Question 1

Do I need a RICS survey?

Accepted Answer

A RICS survey provides independent, professional advice on the condition of a property before you commit to purchase. It helps you understand what you’re buying, what requires attention, and what risks may exist.

A RICS survey can help you to:

Identify hidden defects early
Surveyors are trained to identify issues such as damp, movement, roof defects and deterioration that may not be obvious during a viewing. Our inspections include roof-level checks using camera poles, helping to reduce assumptions and uncover issues often missed.

Make informed decisions before exchange
A clear, unbiased report provides factual information about the condition of the property. This allows you to consider your options carefully before committing, including whether further investigation, repairs or discussions with other parties may be appropriate.

Plan future maintenance and repairs
Your report will highlight defects, explain their implications, and provide practical guidance on maintenance priorities, helping you plan and budget sensibly.

Ultimately, a RICS survey replaces uncertainty with clarity, allowing you to make an informed decision about your purchase.

Question 2

What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?

Accepted Answer

Both surveys are carried out by a RICS-qualified building surveyor, but they differ in scope, depth and the type of property they are intended for.

Scope & Depth
 • RICS Level 2 Survey (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-2)– A detailed condition survey focusing on visible defects, risks and maintenance issues. Suitable for conventional, traditionally built homes in reasonable condition.
 • RICS Level 3 Survey (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-3)– The most comprehensive building survey, providing a deeper assessment of construction, structure and condition, with fuller explanation of defects and their implications

When to Choose
 • Level 2 Survey (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-2)– Best for modern and post-1900 properties where no major alterations are planned.
 • Level 3 Survey (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-3)– Recommended for older or period properties, homes showing signs of disrepair, or where renovation or structural works are being considered.

Report Content 
 • Level 2 (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-2)– Clear Red / Amber / Green condition ratings with concise explanations and practical advice.
 • Level 3 (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-3)–  R/A/G condition ratings together with a detailed narrative, explanation of defects, likely causes and guidance on repairs and future maintenance.

Cost & Timescale 
 • Level 2 Survey (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-2)–(https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-2) Lower cost due to reduced scope, with reports issued within five working days, often sooner.
 • Level 3 Survey (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-3)–(https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-3) Higher cost reflecting the increased inspection time and analysis required, with reports also issued within five working days.

If you’re unsure whether a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is most appropriate, we’re happy to discuss the property and help you choose the right option.

Question 3

Do you provide Level 1 Home Surveys?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not offer Level 1 Home Surveys. Level 1 reports are designed to provide a very basic overview of a property’s condition and do not include advice, explanations, or recommendations for repairs.
In our experience, Level 1 surveys often provide limited practical value for buyers. We therefore focus on RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, which offer clearer insight into a property’s condition, highlight significant defects, and provide meaningful guidance to help buyers make informed decisions.

Question 4

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Our primary catchment area covers North Somerset and the surrounding Somerset region, where the vast majority of our surveys are carried out. This includes:

• Weston-super-Mare and nearby areas
 • Clevedon, Portishead and the coastal towns
 • Cheddar, Winscombe, and the Mendip villages
 • Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, and the Somerset Levels
 • Areas as far as Bridgwater to the south, and Wells to the east.

Most of our work is within a 25-mile radius, allowing us to offer strong local knowledge and efficient turnaround times. If your property falls just outside this area, please get in touch — we’re always happy to discuss coverage.

Question 5

How long does the survey process take?

Accepted Answer

From instruction through to receiving your final report, most surveys follow a clear and efficient timeline.
Booking & preparation Once instructed, we confirm details and arrange access with the agent. Inspection dates are often agreed on the same working day as receiving our  instructions to proceed.

On-site inspection Inspection time depends on the property type and survey level:
 • RICS Level 2 Surveys (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-2)typically involve 3 hours on site, allowing sufficient time for a thorough internal and external inspection, including roof-level checks using camera poles
 • RICS Level 3 Surveys (https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/rics-level-3)are more detailed and generally require up to a full day on site, particularly for older or more complex buildings.

We only carry out one survey per day, which allows for longer inspections without compromising report turnaround. We also call post survey to verbally run through the key points discovered.

Report preparation & delivery

Both Level 2 and Level 3 survey reports are issued within five working days. In practice, we always aim to deliver reports earlier wherever possible, and next-working-day issue can be offered if timeframes are particularly tight. Please let us know at the point of instruction and we will do our best to accommodate this.

Question 6

How do I book a survey with you?

Accepted Answer

Booking a survey is straightforward:

1. Request a quote Submit your details via our quote page,(https://www.cooperdavies.co.uk/contact-8) or if you’d prefer to talk it through, you’re welcome to call us on 01934 902 666. We’re usually out conducting surveys in the mornings, but back at the desk from 14:00 onwards to return calls and respond to emails.

2. Confirm instruction Once you’re happy to proceed, we’ll issue an instruction email setting out the agreed scope of service and one of our team will arrange access directly with the agent and/or vendor.

3. Survey & report We carry out the inspection and issue your survey report within the agreed timescale.

Question 7

When is the survey fee due, & what happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

Payment & cancellations Unlike other surveying firms, no upfront payment or deposit is required. Invoices are issued only once the survey has been completed and the report delivered.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, just let us know as soon as possible. In some cases, a cancellation fee may apply if access has been arranged or the inspection date is imminent (within 48 hours). Full details are set out in our Terms and Conditions.

Contact Cooper Davies Surveying in North Somerset

Request A Survey Quote

RICS Survey Enquiry & Quote Form

See some of our latest 5-Star Google Reviews

Why choose Cooper Davies Building Surveying?

Contact Cooper Davies Surveying in North Somerset

Request A Survey Quote

RICS Survey Enquiry & Quote Form

See some of our latest 5-Star Google Reviews

Why choose Cooper Davies Building Surveying?

​​