Explained
Measured survey or building survey: what is the difference?
By the Section Scale team · Published 7 November 2026
Two surveys with similar names
A building survey is an inspection of condition. A chartered surveyor looks for damp, movement, roof problems and other defects, usually before you buy, and writes a report. Under the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Home Survey Standard, the most thorough version is called a Level 3 survey.
A measured survey records the size, shape and layout of a building and ends in drawings: floor plans, elevations and sections. It says nothing about condition. Its job is to give your architect or designer an accurate starting point.
You need a building survey if
- You are buying an older or unusual property and want to know what needs repairing
- You have seen cracks, damp or roof problems and want them assessed
- You want an independent opinion before negotiating on price
You need a measured survey if
- You are planning an extension, loft conversion or basement
- Your architect has asked for existing drawings
- You need accurate floor areas for a sale, letting or valuation
- You are planning a refurbishment or fit-out and the old plans cannot be trusted
Buying a house you plan to extend
You may want both. The building survey belongs before exchange, so you know what you are taking on. The measured survey can come later, although some sellers will allow it before completion, which lets your architect start designing sooner.
What we do and do not do
We carry out measured surveys only. We do not inspect condition or give opinions on defects, so for a building survey you need a chartered building surveyor. If your project needs both, the two can usually visit in the same week.
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