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Any surveyors in?
We're hoping to buy a barn conversion (newly converted by a builder, never lived in before)
Much benefit in a L3 over a L2 other than £300 worse off?
It's not a lot of money but if it's just going to be a document that sits on the shelf is it worth the extra?
Surveyor here (don't do resi surveys though), I checked our guidance note on the levels and it has this to say on level 2s.
This level of service suits a broader range of conventionally
built properties, although the age and type will depend on
the knowledge and experience of the surveyor. This level of
service is unlikely to suit:
• complex buildings, for example those that have been
extensively extended and altered
• unique or older historic properties – although survey
level two services may be appropriate for some older
buildings, the decision will depend on the surveyor’s
proven competence and the nature of the building
itself. For example, a survey level two report on homes
with traditional timber frames or those built much
before 1850 is likely to be inconclusive and be of little
use to the client
• properties in poor condition; or
• those where the client is planning to carry out
extensive repair and refurbishment work.
In such cases, a survey level two service will often result in
numerous referrals for further investigations: an outcome
that many clients find disappointing
For the extra few hundred quid a level 3 might be worth it since it's an 'unusual' property)
(Retired) building surveyor here. Agree with @Airvent. I'd also want a surveyor with experience of barn conversions......
Pay the most you can afford, though I will say that anyone I meet who is RICS accredited (almost daily) is almost always clueless
Thanks all