FAQ'S

Winter Closure

Will we be closed from December 22nd.

The office will reopening 4th of January 2027

HOW LONG WILL THE SURVEY TAKE?

The time spent at the property depends on its size, age, construction and condition, as well as the level of survey. As a guide, inspections usually take between two and eight hours. Larger or more complex properties may take longer.

The visit itself is only one part of the process. Research is carried out before and after the inspection, followed by the writing of your report.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The fee depends on the level of survey you choose, together with the size of the property. As every property is different, I provide a quote tailored to yours.

To get a free, no-obligation quote, please complete the quote request form. Quotes are valid for 14 days, and there is no VAT to add to my fees. Your fee will be confirmed in writing in your letter of instruction before the survey takes place.

WHAT IS A RICS Level 2 HOME SURVEY?

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is a report on the condition of a property, designed to help you make an informed decision before you buy. It is generally best suited to more modern, conventionally built houses and flats in reasonable condition.

The inspection is visual and non-intrusive. I do not move heavy furniture, lift fitted floor coverings or open up the structure, and services such as gas, electricity and drainage are not tested.

The main parts of the property are given condition ratings using a traffic light system. This lets you see at a glance which matters need attention and how serious they are.

A Level 2 survey is also available with a valuation, if required.

You can find out more on my services page.

WHAT IS A RICS Level 3 HOME SURVEY REPORT?

A RICS Level 3 Home Survey is the most detailed survey report I offer. It is generally best suited to older properties, those in poor condition, those that have been altered, and those of non-standard construction. If the property is listed, I recommend a Level 3 survey.

The report goes into more detail on how the property is built, any defects found and their likely causes, and recommends repair works.

The inspection is visual and non-intrusive. I do not move heavy furniture, lift fitted floor coverings or open up the structure, and services such as gas, electricity and drainage are not tested.

The main parts of the property are given condition ratings using a traffic light system. This lets you see at a glance which matters need attention and how serious they are.

A valuation is not included in the Level 3 report, but can be provided as a separate report if required.

You can find out more on my services page.

Do you know the local area?

Yes. I live locally and have surveyed properties in the area since 2014. Over that time I have built a good understanding of the local property market and of the building types, materials and construction methods common to the area.

DO YOU SPEAK TO THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY?

If the owner is present at the inspection, I will ask them about the property. This includes any alterations, repairs or improvements carried out during their ownership, and any guarantees or certificates they may hold.

Before the inspection, I also contact the selling agent to ask that keys are provided for all areas of the property and that any known defects are shared with me. The information received in response can be limited.

Anything I am told by the owner or agent is noted in the report, but it cannot be independently verified. Your legal adviser should confirm this information through the usual enquiries before you exchange contracts.

I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY SURVEY REPORT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please email sophie@ValeCharteredSurveyors.co.uk with your questions or book a call to discuss your report.

IS A PHYSICAL INSPECTION ALWAYS REQUIRED, EVEN FOR A VALUATION?

Yes an inspection is always necessary to gather information about the property and assess condition.

HOW LONG WILL THE SURVEY REPORT TAKE?

The time needed to prepare your report depends on the size, complexity and condition of the property. As a guide, counting from the working day after the inspection:

Level 2 survey: usually 3 to 7 working days
Level 3 survey: usually 5 to 10 working days, and larger or more complex properties may take longer

If you request a separate valuation report alongside a Level 3 survey, an additional working day may be needed.

I do not give a fixed completion date, as each report is prepared with the time and care your property needs. These timings do not include office closures or other periods when I am away (see Office closures).

HOW LONG WILL THE VALUATION REPORT TAKE?

The time needed depends on the type of valuation and on the information available after the inspection. As a guide, counting from the working day after the inspection:

Help to Buy redemption and Shared Ownership valuations: usually 1 to 3 working days
All other valuations, including probate and market valuations: usually 1 to 5 working days

If further information or documents are needed after the inspection, the report may be delayed until these have been received from you.

I do not give a fixed completion date. All valuations are carried out in accordance with RICS valuation standards. These timings do not include office closures or other periods when I am away (see Office closures).

When are Office Closures?

I close for a short period each winter and spring. The next closure dates are:

Winter 2026: Wednesday 23 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027

Spring 2027: Friday 7 May 2027 to Sunday 23 May 2027

Winter 2027: Thursday 23 December 2027 to Monday 3 January 2028

During these periods I am not available to respond to enquiries, take new instructions or carry out inspections. Any messages received while I am closed will be dealt with in order of receipt when I return.

If your purchase has a deadline close to one of these periods, please get in touch as early as possible so we can discuss whether it can be accommodated.

In addition to the closures above, I may be away for shorter periods during the year. At these times, emails will receive an automatic out-of-office reply, and messages received by any other means will be dealt with on my return. Where possible, I will let you know at the time of booking if I am due to be away during your instruction.

REGULATED BY RICS

We work to globally recognised professional and ethical standards

VALE CHARTERED SURVEYORS