RESIDENTIAL SURVEYS
Buying a property or concerned about a potential defect? A survey is an independent, professional assessment of a building’s condition, designed to identify risks, defects and future liabilities before they become costly problems.
At Cowie Consulting, we deliver detailed, high-quality RICS residential surveys across the North East and North Yorkshire. Whether you require a RICS Home Survey Level 2 for a modern property, a comprehensive Full Building Survey (Level 3), or a focused Specific Defect Survey for issues such as damp, structural movement or roof defects, our reports provide clear analysis and practical recommendations.
We also undertake Snagging Surveys for new-build homes, specialist drone roof inspections, and can include RICS market valuations and BCIS insurance reinstatement valuations where required.
If you need clarity grounded in professional expertise, we provide the depth of insight required to make informed property decisions with confidence.
Level 2 Home Survey
The RICS Home Survey Level 2 is ideal if you are buying a modern property that appears in reasonable condition and you want professional reassurance before proceeding.
It provides a detailed visual inspection, identifying urgent defects, maintenance issues and risks that could affect value or future repair costs. The survey is non-invasive and suited to conventional homes built with standard materials.
Structure Only Survey
A Structural Survey (Structure Only Survey) is ideal if you’re mainly concerned about a property’s structural integrity. It focuses on key elements such as walls, floors, roof structure, chimneys and signs of movement or damp.
You’ll receive clear conclusions on any structural defects, their likely cause, and estimated repair costs, giving you practical advice without the scope of a full building survey.
Level 3 Building Survey
A RICS Full Building Survey (Level 3) is the most detailed residential survey available. It’s suited to older properties, Listed Buildings, unusual construction, or homes requiring refurbishment.
This comprehensive inspection provides in-depth analysis of structural condition, defects, damp, timber decay and repair priorities, helping you fully understand risks before purchase or renovation.
RICS market valuations and BCIS insurance reinstatement valuations can be added if required.
Specific Defect Report
A Specific Defect Survey is ideal when you’re concerned about one particular issue and don’t need a full building survey. It provides a focused investigation into the cause, extent and implications of defects such as structural movement, subsidence, damp, roof leaks, timber decay, wall tie corrosion or spray foam insulation.
You receive a clear diagnosis, photographic evidence and practical repair recommendations, giving you the technical clarity needed to resolve the problem with confidence.
Snagging Inspection
A Snagging Survey is carried out on a newly built or recently refurbished property to identify defects, incomplete works and poor workmanship before you fully commit. Using recognised standards such as NHBC technical guidance, we assess the quality of finishes, fittings and installations throughout.
You receive a clear, independent schedule of issues for the developer to rectify, helping ensure your new home is completed to the standard promised and reducing the risk of problems later.
HERE TO HELP
An opening discussion, not only in relation to condition, is important but, in these changing times, reviewing possible development potential can also be extremely beneficial.
Our discussions are fluid, practical and focused on your objectives, and we are always on hand to help and guide you.
