Covering Devon, Cornwall & Dorset
Nova Surveyors provides RICS-accredited surveys for residential, commercial, and historic buildings. We also undertake defect investigations and planning support, manage projects, and use drone technology to inspect hard-to-reach areas.
Choosing the right survey depends on your property type, purpose, and the information you require, this is also the subject of our article Which Survey. If you’re unsure which option suits your situation, we’re here to help.
Plan ahead with confidence
We know that timing is critical when buying a home.
Level 2 Equivalent - Nova Bespoke Survey
Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want professional peace of mind, without the full cost or detail of a traditional RICS Level 2 or 3 survey.
Our streamlined Core Survey was developed in response to client feedback- providing reassurance on key risks such as damp, movement, roofing, and leaks, without unnecessary detail - offering genuine value without compromising the standards and protection expected from a RICS-regulated practice.
This allows us to offer a fixed price model:
RICS Homebuyer Report (Level 2)
Ideal for: Buyers of modern or well-maintained properties.
Even seemingly sound homes can hide issues. Our Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited Level 2 Homebuyer Report highlights serious defects, urgent repairs, and future maintenance. It also includes a clear summary of construction and an insurance rebuild cost.
Not sure which level survey you need? Check out our handy guide.
RICS Building Survey (Level 3)
Ideal for: Buyers of older, altered, larger, or complex properties
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Level 3 Building Survey is our most in-depth inspection - previously known as a full structural survey. It offers a detailed assessment of visible defects and potential hidden problems, with expert advice on repairs, maintenance, and optional cost estimates.
Recommended when a property is complex, has undergone changes, or shows signs of deterioration.
Not sure which level survey you need? Check out our handy guide.
Ideal for: Buyers of new home or development
Our non-invasive, non-disruptive pre-completion inspection provides a finishing checklist to ensure your new home’s fixtures, fittings, and services meet normal daily use standards. Approved by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) and aligned with the New Homes Quality Code, this survey offers peace of mind before you move in.
For more information, check out the NHQB website
Ideal for: Owners or developers seeking structural surveys for planning applications
Structural surveys are undertaken to assess buildings including redundant farm buildings for suitability in conservation and development. Detailed reports support planning applications, including Part Q requirements.
Ideal for: Woodworm infestation, structural movement or damp
Inspections focus on defects in specific parts of a property or the entire building. Surveys may target issues such as damp, woodworm infestation, or structural movement, rather than providing an all-encompassing assessment.
Ideal for: Properties with hard-to-reach or complex areas.
Using advanced DJI Mini Pro drone technology, we capture detailed, high-resolution images of your property, especially in areas difficult or unsafe to access. Drone surveys save on scaffolding costs and provide thorough inspections for both commercial and domestic roofs.
We carry out detailed surveys to identify the cause of dampness, condensation, and mould growth in domestic and historic properties. These are non-invasive, occupant-sensitive, and evidence-driven.
Our reports include:
Ideal for: New builds or conservation projects requiring lender sign-off
If you're undertaking a new residential development or conservation project, we can issue a Professional Consultants Certificate (PCC) in accordance with the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook.
This certificate: