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Level 3
Building Survey
with/without Valuation
We are a family-owned, independent firm of RICS Residential Valuers and Chartered Building Engineers and Surveyors operating throughout North Shropshire, Powys and Wrexham.

Buying a property is a major investment, and having the right information is essential. At SJM Surveyors, our RICS-accredited team provides detailed Level 2 Home Surveys, helping you make confident, informed decisions.

Residential Building Survey - Level 3

Choose this survey if you need a thorough and detailed assessment of an older, extended, or non-standard property, or a building that appears to be in poor condition.

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey (formerly known as a Full Structural Survey) is our most comprehensive residential survey service. It is particularly suited to period properties, buildings of unusual construction, homes that have been significantly altered, or properties where renovation, refurbishment, or major works are planned.

This advanced survey involves an in-depth visual inspection of the property, covering the main structure, external and internal fabric, building services, and surrounding grounds. Where safe and accessible, concealed areas such as roof voids, floor voids, and sub-floor spaces are inspected. While services are not tested, any visible defects or concerns are clearly identified and explained.

Your report provides a clear, objective appraisal of the property’s condition, with detailed commentary on defects, their likely causes, and the potential implications if left unaddressed. Practical guidance is given on urgent repairs, ongoing maintenance, and any further investigations that may be required to clarify risk.

Your Level 3 Building Survey Report will:

·        Clearly describe the condition of key structural and building fabric elements

·        Identify significant defects, risks, and limitations of inspection

·        Explain the causes and potential consequences of defects in plain English

·        Provide detailed recommendations for repairs and long-term maintenance
·        Advise where specialist investigations or further reports are recommended

Where instructed, the survey can also include an independent market valuation, prepared in accordance with RICS professional standards, together with a reinstatement cost assessment for insurance purposes.

In addition to the site inspection, our surveyors draw on their local knowledge, professional experience, and research resources to review the property and its wider setting. This may include consideration of location-specific factors, available records, and other relevant information before, during, and after the inspection.

This measured and thorough approach ensures you receive a reliable, well-reasoned survey, enabling you to proceed with clarity and confidence.

Want to read an example report?
We pride ourselves on providing our clients with well-written, quality reports. Unlike many larger surveying firms, every one of our reports is bespoke to each client. You won't find any copy-and-paste jargon here.

Comparison table

To help you choose the most appropriate survey, check out the table below, which lists our optional extra services, or get in touch to discuss your particular requirements.

Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Identifies any problems that need urgent attention or are serious.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Identifies things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Tells you about problems that may be dangerous.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Shows potential issues and defects before any transaction takes place.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Includes the standard visual inspection. Secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection chamber covers and other similar features are not removed.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Helps you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Enables you to budget for any repairs or restoration.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Advises you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Provides a reinstatement cost to help you avoid under or over-insurance.
Optional Extra
£50 (inc VAT)
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Optional Extra
£50 (inc VAT)
Level Three
Provides a market valuation.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Optional Extra
£120 (inc VAT)
Level Three
Establishes how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Describes visible defects, plus exposes potential problems posed by hidden defects.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Outlines the repair options and give you a repair timeline, while explaining the consequences of not acting.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
A longer and more detailed visual inspection of a wider range of issues including a more thorough consideration of the roof space, grounds, floors and services.
Level two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Service Features
Level Two
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level 3 Building Survey
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection.
Identifies any problems that need urgent attention or are serious.
Identifies things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage.
Tells you about problems that may be dangerous.
Shows potential issues and defects before any transaction takes place.
Includes the standard visual inspection. Secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection chamber covers and other similar features are not removed.
Helps you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase.
Enables you to budget for any repairs or restoration.
Advises you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future.
Provides a reinstatement cost to help you avoid under or over-insurance.
Optional Extra
(£50 inc VAT)
Optional Extra
(£50 inc VAT)
Provides a market valuation.
Optional Extra
(£80 inc VAT)
Establishes how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future.
Describes visible defects, plus exposes potential problems posed by hidden defects.
Outlines the repair options and give you a repair timeline, while explaining the consequences of not acting.
A longer and more detailed visual inspection of a wider range of issues including a more thorough consideration of the roof space, grounds, floors and services.
Join your surveyor at the end of the inspection (subject to vendors/occupier’s consent).
Optional Extra
(£150 inc VAT)
Optional Extra
(£150 inc VAT)
Drone survey to inspect otherwise inaccessible areas such as a flat roof.
Optional Extra
(£150 inc VAT)
Optional Extra
(£150 inc VAT)
Optional Extra
(£150 inc VAT)
Photos with the report (subject to vendors/occupier’s consent).
Optional Extra
£25 (inc VAT)
Level two
Optional Extra
£25 (inc VAT)
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Level Three
Join your surveyor at the end of the inspection (subject to vendors/occupier’s consent).
Optional Extra
£150 (inc VAT)
Level two
Optional Extra
£150 (inc VAT)
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Optional Extra
£150 (inc VAT)
Level Three
Drone survey to inspect otherwise inaccessible areas such as a flat roof.
Optional Extra
£150 (inc VAT)
Level two
Optional Extra
£150 (inc VAT)
Level Two
(Survey & Valuation)
Optional Extra
£150 (inc VAT)
Level Three

Get your

Residential Building Survey Quote

If you’re looking for a detailed assessment of a property’s condition, our Residential Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive report we offer. For more information on survey options and costs, contact us by phone, email, or live chat.

You can also request a free quote or book a consultation at your convenience. We welcome comparisons with other providers, so you can feel confident you’re choosing a trusted and competitively priced service.

At SJM Surveyors, we offer a personal, professional, and transparent approach—always acting in your best interests. Let us inspect your future home and provide clear, independent advice on any issues or recommended action.

Residential Services

We offer a range of residential services ideally suited to homeowners, first-time buyers, tenants and occupiers. Take advantage of our wealth of experience and practical insight, while working closely with a friendly and approachable team.

Level 2
Home Survey

The Level 2 Home Survey is best for clients purchasing a conventional property, that is in a reasonable condition and is built post 1930 with common building materials. A valuation can be included.

Level 3
Building Survey

The Level 3 Building Survey is best suited to clients buying older, more unusual properties that may also require renovation or modernisation. This survey is also suitable for Grade listed buildings.

Row of welsh properties in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant

Independent
Valuation

The Level 3 Building Survey is best suited to clients buying older, more unusual properties that may also require renovation or modernisation. This survey is also suitable for Grade listed buildings.

Specific Defect
Analysis

The Level 2 Home Survey is best for clients purchasing a conventional property, that is in a reasonable condition and is built post 1930 with common building materials. A valuation can be included.

Expert Witness
Report

The Level 3 Building Survey is best suited to clients buying older, more unusual properties that may also require renovation or modernisation. This survey is also suitable for Grade listed buildings.

Row of welsh properties in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant

Drone
Survey

The Level 3 Building Survey is best suited to clients buying older, more unusual properties that may also require renovation or modernisation. This survey is also suitable for Grade listed buildings.

Trusted Local Surveyors. Close to Home.

Trusted Building Surveyors and RICS-registered Valuers across the North Midlands and North & Mid Wales, providing clear, independent advice grounded in local expertise.

Areas we cover
Primary towns
    Secondary towns
      30-mile radius from Oswestry shown in darker shading. Extended band reaches down to Aberystwyth.

      Knowledge Base

      Our Knowledge Base is periodically updated with practical guidance and professional insight into the UK property market, home surveys, and common building defects, helping homeowners and buyers make informed decisions with confidence.

      chimney-damp-condensation-thumbnail.jpg
      Chimney Breasts Serving Open Fires
      Technical guidance on dampness affecting chimney breasts serving open fires, including causes, investigation methods and appropriate remedial measures.
      Poor Roof Ventilation – Condensation in Lofts
      Technical guidance on poor roof ventilation and condensation in lofts, including causes, inspection methods, implications and appropriate remedial measures.
      blocked-gutter-roof-drainage-thumbnail.jpg
      Defective Rainwater Goods – Typical Effects on Residential Houses
      Technical guidance on defective rainwater goods, including traditional cast iron systems, typical effects on residential houses and appropriate remedial measures.
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      SJM Surveyors Ltd
      Registered in England & Wales
      Company Number: 14449575
      Registered Office: 7 Lower Brook Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2HG
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