Question 1

How long does a Level 2 Survey take?

Accepted Answer

A typical Level 2 Survey takes around 2–3 hours on-site, depending on the size and condition of the property. The final report is usually delivered within 3–5 working days.

Question 2

Does a Level 2 Survey include a valuation?

Accepted Answer

A standard RICS Level 2 Survey does not include a valuation by default, but it can often be added as an optional extra if you need to confirm the property's market value.

Question 3

Will the surveyor lift carpets or move furniture?

Accepted Answer

No. A Level 2 Survey is a non-intrusive visual inspection. The surveyor will not lift fitted carpets, move heavy furniture, or test services (like gas or electrics), though they will observe them where visible.

Question 4

How much does a Level 2 survey cost in Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey starts from £408 for properties up to £250,000 in value. For properties between £250,000 and £400,000 the indicative fee is from £475. Between £400,000 and £600,000 from £550, and over £600,000 from £625. All fees depend on the property value, size, and complexity.

Question 5

Why choose a Level 3 Survey over a Level 2?

Accepted Answer

A Level 3 Survey is much more detailed. It is essential for older properties, run-down buildings, or those that have been heavily altered. It provides in-depth advice on defects, repair options, and maintenance timelines.

Question 6

Does a Level 3 Survey check the roof space?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the surveyor will inspect the roof space as long as it is safe to access. They will look for signs of timber decay, roof spread, and adequate insulation.

Question 7

Will I get cost estimates for repairs?

Accepted Answer

Cost estimates for necessary repairs are not included as standard, but they can often be provided as an optional add-on to help you negotiate the purchase price.

Question 8

How much does a Level 3 Building Survey cost in Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

A RICS Level 3 Building Survey starts from £650 for lower-value properties, rising to £1,176 or more for higher-value or complex properties. The exact fee depends on property value, size, age, and construction type.

Question 9

What is a snagging survey?

Accepted Answer

A snagging survey is a visual inspection of a newly built property to identify any defects, poor workmanship, or incomplete work. It provides a comprehensive list of issues (snags) for the developer to rectify under their warranty.

Question 10

When should I get a snagging survey?

Accepted Answer

The best time is usually just before you move in, but you can have one done at any time during the first two years of your developer warranty period.

Question 11

Will the developer fix the snags you find?

Accepted Answer

Yes, developers are obligated to fix defects identified within the initial warranty period (usually two years). Our detailed, photographic report provides the evidence you need to ensure they take action.

Question 12

Do I need a snagging survey for a new build in Hook or Basingstoke?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we strongly recommend it. New build properties on estates in Hook, Basingstoke, Church Crookham, and across Hampshire commonly have 50 to 100 or more defects at completion, ranging from cosmetic issues to functional failures. An independent snagging survey gives you a documented list the developer is obliged to address.

Question 13

What does a drone roof inspection actually look for?

Accepted Answer

Our drone inspections capture high-resolution 4K imagery of your roof, chimneys, and high-level elevations. We look for cracked or slipped tiles, damaged lead flashing, blocked gutters, and deteriorating chimney stacks that cannot be seen from the ground.

Question 14

Is a drone inspection better than a standard roof survey?

Accepted Answer

A standard survey relies on what the surveyor can see from ground level using binoculars, or from a 3-metre ladder. A drone inspection provides a close-up, comprehensive view of the entire roof structure without the need for expensive scaffolding.

Question 15

How much does a drone roof inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

A drone inspection can be added to any of our Level 2 or Level 3 building surveys for a competitive additional fee, or booked as a standalone service. Please contact us for a tailored quote based on your property.

Question 16

Do I need a party wall agreement for a loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your loft conversion involves cutting into the party wall to insert steel beams, or raising the height of the party wall, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your adjoining neighbour at least two months before the planned start date of the works.

Question 17

How much does a party wall surveyor cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary depending on the complexity of the proposed works and whether your neighbour consents or dissents to the Notice. As the Building Owner carrying out the work, you are typically responsible for all surveyor fees.

Question 18

What happens if my neighbour ignores the Party Wall Notice?

Accepted Answer

If your neighbour does not respond within 14 days, a dispute is automatically deemed to have arisen. You must then appoint a surveyor to act on their behalf to draw up a Party Wall Award.

Question 19

Should I get a survey before selling my house?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially if your property is older, has been extended, or you suspect hidden issues. Discovering defects during the buyer's survey often leads to renegotiations or the sale falling through. A pre-sale survey puts you in control of the narrative before you list.

Question 20

Do I have to show the pre-sale survey to buyers?

Accepted Answer

No, the report is for your information only. You can choose to fix the issues, adjust your asking price, or share the report with buyers to provide transparency and build trust.

Question 21

What kinds of defects do you investigate?

Accepted Answer

We commonly investigate isolated structural cracks, penetrating or rising damp, roof leaks, sagging ceilings, suspected subsidence, and failing extensions or alterations.

Question 22

Will you tell me how much it costs to fix?

Accepted Answer

We focus on diagnosing the cause and specifying the correct repair method. Whilst we do not provide exact contractor quotes, we can often give you an indication of the scope and likely scale of the works required.

Question 23

Why does a tenant need a commercial building survey?

Accepted Answer

Commercial leases often include Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) terms, making the tenant responsible for all repairs. A survey identifies existing defects so you can negotiate repairs by the landlord before signing, or limit your liability via a Schedule of Condition.

Question 24

What types of commercial properties do you survey?

Accepted Answer

We survey a wide range of commercial assets including office buildings, industrial warehouses, retail units, and mixed-use properties across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.

Question 25

What is included in a PPM report?

Accepted Answer

A PPM report details the current condition of the building fabric and services, identifying items requiring immediate attention, short-term action, and long-term planned maintenance, complete with estimated costs and timelines.

Question 26

How far ahead does a PPM schedule look?

Accepted Answer

We typically structure our PPM schedules over a 5 to 10-year period, allowing asset owners and property managers to forecast capital expenditure and service charges accurately.

Question 27

Do I really need a survey when buying a house?

Accepted Answer

You are not legally required to have a survey, but it is strongly advisable. A mortgage lender's valuation is not a survey — it is a brief check carried out for the lender's benefit, not yours. A building survey is the only way to get an independent, professional assessment of the property's condition before you commit.

Question 28

How quickly can you carry out a survey in Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

Because we are based in Farnham and cover Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire as our core territory, we can typically arrange an inspection within a few days of instruction. Your plain-English report will be delivered within 3 to 5 working days of the inspection.

Question 29

What is the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 survey?

Accepted Answer

A Level 2 Home Survey is a thorough visual inspection suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. A Level 3 Building Survey is more detailed and is recommended for older, larger, extended, or unusual properties. It investigates the structure in greater depth and provides more detailed repair recommendations.

Question 30

Is Altura Surveyors regulated by RICS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Altura Surveyors is the trading name of PMG UK Consultancy Ltd, regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), firm registration number 921009. All surveys are carried out by qualified surveyors.

Question 31

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire, including Fleet, Basingstoke, Farnham, Farnborough, Aldershot, Winchester, Alton, Hook, Yateley, Hartley Wintney, Church Crookham, Odiham, Camberley, Bracknell, Wokingham, Newbury, Sandhurst, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and all surrounding towns and villages.

Question 32

Can I discuss my survey report with you after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we encourage it. Altura Surveyors includes a post-report telephone consultation as standard. If anything in your report is unclear, call us on 01252 929 125 and we will walk you through the findings and explain what they mean in practical terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

RICS Level 2 Home Surveys

RICS Level 3 Building Surveys

New Build Snagging Surveys

Drone Roof Inspections

Party Wall Surveying

Pre-Sale Surveys

Specific Defect Surveys

Commercial Building Surveys

PPM Surveys

General Survey Questions

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