"Competitively priced service, the agent I dealt with was very helpful. On the day of the survey itself I received a call from the surveyor to run through his initial findings. The quality of the report produced was excellent, very detailed and thorough. If needed I will be using SAM Conveyancing's services again in the future for sure."
Local Building Survey Norwich
Our Building Surveyors specialise in the local area and have completed house surveys in Coltishall, Wroxham, Taverham, Costessey, Wymondham, Goring and Brundall.
We work with specialist RICS Building Surveyors to undertake Home Buyers Surveys in Norwich. Whether you are buying an old run down 'doer upper' or standard construction freehold house, our RICS surveyors have seen them all.
With a vast number of years of experience completing building surveys on properties in Norwich we'll be able to give you the detailed Norwich HomeBuyers report that you will need to know and what defects there are with your property.
Defects flagged in a Norwich Home Buyers Survey
Local Tip: Subsidence
Local Tip: Damp
A recent Environmental Search has stated that a property in Meadow Rise Road, Norwich, NR2 3QE, is within 250m of an area where there is the potential for ground instability relating to non-coal mining.
The British Geological Survey has assessed that hazards because of underground non-coal mine workings in this area are highly likely. This area is known or suspected to contain underground mining for minerals and/or other materials where workings are likely to be extensive. This is not necessarily cause for concern; a house buyer's survey should be considered to test for signs of property damage which may relate to non-coal mining. Additionally, it should be noted that there is always the possibility of excavations that are outside of the scope of this dataset which could affect ground stability.
Local Tip: Asbestos
When a RICS surveyor is carrying out either a building survey or a homebuyer report they will switch the lights on and off. If they feel that there is a problem with the electricity that needs to be investigated they will advise you to consult an electrician.
A local electrician within the Norwich area is C.G Electrical Services, 21 Hughenden Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2PX.
Types of property in Norwich?
Norwich Castle was founded soon after the Norman Conquest and Norwich Cathedral was completed in 1145 with the Norman tower you can still see today.
Norwich suffered extensive bomb damage during World War II, affecting large parts of the old city centre and Victorian terrace housing around the centre.
Norwich has suburban areas on the western, northern and eastern sides, including Costessey, Taverham, Hellesdon, Bowthorpe, Old Catton, Sprowston and Thorpe St Andrew.
The 19th century saw an explosion in Norwich's size and much of its housing stock, as well as commercial building in the city centre, dates from this period. The local architect of the Victorian and Edwardian periods who has continued to command most critical respect was George Skipper.
The city continued to grow through the 20th century, and much housing, particularly in areas further out from the city centre, dates from that century.
Much of the replacement postwar stock was designed by the local authority architect, David Percival.
New build developments include detached houses in Blue Boar Lane, Sprowston and Colney Lane, Cringleford; flats in Thorpe Road, apartments in Wherry Road and semi-detached houses in Wroxham Road.
Why Choose SAM Conveyancing for your Home Survey?
In helping over 15,339 survey clients since 2014, we've learned a lot about surveys in Norwich using our panel of over 100 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your Norwich surveyor will be local to your property, so whether you're worried about subsidence, damp, infestations, extensions, or even just for peace of mind, we've got you covered.
Our HomeBuyers Survey costs are fixed and competitive, as you'll see from all our Excellent reviews on Trustpilot. This means you don't have to break the bank to get a full health check on your new home. Get a Home Buyer Survey Quote today, or if you're not sure which survey to choose and want to know the difference between a Level 2 Home Survey and a Level 3 Building Survey, then give us a cal,l and we'll happily tell you what you need - 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply).
What defects are flagged in a Homebuyer's Survey?
Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.
The RICS surveyor will use a moisture meter in the rooms and report any high levels along with any mould or damp causing damage to the walls/windows.
The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.
The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.
The surveyor will check the grounds of the property and, where possible, check over the fences to neighbouring plots to identify if there is a risk of Japanese knotweed.
The surveyor lifts up accessible man hole covers to check if the drains are blocked. You may need to get your drains inspected with CCTV.
The surveyor will enter into the roof/loft space if there is a safe and accessible ladder. They'll look for insulation, signs of leaking and and damage.
Average Cost of Building Surveyor in 2026 in Norwich
The cost varies depending on the size and condition of the property, with the average cost of our HomeBuyers Survey starting at £375 EXC VAT. The average cost of a Building Survey is higher. Our fixed fees start at £499 EXC VAT.
To ensure accuracy, we utilise Rightmove or Zoopla to assess the property type, guaranteeing a fixed quote tailored to your needs. For guidance on choosing the right survey, contact our survey specialists at 0333 344 3234.
Thinking of moving to Norwich?
Norwich is the only city in Norfolk County and is its county town. It hosts various beautiful buildings and sites, and landmarks and attractions include the Octagon Chapel, St Peter Mancroft Church, Surrey House and the brutalist ziggurats of the University of East Anglia.
You can view works by luminaries such as Bacon, Moore and Giacometti at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and watch an excellent theatrical performance at the Theatre Royal, a 1930s playhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions: Homebuyers Survey Norwich
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RICS Level 2 Home Survey with a Valuation
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, which used to be called the HomeBuyer Report or a Home Buyer Survey, is generally suitable for:
- Bungalows
- Flats
- Standard construction houses
The majority of Norwich's leasehold flats require only a RICS HomeBuyer Report but for any Victorian conversions, a Building Survey may well be required.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 Home Survey, also known as a Building Survey or a full structural, is the most comprehensive visual inspection a RICS surveyor can provide on a property in Norwich. It is suitable for:
- complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and altered
- unique or older historic properties
- properties in poor condition; or
- those where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work.
Speak to one of our team on 0333 344 3234 to find out if your property suits a RICS Building Survey, or read our article Which Home Buyers Survey suits your property .
