Comprehensive Property Assessment and Expert Advice
Our building surveys provide a detailed understanding of property condition, construction type, and maintenance requirements. For councils, housing associations, and property owners, accurate building surveys are essential to support asset management, investment planning, compliance, and risk mitigation.
We deliver surveys for a range of property types, from individual houses to large blocks of flats, and provide RICS-accredited detailed surveys where specialist assessment is required.
What Is a Building Survey
A building survey is a professional inspection of a property to assess its overall condition, identify defects, and provide recommendations for maintenance, repair, or refurbishment. Unlike a standard homebuyer’s survey, building surveys offer in-depth analysis, particularly suitable for older buildings, non-standard construction, or complex structures such as high-rise residential blocks.
Building surveys may include visual inspections of the structure, roofs, walls, floors, services, and internal finishes, with specialist input on materials, building performance, and long-term durability.
Types of Building Surveys
Basic Residential Building Surveys: Ideal for houses and smaller properties, these surveys focus on identifying visible defects, structural issues, and maintenance requirements. They provide homeowners, landlords, or social housing providers with clear recommendations and costed repair options.
Flat Block Surveys: For blocks of flats or apartment buildings, we assess common parts, external fabric, structural integrity, and compliance-related matters. Surveys help landlords understand the condition of their stock, plan maintenance, and make informed investment decisions.
Detailed RICS Building Surveys: For complex or high-value properties, our RICS-accredited surveyors deliver detailed inspections and reports, including technical analysis of construction, structural performance, and defects. These surveys are suitable for regulatory compliance, asset valuations, refurbishment projects, or legal due diligence.
Why Building Surveys Matter
Building surveys help landlords, councils, and property owners to:
- Identify structural defects and maintenance needs
- Plan capital investment and lifecycle maintenance
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and housing standards
- Mitigate risks associated with deterioration or unexpected repair costs
- Inform refurbishment, redevelopment, or asset disposal decisions
By providing a clear, evidence-based picture of property condition, surveys support strategic asset management and responsible decision-making.
Our Building Survey Approach
Our surveyors carry out inspections with minimal disruption to residents. Surveys may include:
- Visual inspection of internal and external fabric
- Assessment of roofs, walls, windows, floors, and structural elements
- Evaluation of mechanical and electrical services (where appropriate)
- Identification of defects, wear, or deterioration
- Recommendations for remedial works and maintenance programmes
Detailed surveys also include photographs, drawings, and technical commentary, suitable for boards, committees, or regulatory bodies.
Deliverables and Reporting
After a building survey, clients receive:
- A clear, written survey report
- Identification and categorisation of defects
- Recommendations and estimated costs for repairs or refurbishment
- Advice on prioritisation for maintenance or investment planning
- Evidence suitable for asset management, compliance, or funding applications
Reports are written in plain English, tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences, and fully compliant with RICS guidance where applicable.