Our Services

Helping you choose the Right Survey

Choosing the right property survey will help highlight any serious problems and advise you of any specific risks before you commit to the process of buying or selling a property. We offer a range of valuations such as Probate and help to buy too.

The RICS Home Buyer Survey – Level 1 & 2 (Survey only)
Choose this report if you are buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property. This level of service includes a extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but without tests. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Level 1 used to be called a condition report and was very basic only listing the condition of the property. We provide a more detailed report and survey, and its called Level 2 Survey, or Home buyers report depending on who you speak to.

The RICS Home Buyer Survey – Level 1 & 2 (Survey with Valuation)
As the RICS Home Buyer Survey – Level 2 above but includes the surveyor’s professional opinion on the ‘market value’ of the property, and an insurance reinstatement figure for the property

The RICS Home Survey – Level 3 (Building Survey)
Choose this report if dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works. It costs more than the other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. This service includes a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two

RICS Property Valuation
The majority of RICS valuations for residential properties are for mortgage purposes. Banks and building societies insist on carrying out valuations to make sure that the money they loan to buyers is a safe investment.

Surveyor’s valuations, on the other hand, reflect a fair and accurate market value that a willing buyer and purchaser would both accept.

Surveyors are accountable for their valuation – they have to provide detailed evidence showing how they have reached their estimate.

RICS valuations are the only valuations that are accepted by most banks, Help to Buy and shared ownership schemes. The RICS is a professional institution that regulates RICS surveyors. RICS valuers must follow the RICS valuation guidelines, known as the ‘Red Book’

Valuation for Help to Buy
If you’re looking to sell, re-pay or re-mortgage a Help To Buy loan, you need an independent valuation conducted by a registered RICS surveyor complying with RICS guidelines. The repayment cost is determined by the current property valuation and not the purchase price. An RICS surveyor guarantees you’ll get a true market valuation.

Valuation for Probate
As with any valuation being used for tax purposes and probate valuations must be carried out by a professional member of RICS, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, according to RICS Red Book standards. That’s why the valuation is often referred to as a ‘Red Book’ valuation. We can help you by providing a detailed and comprehensive valuation

Energy Performance Certificates
Choose this report if you are selling or letting out your property. You may also require an EPC if you are applying for government grants, or the Renewable Heat Incentives (RHI). We have carried out over 5000 EPCs and our reports will show the Energy Rating of the property, and what improvements can be made to improve the efficiency of the building. Simple changes to a property and how it is used can have positive effects of energy costs, and the comfort of the home.

Snagging Survey
If you’ve bought a new-build home, you’re probably expecting it to be absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, though, even the best new homes can have issues. The good news is that, aside from occasional horror stories, most problems with New Build Homes are cosmetic and easily fixed. For that reason, a traditional survey is likely to be a little excessive – and this is where snagging surveys come in. Given that you’re investing thousands (or perhaps hundreds of thousands) of pounds in a new home, and the survey can spot major problems that may otherwise go unnoticed until your property is out of its warranty period, this is money well spent. You have 2 years to highlight issues to the builder from the date you move in.

We will be able to guide you through which home survey is right for you if you are unsure which one to choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most common questions we answer

Q- Are the property reports and surveys called different names?

A- Yes, You would have heard the phrases “Home Buyer Report”, “Home Condition Report”, “Mortgage Valuation Report”, Rics Report, Condition Report, to name but a few. We will guide you through which report is best for your needs, but most are the same report, just called a different name. We supply RICs reports which are the premium standard

Q- What areas do you cover?

A- We are based in Colchester and Clacton, with our surveyors living right throughout the county of Essex. We can cover all of Essex for you. If you are unsure, please ask us if we cover your area

Q- Can you help deal with my Estate Agents, Tenants or Solicitor?

A- Of course. It is common for us to collect keys from Estate and Letting Agents, Meet tenants, or help with your solicitor questions. We normally book our own appointments for you and look after the process from start to finish

Q- How soon will i recieve my report?

A- We aim to supply your report within 48 hours of our visit via email to you, and a hard copy can be provided.

Q- Can you talk me through the report if i am stuck?

A- Certainly, It is common to want to ask us questions regarding our findings. We actively encourage it. We like to talk 🙂

Q- Some people have advised me that I do not need a Property Survey, do you agree?

A- Buying a property is probably the biggest purchase of your life. Most people look at a house twice before making an offer, then wait 4 months to move in. We would always recommend a detailed look at what can’t be viewed with an estate agent, or vendor. Our job is to provide you with an in depth, unbiased view, which will give you the confidence to proceed, secure your mortgage, or give you the chance to negotiate further with the owners.

Q- How do i book you in?

A- Give us a call on 01206688137 or 01255 754037 and we will do the rest, alternatively drop us an email using our page below

Q- How much do you charge?

A- Every report is different depending on the size and type of property. We are very competitve, and believe our fees are inline with the current property market

Q- What availabilty do you have?

A- We normally book at least 5 days in advance, but sometimes have slots available earlier. Please call us to discuss your needs

Q- How do I pay for my report?

A- You can pay by Bank Transfer, Debit or Credit Card or by Cheque