Level 2 or 3 survey?

[CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair]

We’re just about to (hopefully 🤞) buy our first home and are confused about what survey to get.

My instincts have been to go with a L3 but some information out there seems to suggest that this is necessary and will possibly muddy the waters as they can contain a lot of arse covering information.

The house was built in the 1890s, has been well maintained and has had work done in the last 20 years (kitchen extension, downstairs toilet put in, log burner installed, new windows), no signs of anything untoward except a few hairline cracks (not above windows) which we understand is to be expected with a house of this age.

We’re not planning any structural work.

Level 3 for that age of house.

They say level 2 covers up to 120 years or so but honestly I would go for level 3 on pretty much everything. Level 2 only really covers cosmetics and you can see the cosmetic issue yourself.

Level 3 should check things you often cannot see like the attic space (which is the reason I have used it, nearly every EA has refused access to attic due to 'safety' and only let qualified people up. Both surveys found serious issues to the roof structure, yes they cover their ass with get a professional but I don't need a professional to see that its rotted/twisted/snapped I just need to see it).

Agree with PP, for an old house it's definitely worth getting an L3 survey. You just have to be aware they won't look at/necessarily uncover everything. E.g. if things are covered by carpets or furniture, plus they won't look at electrics.

Level 3 is always recommended on houses that have been extended, no matter of what age.

Thank you. I think we’ll go with L3. The buyers of the house were selling are having a survey on it tomorrow. 🤞it all goes well and then we’ll get ours booked. Any advise for anything I should prep to make it easier for the surveyor?