Building Surveying Services in Preston

At MBS Chartered Surveyors, we provide professional and comprehensive RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report) and RICS Level 3 (Building Survey) services to help property buyers make informed decisions. Whether you are purchasing a new home, investing in property, or need expert advice on a building’s condition, our Chartered Surveyors offer independent, clear, and unbiased assessments tailored to your needs.

The RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is a mid-level survey designed for modern and conventional properties in reasonable condition. It provides a clear and concise overview of the property’s condition, highlighting significant issues that may affect its value or require attention.

What’s Included in an RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report?

• Overall Condition Assessment – A thorough inspection of the property, identifying visible defects and potential concerns.
• Traffic Light Rating System – A simple red, amber, and green rating system to indicate the severity of issues.
• Structural Elements Check – Evaluation of key structural components such as walls, roofs, floors, and ceilings.
• Damp, Timber & Mould Inspection – Assessment of moisture levels, potential damp issues, and any signs of timber decay or mould.
• Insulation & Energy Efficiency – Review of insulation quality and energy performance, with guidance on potential improvements.
• Legal & Safety Considerations – Identification of issues that may need legal advice, such as boundary disputes or potential planning restrictions.
• Valuation (Optional) – An independent market valuation and reinstatement cost assessment for insurance purposes.

Who Should Choose an RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report?

• Buyers considering modern homes (post-1900) in apparent good condition.
• Those seeking a cost-effective yet detailed assessment before purchase.
• Buyers who need an easy-to-understand report with clear recommendations.

,The RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most in-depth and comprehensive survey available, ideal for older, larger, or non-standard properties, as well as buildings in poor condition. This survey provides a highly detailed assessment, including the condition of all accessible parts of the property, potential defects, and maintenance advice.

What’s Included in an RICS Level 3 Building Survey?

• Detailed Property Condition Report – A full structural inspection, highlighting defects, potential risks, and underlying causes.
• Building Fabric & Materials Assessment – Examination of walls, roofs, windows, and other structural components, with detailed explanations of any identified issues.
• Damp, Subsidence, & Structural Movement Checks – Investigation of signs of movement, subsidence, damp, and other critical structural concerns.
• Plumbing, Drainage & Electrical Overview – High-level assessment of services to identify potential faults or areas requiring further investigation.
• Roof & Loft Space Examination – A close inspection of roof coverings, chimneys, and internal loft areas where accessible.
• Maintenance & Repair Advice – Expert recommendations on necessary repairs, their urgency, and estimated future maintenance needs.
• Legal & Environmental Considerations – Identification of concerns such as listed building status, conservation area restrictions, or environmental hazards.

Who Should Choose an RICS Level 3 Building Survey?

• Buyers purchasing older or historic properties (pre-1900) or homes with unique construction methods.
• Those considering properties in poor condition or requiring major renovation.
• Investors or buyers who want detailed insights into the property’s long-term maintenance requirements.

✅ Experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors – Our team provides expert, reliable, and independent advice.
✅ Comprehensive & Clear Reports – Our reports are easy to understand, with actionable insights and clear recommendations.
✅ Local Market Knowledge – We have extensive experience surveying properties across various regions, providing tailored advice.
✅ Fast Turnaround Times – We ensure prompt report delivery to help you make timely property decisions.
✅ Competitive Pricing – High-quality professional service at a fair and transparent cost.

Book Your RICS Home Survey Today

Ensure peace of mind with a professional property survey before you buy. Contact MBS Chartered Surveyors today to arrange an RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report or RICS Level 3 Building Survey tailored to your property needs.

We provide a monitoring or ‘watching brief’ service, giving our clients a strategic overview of the development process and its progress. This requirement often comes from a financier, investor, prospective occupier or another party who has an interest in the development process but is not in direct control. Keeping your interests at the forefront.

Acting for clients, tenants, or funds we provide independent project monitoring services individually tailored to suit each client’s reporting requirements. Our expertise in total project management solutions enables our project monitoring service to utilise the skills and techniques used in programme monitoring and project reporting and provide a dedicated service to clients.

At MBS Chartered Surveyors, we provide expert Contract Administration services, ensuring the smooth execution of construction and building contracts. Our role is to oversee and manage contractual obligations, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, legal requirements, and project specifications from inception to completion.

With extensive experience, our Building Surveyors act as effective project managers, proactively identifying and resolving potential issues before they escalate. By maintaining strict quality control, we help clients deliver projects that are compliant, cost-effective, and executed to the highest standards.

Our Services Include:

• Tender Management – Inviting, reviewing, and processing tenders.
• Contract Documentation – Preparing contracts for execution.
• Client Liaison – Seeking client instructions and approvals.
• Contract Instructions – Issuing variations, prime cost sum adjustments, and defect rectifications.
• Progress Reporting – Providing structured updates on construction progress.
• Site Coordination – Instructing and overseeing site inspectors.
• Project Documentation – Ensuring all necessary documentation is delivered to the client.
• Certification & Completion – Issuing interim certificates, practical completion, and final completion certificates.
• Defect Management – Collating and issuing schedules of defects, including the certificate of making good defects.

Our meticulous approach ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

A Building Condition Survey is a detailed property inspection that assesses construction methods, materials, and overall condition while identifying any necessary remedial repairs. This survey is a critical component of due diligence in pre-purchase scenarios, commissioned by prospective buyers.

With expertise in commercial buildings, we offer Building Survey services for office, retail, and industrial/warehouse properties.

Our surveys include a thorough on-site inspection by one of our Chartered Surveyors, followed by a comprehensive written report (with photographic records) detailing:

• Construction Type & Materials – Analysis of materials and construction techniques.
• Condition Assessment – Evaluation of key structural and architectural elements.
• Defects & Maintenance Issues – Identification of significant and minor issues.
• Repair & Upgrade Recommendations – Guidance on necessary repairs and potential building improvements.

Beyond standard Building Surveys, we provide Technical Due Diligence services, working alongside your legal team to review vendor-provided documentation. This ensures the accuracy and adequacy of compliance certificates, mapped data, and other technical records—minimizing potential future disputes.

At MBS Chartered Surveyors, we provide expert Contract Administration services, ensuring the smooth execution of construction and building contracts. Our role is to oversee and manage contractual obligations, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, legal requirements, and project specifications from inception to completion.

With extensive experience, our Building Surveyors act as effective project managers, proactively identifying and resolving potential issues before they escalate. By maintaining strict quality control, we help clients deliver projects that are compliant, cost-effective, and executed to the highest standards.

Our Services Include:

• Tender Management – Inviting, reviewing, and processing tenders.
• Contract Documentation – Preparing contracts for execution.
• Client Liaison – Seeking client instructions and approvals.
• Contract Instructions – Issuing variations, prime cost sum adjustments, and defect rectifications.
• Progress Reporting – Providing structured updates on construction progress.
• Site Coordination – Instructing and overseeing site inspectors.
• Project Documentation – Ensuring all necessary documentation is delivered to the client.
• Certification & Completion – Issuing interim certificates, practical completion, and final completion certificates.
• Defect Management – Collating and issuing schedules of defects, including the certificate of making good defects.

Our meticulous approach ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

We provide a monitoring or ‘watching brief’ service, giving our clients a strategic overview of the development process and its progress. This requirement often comes from a financier, investor, prospective occupier or another party who has an interest in the development process but is not in direct control. Keeping your interests at the forefront.

 Acting for clients, tenants, or funds we provide independent project monitoring services individually tailored to suit each client’s reporting requirements. Our expertise in total project management solutions enables our project monitoring service to utilise the skills and techniques used in programme monitoring and project reporting and provide a dedicated service to clients.

At MBS Chartered Surveyors, our Clerk of Works team ensures construction quality and compliance at every stage of a project. With extensive experience, we oversee workmanship, materials, and regulatory adherence, providing clients with confidence that their project meets the highest standards.

We conduct detailed inspections, maintain thorough records, and deliver clear, actionable reports on any quality issues—ensuring timely rectification. Our approach is collaborative and solution-focused, fostering strong professional relationships between clients and contractors to drive successful project outcomes.

Our Key Services:

• Construction Drawing Audits – Ensuring design accuracy before and during construction.
• Buildability Reviews – Assessing practical construction feasibility.
• Material Inspections – Verifying delivered materials comply with contract specifications.
• Non-Compliance Notifications – Informing clients of any material or workmanship deviations.
• Work-in-Progress Inspections – Ongoing quality checks with detailed reporting.
• Contractor Record Audits – Ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
• Hidden Work & Variations – Monitoring concealed works and design changes.
• Regular Reporting – Providing structured progress updates.
• Work Diary Maintenance – Keeping a detailed log of construction progress.
• Testing & Inspections – Evaluating structural and material performance.
• Defect Schedules – Documenting outstanding issues at project completion.

By proactively managing quality and compliance, we help clients mitigate risks, reduce costly defects, and ensure projects are delivered to specification.

A Snag List is an essential inspection conducted on newly built properties to identify:

• Poor finishing and workmanship.
• Structural or cosmetic defects.
• Potential Building Regulation compliance issues.

This service is typically carried out at the practical completion stage or as advised by your builder. We provide a detailed report for the developer, outlining the necessary rectifications. Additionally, we offer re-inspection services to verify that all snagging issues have been satisfactorily resolved.

A Defect Analysis Survey is a targeted assessment of a specific building issue, helping property owners and managers determine:

• Severity – The extent and impact of the defect.
• Cause – Identifying underlying factors contributing to the issue.
• Recommended Solution – Advising on necessary corrective measures, which may involve further invasive investigations for an accurate diagnosis.

Early detection and resolution of building defects are vital for effective asset management. Whether you are a building owner, facility manager, managing agent, or tenant, we can provide a Defect Analysis Report to support informed decision-making.

A Schedule of Condition is a written and photographic record of a property’s state at a specific point in time, used to protect stakeholders in cases of dispute. It is particularly valuable for:

• Pre-Lease Agreements – To document the property’s condition at lease commencement, ensuring fair obligations during dilapidation claims.
• Pre-Works Documentation – Establishing a baseline record before renovations, construction, or work on adjoining properties to prevent disputes over potential damage.

A Schedule of Dilapidations assesses and records disrepair issues that need to be addressed either during or at the end of a lease, as outlined in the lease’s repairing covenants.

We provide inspection and reporting services for both landlords and tenants, helping to:

• Identify & Document Non-Compliance – Aiding landlords in maintaining asset value.
• Negotiate Claims – Supporting tenants in disputing or negotiating dilapidation claims.

Our services include:

• Interim Schedules – Issued during the lease term to track maintenance obligations.
• Terminal Schedules – Prepared at lease-end to establish the tenant’s responsibility for repairs.
• Claim Settlement Negotiation – Assisting in the resolution of dilapidation disputes to prevent litigation.

Oversight of Tenant Repairs – Ensuring repairs meet contractual and quality standards.

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) is a strategic approach to asset management that enhances building longevity while reducing future repair costs. Our PPM service involves:

• Identifying Key Building Elements – Assessing components requiring regular maintenance.
• Scheduling & Reviewing Maintenance Plans – Aligning upkeep schedules with real-time asset conditions.
• Extending Life Cycles & Cost Optimization – Preventing premature deterioration and optimizing replacement intervals.

PPM data can integrate with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Life Cycle Costing strategies, supporting a structured long-term maintenance plan.

Our consultancy service benefits property owners, Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs), managing agents, and facility managers seeking a proactive approach to asset protection.