Why You Should Use the New Novello+ Building Survey

In March 2021 Novello Chartered Surveyors promoted its own Novello+ Building Survey as an update on the long-established RICS Building Survey, the Level 3 report that includes defect photographs and repair cost estimates. The firm argued that the traditional product, usually recommended for older, larger homes or those facing major works, had not kept pace with what buyers now need. It said its version meets current RICS rules, costs about the same and is turned around faster.

On inspection, Novello said many surveyors look only at areas that are visible and easy to reach, so roofs, a common and costly source of defects, can be neglected. Its surveyors use a pole camera to photograph roofs and other hard-to-reach spaces, and specialist equipment to find condensation, timber rot and damp. Electronic moisture meters are used to detect dampness that cannot be seen, and the report advises on likely causes and on whether a specialist should be called in. Wood-boring insects such as woodworm are also checked for.

According to the firm, the report goes beyond a standard RICS survey by covering energy efficiency (including insulation, glazing, the likely EPC rating and the cost of improving it), flood maps for London and the Home Counties, and average broadband speeds, which it saw as important given the rise in home working. It also includes photographs of every defect and examines a minimum of 20 elements, inside and out.

Novello uses the same traffic-light rating idea as RICS reports, but said it scores each sub-category of defect separately rather than rating only broad groups, giving a more detailed and easier-to-follow picture. It also claimed that compiling the report on a tablet app on site cuts errors and allows delivery within 24 to 48 hours, whereas paper-based surveyors may take several days.

Source: Novello Chartered Surveyors, original article (11 March 2021)