We are local, independent survey experts.
Our unique reporting style and advice reflects all the best available.
Our residential building survey reports allow to you progress with your property transaction on the front foot. We are not part of a national chain and provide a premier bespoke service, up to the point of purchase.
We have a very high level of experience getting ‘under the skin’ of a building and advising you on condition and potential future liabilities.
Types of Report
We provide services in accordance with the Home Survey Standard (1st edition) RICS
professional statement; reports are equivalent to either RICS Level 3 (Building Survey) or Level 2 (Home Survey), summarised below:
Building Survey (Level 3) – the most comprehensive type of report. It provides you with a detailed description of the property’s condition and includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options. Cost estimates are included, to help you understand the financial significance of the issues that we identify. We will also review any alterations that you may have in mind.
This is the report you’ll need either for large homes, those that have been extensively altered or that pre-date 1945.
Building Surveys from £545 plus VAT
Home Survey (Level 2) – formerly known as a ‘Home Buyers Survey’, this is a less detailed inspection for conventional properties that are in reasonable condition. The report includes brief comments on defects and condition. Cost estimates are not included in this format of report.
Home Surveys from £495 plus VAT
Please note that we do not provide property market valuations but we can help you with the contact details of suitable valuers, subject to location.
Extent of survey and information provided
Our surveyors aim to provide clear and succinct observations and recommendations and happy to answer any queries that you may have.
As you would imagine, it is vital that we view as much as possible. Subject to the type of report format that you require, we will pre-agree with the vendor the level of intrusiveness that we would prefer.
With period properties, typical defects such as damp, rot, woodworm, asbestos containing materials, unnoticed structural alterations and poor historical repairs are risks to be mindful of.
We will usually request for the removal of a few floorboards, where possible, inspect the drainage chambers and to be able to range around the loft spaces unhindered.
A review of the boundaries and the external areas will be included.
Specialist inspections and testing
We use electronic equipment, including electronic moisture meters, laser levels, endoscopes and electrical circuit testers to assist with our understanding of a building’s health; reporting ourselves on damp, cracking and most other issues found.
In some instances, we may recommend subsequent electrical installation testing, below ground drainage CCTV surveys or asbestos fibre sampling, undertaken by specialists.
Above all, we aim to ensure that sufficient detail is provided to enable you to make informed decisions.
Once our reports are sent to you, we are always happy to answer any relevant property queries or concerns that you may have, no matter how trivial they may seem.
Call 01892 710765 to discuss your requirements or simply email us with your enquiry.