Hi guys, Long story short, but I have been looking for a house for over a year. I sold my flat last Summer, did have an onward purchase but pulled out because the property had a "loft room" (vendor opened up floorboards, we could see a lot of work was needed). Anyway, the sold in the end.
I had an offer accepted on a place in Feb, it has taken the vendors a while but they have found an onward purchase. I have my mortgage in place, the lender did a desktop valuation (which was a couple of grand less than my offer, no big deal, all good).
I have been contemplating about a survey for a while, and having mixed reviews about a Homebuyers (Level 2 survey) decided I would go for a building survey (Level 3). For context the house is a 1930's semi, good condition (visually). However, I will be using a chartered surveyor and from conversation with one yesterday (recommended), he said that Level 3 is not appropriate, and the Level 2 surveys are in depth and look at the same areas of a Level 3. He said the property is not "non standard construction", nor is it very old, or dilapidated. I am wondering whether a Level 2 survey undertaken by a chartered surveyor is a better quality than one instructed by other firms? The surveyor took time to speak to me, and will be happy to speak to me after he has published his report. So my question is has anyone had the Level 2 by a surveyor, and what were your thoughts? Also, I am aware that a survey will pick up lots of issues, and after house hunting for so long, I know I need to weight up risk of these issues. I am not using it to argue down the price (I know this is not going to work in this market), but I am using it to understand the issues and be forewarned of any work I may have to do. I am also conscious that they have planning approval for extension, but I don't know about building regs, but honestly do most houses have sign off for absolutely every bit of work? I don't want to start the whole "regularisation route" if they don't have certain paperwork, I did this will the loft room and it went nowhere, the vendor did liaise with Council, but the work required was extensive. Part of me is scared of doing the survey as I don't want to pull out! Anyway, just wanting some words of wisdom.