Domestic Building Surveys
"inherent attention to detail"
Our domestic building surveying services...
What type of survey?...
Many people mistakenly believe that a 'valuation survey' conducted by their mortgage lender will inform them of any structural faults, damp issues, or other major defects within a building. It probably won't. Its prime objective is to establish the value of the property to be used as security against the mortgage. Anyone intending to purchase a property and wishing to identify any potential defects should obtain a 'building survey'. We offer two levels of building survey... a 'Budget Domestic Survey & Report' and a 'Full Domestic Survey & Report''. For most modern or standard properties, the 'budget' survey should suffice. However, for more complex, ageing or substantially suspect properties, the 'full' survey would be more suitable.
Budget Domestic Survey & Report: an on-foot visual non-intrusive inspection of the dwelling at the above property to identify significant defects including an inspection of the roof void; an at-a-glance checklist of defects with traffic-light colour coding reflecting the size and urgency of any action required; identification photographs of any defects encountered.
Full Domestic Survey & Report: a visual non-intrusive in-depth inspection of the dwelling at the above property to identify significant defects including an inspection of the roof void, manholes (where reasonably practical), and areas accessible via a 1-storey ladder; a comprehensive report of the survey findings detailing defects, potential symptoms, and remedial action including an at-a-glance traffic-light colour coding system reflecting the size and urgency of any action required; identification photographs of any defects encountered; also included in the report are a site plan and information on site & building areas, relief & aspect, flood risk, superficial & bedrock geology, radon levels, local authority designated areas, road access & parking, public rights of way, communal/shared access, flying freeholds, extension potential, previous Planning applications, neighbouring properties, maintenance access, possible future developments, local services & facilities with travel distances, Listed Building status, existing EPC rating, suspected asbestos containing materials, hazards for the disabled/infirm, mains services, broadband availability, and mining activity, a drainage system overview, and an estimate of the building reinstatement cost for insurance purposes.
Detail, clarity, and sound advice...
We have been conducting building surveys since 1987 and have developed our techniques over the years to reflect our vast experience. Many of our customers have expressed their appreciation of our inherent attention to detail. We certainly strive to cover every aspect that may cause future concern in a building. We have seen many reports that merely outline the areas of the major building defects. By contrast, in our 'full' reports, we go much deeper into the cause of any defects and their potential symptoms. We recommend appropriate courses of remedial action in detail, assessing the urgency and size of the repair, and we advise whether specialist contractors or professionals should be employed. In total, we use 10 easily identified colours for an instant at-a-glance but accurate appraisal, as opposed to the ambiguous 3-colour system often used by our competitors. Where possible, every defect described is backed up with a photograph and specific annotation.
Endoscopic surveys
Our endoscope can survey and capture images in voids that would otherwise be inaccessible during a standard building survey. This can prove invaluable in detecting hidden defects.
UAV surveys
Our drone surveying service can identify defects to roofs and chimney stacks that are invisible from the ground and could be missed with a standard survey. Our UAV thermal imaging camera can help locate roof leaks and poorly insulated areas.
All fully insured and CAA registered.
An honest assessment...
We know from experience the thrill and excitement of purchasing a dream property in Cornwall, especially on the coast, in a secluded valley or an idyllic village It is easy to see the views and anticipate the good times ahead through rose-tinted glasses. Our job is to inspect the building without such glazed vision and to provide an honest assessment of its condition, good or bad. Hopefully, our findings are minor and we have succeeded in making our clients aware of the problems to be taken on board in the years ahead. However, regrettably, we sometimes have to advise of major defects that rule out a viable purchase. In such cases, dreams may be shattered... but nightmares are prevented... and many thousands of pounds of expenditure and years of anxiety are averted. Can you afford not to have one of our Domestic Surveys?
"We thank you very much for your input. After very careful consideration of all the facts regarding this property, we have decided not to go ahead with the purchase. We feel that it would be foolhardy for us to attempt to struggle with all the inherent problems we may well be faced with. " - Mike & Zofia Watchorn
"Thank you for the Domestic Survey Report which was very comprehensive and informative... an excellent detailed report which was exactly what I needed and allayed any fears I had about purchasing my property. Thanks for getting on to this so promptly." - James Gurney