What is a HomeBuyers Report?
A HomeBuyers Report (now called an RICS Level 2 Home Survey) is a lesser standard of report than a standard Building Survey (now called RICS Level 3 Home Survey). It still has its place, particularly for modern, simple properties that have not been altered and good condition is anticipated, as a more economical solution for clients.
Is a HomeBuyers Report right for me?
The standard of a RICS Level 2 Home Survey (HomeBuyers Report) requires the Surveyor to limit the extent of the inspection and recommendations that can be made (for improvements and maintenance particularly). Generally, we encourage clients to consider a Level 3 Survey (which is a bespoke report, appropriate for all properties and priced to the property being inspected) as an alternative. We are still quite happy to produce a Level 2 (HomeBuyers Report) if specifically required.
Proforma Reports
Generally, other surveying practices use a 'proforma' report template provided by the RICS. This includes a traffic light reporting system. There are also a lot of superfluous pages, large text and template content. We know that clients are sometimes disappointed by this report format.
How our Homebuyer Reports differ
At Bradley Jones Associates, we pride ourselves on delivering quality reports. We follow the standard defined by the RICS for Level 2 Home Surveys, but we do not adopt proforma templates used by other practices and instead produce a condensed form of our bespoke Level 3 Home Survey which we divide into three clear sections:
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Summary: A concise clear summary
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Schedule: A limited (but clear) list of repairs items and maintenance issues with their urgency.
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Main Report: with marked up photos and commentary throughout the property, highlighting items of concern (limited to the Level 2 standard defined by the RICS).