Choosing a survey level
Level 2 and Level 3 look further into the roof space than Level 1. Does that guarantee the unseen slopes are sound?
Not a guarantee. Level 2 and Level 3 do look further into the roof space than Level 1 where it is safe to do that, but no home survey level promises that the slopes, the timbers or the coverings you could not see are sound. A better view of the void is still a view of what was visible from the place the surveyor could safely reach.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
Level 1's roof comment is the narrower visual overview: defects, risks and urgent matters, without a general essay on how to manage them, and without tests of the fabric. Level 2 and Level 3 are expected to go further into the roof space when access is safe. Further is not the same word as complete. Insulation, stored boxes, a low pitch, a dark corner or a slope with no view from the hatch can all leave timber and underlay unseen. The report should say so rather than let the extra access impersonate a clean bill of health.
Read the roof section for where they stood and what was hidden. An unseen slope stays an unseen slope at every level. If the hatch itself could not be used safely, you may have a not-inspected line even on a Level 3, because the duty to look further is qualified by safety. Do not tell a seller, or yourself, that the roof has been guaranteed because you bought the level that goes further. Concealed parts are outside that promise at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 alike.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- Which parts of the roof space did you actually see, and from where?
- Which slopes stayed unseen even though this level looks further?
- Will you mark those unseen parts rather than imply they are sound?
What are the typical next steps?
- Read how far into the roof space the surveyor actually went.
- Treat unseen slopes as unseen, whichever level you bought.
- Do not describe a Level 2 or Level 3 as a guarantee of the covering.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
If they reached the ridge, are the eaves guaranteed?
No. A view from one point is not a certificate for every hidden length of timber.
Does Level 1 fail if it sees less of the loft?
No. Seeing less is the point of comparison. It should still say what it could not see.