AMBURsley chartered Surveyors · our services
The detail you need to make an informed decision.
As chartered surveyors in Watford, Hertfordshire, North and West London and surrounding areas, we provide clear advice for buyers, homeowners and property professionals.
Explore our home surveys, building surveys and residential valuation services.
Choosing the right survey
Choosing the right survey depends on the age, condition and construction of the property, as well as the level of detail you require.
We provide independent residential property surveys and valuations, with clear reporting and practical advice to help you make informed decisions.
From RICS Level 2 Home Surveys to detailed Level 3 Building Surveys and independent residential valuations, we will explain the available options and recommend the most appropriate service for your property.
RICS Level 2
Homebuyers Survey
A mid-level survey suited to many conventional properties in reasonable condition.
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is suitable for conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition. It provides a clear overview of the property, identifies significant defects and highlights matters that may require further investigation.
Ideal for:
- Conventional houses and flats
- Properties appearing to be in reasonable condition
- Buyers wanting a concise overview of significant issues
- Modern or traditionally constructed homes
What’s included:
- Detailed Property Inspection – A visual inspection of all accessible areas, including the interior, exterior, roof space and grounds.
- Condition Ratings – Clear ratings highlighting defects that require repair, further investigation or ongoing maintenance.
- Building Defects & Advice – Identification of issues such as damp, movement, roof defects, timber decay and other visible concerns.
- Services & Safety Considerations – A visual assessment of accessible services, with recommendations for specialist testing where appropriate.
- Clear, Practical Guidance – Straightforward advice on repairs, maintenance and further investigations to help you make an informed decision.
RICS Level 3
formerly known as
(Building Survey)
The most comprehensive survey option, recommended for older, unusual, altered or visibly defective properties.
A RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides a more detailed assessment of the property’s construction and condition. It is particularly suitable for older, larger, altered or visibly defective properties, as well as homes where major works are planned.
Ideal for:
- Older or unusually constructed properties
- Buildings that have been substantially altered
- Properties requiring renovation or major works
- Homes where significant defects are suspected
What’s included:
- Comprehensive Property Inspection – An in-depth visual inspection of all accessible areas, including the interior, exterior, roof space, grounds and outbuildings.
- Detailed Defect Analysis – Detailed assessment of defects, including their likely causes, implications and potential consequences if left unresolved.
- Repair & Maintenance Advice – Practical guidance on appropriate repairs, remedial works and future maintenance requirements.
- Building Construction & Condition – More detailed commentary on the property’s construction, materials, alterations and overall condition.
- Further Investigations & Next Steps – Clear recommendations for specialist investigations, additional advice and matters to address before committing to the purchase.
Professional
RICS Valuations
Independent valuation advice prepared for the agreed purpose.
Our residential valuation service provides an independent professional opinion of a property’s market value. Valuations may be required for private purchases, matrimonial matters, probate, tax planning or other personal and professional purposes.
Ideal for:
- Buyers or homeowners seeking an independent opinion of value
- Help with purchasing or financial planning
- Probate, matrimonial or taxation purposes, where offered
- Shared ownership or other specialist purposes, where offered
- Help to Buy Valuations
What’s included:
- Market Valuation – An independent assessment of the property’s current market value based on its condition, location and relevant comparable evidence.
- Professional Valuation Report – A clear report setting out the valuation, property details and key considerations relevant to the assessment.
- Reinstatement Cost, Where Requested – An assessment of the estimated cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes, where requested.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
Which service is right for your property?
The appropriate service depends on the property’s age, construction, condition and the reason for the inspection. The comparison below is a general guide; Ambursley can confirm the most suitable option after discussing the property with you.
| Level 2 Home Survey | Level 3 Building Survey | Residential Valuation | |
| Main purpose | Overview of condition and significant defects | Detailed assessment of condition, defects and repairs | Independent opinion of market value |
| Typically suited to | Conventional properties in reasonable condition | Older, altered, unusual or visibly defective properties | Clients requiring a formal valuation |
| Level of detail | Standard | Comprehensive | Valuation-focused |
| Repair guidance | General guidance | More detailed guidance | Not the principal purpose |
| Valuation included | Only where specifically agreed | Only where specifically agreed | Yes |
| Recommended after discussion | Yes | Yes | Yes |
WHAT TO EXPECT
A clear process from enquiry to report.
1
Tell us about the property
Share the address, property type, purchase stage and any particular concerns.
2
Receive a quotation
We will review the information and explain the proposed service, scope and fee.
3
Inspection arranged
A suitable inspection date will be agreed with the relevant parties.
4
Survey completed
The property will be inspected in accordance with the agreed scope of service.
5
Report and follow-up
You will receive the completed report, with an opportunity to discuss the findings where included.
WHY AMBURSLEY
Independent advice, clearly explained.
Independent property advice from chartered surveyors serving Watford and North West London.
Independent perspective
Advice focused on the property and your requirements, presented clearly and impartially.
Local knowledge
Surveying services across Watford, Hertfordshire, North and West London and surrounding areas, informed by knowledge of local property types.
Clear reporting
Reports designed to identify relevant issues and explain what they may mean for your property decision.
Personal communication
A responsive, professional service with the opportunity to raise questions about the findings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about surveys and valuations.
The appropriate survey depends on factors including the property’s age, construction, condition and any planned alterations. Share the property details with Ambursley and the available options can be discussed before you instruct the service.
A Level 2 survey generally provides a concise assessment of significant matters affecting a conventional property in reasonable condition. A Level 3 survey is more detailed and is commonly considered for older, unusual, altered or visibly defective properties.
Report timescales will be confirmed when the inspection is arranged and may vary according to the property and the service instructed.
The availability and scope of a follow-up discussion will be confirmed as part of the quotation and terms of engagement.
Ambursley Chartered Surveyors provides residential surveying and valuation services across Watford, Hertfordshire, North and West London, and selected areas of Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Contact the practice with the property postcode to confirm coverage.
A valuation is not automatically included in every survey. Where required and available, it should be agreed as part of the instructed service.
Not sure which service you need?
We will discuss the available options with you.
Tell us about the property, including its age, type and current condition, and we will recommend the most suitable level of survey.
Our advice is independent, and there is no pressure to choose a more detailed service than the property requires.