The right advice,
before you commit.
Independent Home Surveys, new-build snagging inspections, professional Red Book Valuations and residential Reinstatement Cost Assessments, helping you understand and protect your property with greater confidence.
Understand the property before you commit.
The right inspection will depend on the property’s age, construction, condition and your reason for requiring professional advice. EP Surveyors provides clear, independent reporting to help you make a properly informed decision.
New-Build Snagging Survey
An independent inspection designed to identify visible defects, incomplete work and finishing issues in a newly built home.
Explore this serviceRICS Home Survey Level 2
A clear overview of the property’s condition, highlighting visible defects, repairs and matters requiring further attention.
Explore this serviceRICS Home Survey Level 3
A more detailed assessment for older, altered, unusual or visibly deteriorated properties requiring greater investigation.
Explore this serviceRICS Red Book Valuations
Professional residential valuations for private, legal and ownership-related purposes, prepared in accordance with RICS standards.
Explore this serviceReinstatement Cost Assessments
Independent residential reinstatement cost assessments using BCIS rebuilding cost data, helping ensure your property is insured for the appropriate rebuilding cost.
Explore this serviceDrone Surveys
High-level aerial inspection of roofs, chimneys and other difficult-to-access areas using drone imagery to support a clearer assessment of the property.
Explore this service
New-Build
Snagging Survey
An independent inspection designed to identify visible defects, incomplete work and finishing issues before or shortly after you take possession of your new home.
A newly built property should meet an appropriate standard, but defects and incomplete work can still occur during construction. A snagging survey helps provide a clearer picture of the property before completion or while the developer’s defect period is still active.
EP Surveyors will inspect the accessible areas of the property and prepare a clearly structured report highlighting the issues identified, supported by photographs where appropriate.
- Newly constructed houses and apartments
- Properties approaching completion
- Buyers preparing for handover
- Owners within the developer’s defect period
- Visible defects and poor workmanship
- Incomplete or unfinished items
- Issues affecting fittings and finishes
- Matters to raise with the developer
A clear, independent record of the issues identified during the inspection.
RICS Home Survey
Level 2
A clear, independent overview of the property’s condition, helping you understand significant visible defects, repair needs and matters requiring further investigation before you proceed.
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 is generally suited to conventional houses, flats and bungalows constructed using common materials and appearing to be in reasonable condition.
The report uses condition ratings to highlight key issues and provides practical advice on repairs, maintenance and areas that may need to be investigated further before exchange of contracts.
EP Surveyors can provide this service with or without a market valuation, depending on your requirements.
- Conventional houses, flats and bungalows
- Properties built using common materials
- Homes appearing to be in reasonable condition
- Buyers seeking a clear condition overview
- Significant visible defects
- Condition ratings for key elements
- Repairs and maintenance requiring attention
- Issues to raise with your legal adviser
Available as a survey-only service or with a professional market valuation.
RICS Home Survey
Level 3
A more detailed assessment for older, altered, unusual or visibly deteriorated properties, providing greater insight into defects, repair priorities and ongoing maintenance.
A RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the most detailed of the standard RICS Home Survey services and is generally suited to properties where a more comprehensive inspection and report are required.
It is commonly recommended for older buildings, properties of non-standard construction, homes that have been significantly extended or altered, and buildings that appear to be in poor condition.
The report provides more detailed commentary on the property’s construction and condition, together with advice on defects, appropriate repairs, priorities and further investigations.
- Older and period properties
- Homes of unusual or non-standard construction
- Buildings that have been extended or altered
- Properties in poor or neglected condition
- Buyers planning substantial refurbishment
- Visible defects and their likely causes
- Recommended repairs and maintenance
- Priorities and likely timescales
- Areas requiring specialist investigation
- Matters to consider before proceeding
A detailed survey for properties where a standard condition overview may not provide enough information.
RICS Red Book
Valuations
Professional residential property valuations prepared by a RICS Registered Valuer for a wide range of private, legal and financial purposes.
There are many situations where you need an independent property valuation rather than a survey. EP Surveyors provides impartial Red Book Valuations prepared in accordance with RICS professional standards.
Whether you require a valuation for legal, financial or personal reasons, you will receive a clear, professionally prepared report that reflects the property's market value at the date of inspection.
If you are unsure whether you require a Home Survey or a Red Book Valuation, our team will be happy to discuss your requirements and recommend the most appropriate service.
- Shared ownership staircasing
- Probate and estate administration
- Matrimonial proceedings
- Tax planning and financial matters
- Independent RICS Registered Valuer
- Clear and impartial reporting
- Professional local market knowledge
- Responsive, personal service
- Trusted advice you can rely on
Independent advice prepared in accordance with the RICS Red Book Global Standards.
Reinstatement Cost
Assessments
Independent residential reinstatement cost assessments to help ensure your property is insured for an appropriate rebuilding cost.
The amount required to rebuild a property can be very different from its market value. A Reinstatement Cost Assessment estimates the cost of rebuilding the property following a serious insured event, such as fire, flood or structural damage.
EP Surveyors uses current BCIS rebuilding cost information alongside details of the property’s size, construction, age and individual characteristics to prepare an independent residential assessment.
The assessment can help homeowners, landlords and property owners review their buildings insurance and reduce the risk of the property being significantly underinsured or unnecessarily overinsured.
- Reviewing residential buildings insurance
- Taking out a new insurance policy
- Older and period properties
- Extended or significantly altered homes
- Unusual or non-standard properties
- Property size and construction
- Age, design and individual features
- Demolition and site-clearance costs
- Professional fees and associated expenses
- Current BCIS rebuilding cost information
Reinstatement cost is not the same as market value. It reflects the estimated cost of rebuilding the property rather than the price it might achieve if sold.
Which service is right
for your property?
The most appropriate service will depend on the property’s age, construction, condition and the type of advice you require.
New-Build Snagging Survey
For newly constructed houses and apartments where visible defects, incomplete work and finishing issues need to be identified.
02RICS Home Survey Level 2
For conventional homes in reasonable condition where you need a clear overview of visible defects and repair requirements.
03RICS Home Survey Level 3
For older, altered, unusual or visibly deteriorated properties where a more detailed inspection and report are required.
04RICS Red Book Valuation
For shared ownership, probate and other situations where an independent market valuation is required.
05Reinstatement Cost Assessment
For homeowners, landlords and property owners needing an accurate, independent rebuild calculation to ensure adequate buildings insurance coverage.
Helpful answers before
you book your survey.
A few of the most common questions buyers ask when choosing a survey or valuation service.
Which survey should I choose?
The right survey will depend on the age, construction, condition and complexity of the property. A Level 2 survey is often suitable for conventional homes in reasonable condition, while a Level 3 survey provides more detailed advice for older, altered or unusual properties. New homes may benefit from a dedicated snagging survey.
Is a mortgage valuation the same as a survey?
No. A mortgage valuation is primarily carried out for the lender to assess whether the property provides suitable security for the loan. It is not a detailed inspection of the property’s condition and should not be relied upon as a substitute for an independent Home Survey.
When should I arrange my survey?
Most buyers arrange their survey after an offer has been accepted and before contracts are exchanged. This gives you time to review the findings, obtain further advice and consider any issues before becoming legally committed to the purchase.
How long will the report take?
Timescales can vary depending on the service, property and level of detail required. EP Surveyors will confirm the expected turnaround when your instruction is accepted.
Can I speak to the surveyor about the findings?
Yes. Clear communication is an important part of the service. You can discuss the findings and raise questions if any part of the report requires further explanation.
Do I need a survey or a Red Book Valuation?
A survey focuses on the condition of the property and identifies visible defects and repair considerations. A Red Book Valuation provides an independent opinion of market value for a specific purpose, such as shared ownership, probate or another legal or financial requirement.
Ready to move forward
with confidence?
Whether you're purchasing your first home, buying an investment property or require an independent valuation, EP Surveyors provides clear, professional advice to help you make informed decisions with complete confidence.