Building And Condition Surveys
Understanding the condition of a property or structure allows informed decisions to be made before purchase, alteration, maintenance or repair. Through SuperSpeed Engineering and our close working relationship with Videre Architects and Surveyors, clients can access RICS Home Surveys, Party Wall services and specialist structural condition assessments through a coordinated team.
Videre delivers the RICS Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys and Party Wall services. SuperSpeed provides structural-engineering input where movement, cracking, deterioration, loading or stability requires specialist assessment.
Our Surveying And Condition-Assessment Services
RICS Level 2 Home Surveys
Delivered by Videre Architects and Surveyors, a Level 2 Home Survey is generally suited to conventional houses, flats and bungalows built using common materials and appearing to be in reasonable condition. The survey provides a structured overview of condition, identifies defects that may affect the property and offers advice on maintenance or repairs that should be considered before purchase.
RICS Level 3 Home Surveys
A Level 3 Home Survey is the most detailed RICS Home Survey and is often appropriate for older, larger, unusual or substantially altered properties, properties in poor condition, or homes where major works are planned. Delivered by Videre, it provides more detailed analysis of construction, defects, repair options and future maintenance considerations.
Integrated Structural Input For Homebuyers
When a Home Survey identifies cracking, movement or another possible structural concern, SuperSpeed can provide engineering input alongside the building survey. This helps the buyer understand whether the issue is likely to require targeted advice, monitoring, investigation or a separate structural survey before committing to a wider specialist assessment.
Structural Condition Surveys
SuperSpeed undertakes structural condition surveys of residential, commercial and industrial buildings and infrastructure. We inspect accessible structural elements, record significant visible defects and provide clear conclusions on condition, likely causes, urgency and appropriate next steps. Depending on the brief, the report can address the whole structure or a defined area of concern.
Cracking, Movement And Defect Investigations
Cracks and distortion can arise from many causes, including thermal or moisture movement, settlement, inadequate support, material deterioration and previous alterations. We assess the pattern and context of the defect, consider the likely structural significance and advise whether repair, monitoring or further investigation is appropriate.
Schedules Of Condition
A schedule of condition creates a dated photographic and written record of the visible condition of a property or defined area at a particular time. It can be useful before nearby construction, lease commencement, refurbishment or other works where an objective record may help distinguish existing defects from later change.
Party Wall Services
Party Wall services are delivered by Videre Architects and Surveyors for building owners and adjoining owners affected by qualifying works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Depending on the circumstances, this may include initial advice, notices, schedules of condition, surveyor appointments, agreements and Party Wall Awards.
Maintenance And Remedial-Work Recommendations
Where defects or deterioration are identified, we provide proportionate recommendations arranged by urgency. These may include repair, local strengthening, maintenance, monitoring, opening-up works or specialist testing. Where appropriate, SuperSpeed can then assist with the design of structural repairs.
Commercial And Industrial Condition Surveys
Our surveys help property owners, landlords, asset managers and operators understand the condition of structural frames, floors, roofs, walls, stairs, platforms and other critical elements. Reports can support planned maintenance, refurbishment, acquisition, changes of use, equipment installation or decisions about repair and replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Level 2 And Level 3 Home Survey?
A Level 2 survey is usually appropriate for a conventional property in reasonable condition and provides advice on significant defects and maintenance. A Level 3 survey is more detailed and is generally better suited to older, larger, unusual, altered or poorly maintained properties, or where significant works are planned.
Who Undertakes The RICS Home Surveys?
RICS Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys are undertaken by Videre Architects and Surveyors. SuperSpeed Engineering provides targeted structural input where the survey identifies a possible structural concern or where engineering advice is requested.
Is A Home Survey The Same As A Structural Survey?
No. A Home Survey considers the wider condition of the property. A structural survey or structural condition assessment is a focused engineering service addressing the structure or a particular concern such as cracking, movement, deterioration or adequacy.
Can You Investigate Cracks Before I Buy A Property?
Yes. We can review concerns identified during the buying process and advise on the most proportionate next step. Depending on the information available, this may involve an initial review, a targeted inspection or a more detailed structural condition survey.
Do You Undertake Surveys Of Commercial And Industrial Buildings?
Yes. SuperSpeed undertakes structural condition surveys across residential, commercial and industrial sectors, with the scope tailored to the building, asset and reason for the assessment.
Are Condition Surveys Intrusive?
Unless expressly included in the agreed scope, surveys are normally visual and non-intrusive. Opening-up, material testing, trial pits or other investigations can be recommended or separately coordinated where concealed construction must be confirmed.
When Might The Party Wall Etc. Act Apply?
The Act can apply to certain works to party walls or party structures, building at or near a boundary and some excavations close to neighbouring buildings. Videre can review the proposed work and advise whether Party Wall procedures are likely to be required.