2 Home Survey (survey only) includes all the features of the Home Survey Level 1 and more extensive roof space and drainage chamber inspection. It includes advice on defects that may affect the property and what maintenance or repairs may be required. Choose an RICS Level 2 Home Survey if you would like more extensive information while buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.
2. Level 2 Home Survey (survey and valuation) includes all the features of the RICS Level 2 Home Survey, plus a market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure, to help you avoid under- or over-insurance. Choose this option if you would like all the benefits of an RICS Level 2 Home Survey along with a valuation.
Level 3 Home Survey
An RICS Level 3 Home Survey is the most comprehensive survey report. It was previously known as an ‘RICS Building Survey’. It provides you with an extensive, in-depth analysis of the property’s condition and includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options. Choose an RICS Level 3 Home Survey if you’re dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.
Why You Should Have a Survey
A viewing can only ever show you what is visible. A survey looks beyond that.
A professional survey can identify problems such as structural movement, damp, roof defects, timber decay or poor alterations — issues that may not be obvious until after you move in.
Understanding these risks before you exchange contracts allows you to:
- Avoid unexpected and costly repairs
- Plan future maintenance properly
- Renegotiate the purchase price if significant defects are found
- Buy with confidence, knowing exactly what you are taking on
Without a survey, buyers often discover problems when it is too late to do anything about them.
What You Get with Carvers
Our reports are written in clear, straightforward language with:
- A summary of the most important issues
- Practical guidance on what action may be needed
- An honest assessment of risk
If anything in the report is unclear, our surveyors are available to talk you through the findings so you can fully understand what they mean for you.
Book a Survey
If you are buying a property and would like to arrange a survey, contact our team to discuss the property and obtain a quotation. We will help you choose the right type of survey and arrange an inspection at a time that suits your purchase.
Find out how much your home is worth
Curious about the value of your property? At Carvers we offer a free and no-obligation property valuation. Our experienced valuers will assess your property’s market value based on factors such as its location, size, condition, and recent sales in the area.