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Our experienced team of building surveyors leverage extensive experience and expertise to conduct each pre-acquisition survey. This ensures prospective owners and tenants are well-informed about the property’s condition, anticipating costs and liabilities associated with their potential acquisition.
Book Your SurveyWhether you are considering the purchase or lease of a small industrial unit, large warehouse, office building, shop, or shopping mall, obtaining a pre-acquisition survey is highly recommended. Conducted by our RICS surveyors, this survey will provide a detailed assessment of the property’s condition, structural soundness, and any associated repairs or liabilities. It will also determine if further specialist investigations are necessary. The resulting report will outline the estimated costs for significant repairs and maintenance, helping you to understand the financial implications and make well-informed investment decisions.
Choose SJM Surveyors Limited for a partnership that combines professionalism, precision, and personalised service, ensuring your investment is well understood and your commercial objectives are achieved.
Pre-acquisition surveys provide a comprehensive assessment of a commercial property's condition and structural integrity, enabling informed purchase or lease decisions. These surveys clarify the property's current state, its suitability for intended use, and any future costs or liabilities. This information is crucial for determining the property's true value and offers a degree of protection should unforeseen issues arise. A pre-acquisition survey report typically details the building's construction, location, and dimensions, alongside thorough internal and external condition assessments, supported by comprehensive photography. The report also identifies any hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, RAAC), addresses legal compliance issues, considers potential environmental hazards, and recommends further specialist investigations (e.g., drainage or land contamination assessments) where necessary. The insights gained from the survey report are frequently leveraged in negotiations with vendors or landlords. This information can also mitigate potential liabilities for tenants at the lease's end or for owners when selling the property. Consequently, the cost of a pre-acquisition survey is often significantly outweighed by the resulting savings.
A RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides a detailed assessment of a property’s construction, condition, and structural integrity. It includes an in-depth analysis of visible and potential defects, their causes, and the risks they pose.
Unlike Level 1 (Condition Report) and Level 2 (Home Survey), the Level 3 survey is the most comprehensive, offering a detailed inspection of the property. It covers structural issues, potential hidden defects, and advice on major repairs. Level 1 and 2 surveys provide general overviews, while the Level 3 survey is tailored for in-depth analysis.
Yes, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is ideal for properties with non-standard construction methods, historic or listed buildings, and those over 100 years old. It considers the unique characteristics of such properties, including traditional materials and construction techniques.
While a Level 3 survey provides a detailed assessment of the property’s structure, it is non-invasive and visual. It identifies visible structural defects, such as subsidence, heave, or cracks, and may recommend specialist investigations for hidden issues.
The survey focuses on visible defects but will highlight signs that suggest hidden problems, such as damp or timber decay. If areas are inaccessible, such as underfloor voids or loft spaces, the surveyor will note this and may recommend further investigation.
The Level 3 survey identifies potential risks, such as the presence of asbestos or damp, but doesn’t involve intrusive testing. If necessary, the surveyor will advise commissioning specialist inspections for hazardous materials or environmental risks.
The report uses a “traffic light” system or a similar categorisation method to highlight issues. Critical issues are those requiring immediate attention, urgent issues are those to address soon, and advisory points are recommendations for future maintenance.
Yes, if the surveyor identifies potential hidden defects or risks, they will recommend further investigations by specialists, such as structural engineers or damp experts, to provide a deeper understanding of the problem.
The survey includes all visible and accessible areas of the property, such as walls, floors, roofs, windows, and services. Limitations apply to inaccessible or unsafe areas.
Yes, the surveyor will inspect these areas if they are safe and accessible. If not, this will be noted in the report, and further investigations may be recommended.
