FAQ
We are always trying to provide excellent service so we have tried to answer all your questions so that the answers will be there day or night. If you can think of a question that needs answering then please drop us a line…
Are your reviews genuine?
Recently we stumbled across a post on Reddit, where we were mentioned and the query was, “we seem too go to be true”.
In reality we work very hard to ensure great outcomes for our clients and this is reflected in our reviews. We have so many as we have been going since 2012. We promise we have never written our own reviews on ANY platform.
Freeindex verifies the reviews in any case by email. You must have a google account to write one on google. Most of our work still comes from personal recommendation from family, friends and colleagues.
Why use an independent?
We work for you and you only unlike a valuer who works for your lender. An RICS survey stated that 58% of participants thought a mortgage valuation would let them know if there were damp or structural issues at the property but this is not the case.
How much will the survey cost?
Unlike other surveyors who immediately will ask the cost of the property to determine the fees they can charge you. We don’t. Uniquely our fee depends on the size and complexity of the property.
Why Should I use “Domestic Surveys” ?
We have invested heavily in technology. Our surveyors use mast cameras to enable us to see things that other surveyors simply cannot (see our Youtube videos on the About Us page). Our surveyors use the best damp meters available from General Electric, the “Surveymaster”. We take relative humidity readings to look for condensation issues. We all carry endoscopes so that if the opportunity arises we can check areas other surveyors cannot. Our Building Surveyors have been trained to identify asbestos. All our surveyors are trained annually in safe sampling for asbestos and instinctively look out for it.
Why are you such better value than other quotes we have had?
We work in a different way. We are a co-operative of self employed building surveyors who work together so we do not pay for time when surveyors are sitting idle. We have low overheads as we operate in a virtual office. During the quieter Winter periods we work with a lot of insurers so we are always busy. We do not drive the fanciest cars and we do not pass the costs on to you.
Can we come and meet you on-site?
Yes but you will have to speak with the agent and get their permission for insurance purposes. Some agents are happy for this (as it often speeds up the process) others can be very stuffy and insist that they “accompany” you, others have refused this simple request.
Do you survey other types of domestic property?
Yes we will undertake building surveys on Pre-fabricated reinforced concrete (PRC) sometimes called prefabs. There are over 100 different types including Laing Easi Form (as found in Lockleaze, Lawrence Weston) and Cornish type 1 and 2 (as found in Filton and Southmead), Wimpey no fines, BSIF.
Should I have a survey on a modern Property (last 20 years) ?
In our experience we have undertaken surveys of houses completed in the last ten years and uncovered a number of expensive defects, much to the surprise of our clients.
When will I be able to have my feedback?
We work as well. We know the frustration of having to take time off! Especially if you are paying for an expensive service such as a building survey. We are available out of hours, call for an enquiry. We use Skype/Zoom.
How can we pay?
We accept BACS transfer or a Cheque.
Where do you work?
We work throughout Bristol, Kingswood, Eastville, Stapleton, Stoke Gifford, Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Portishead, Brislington, Bedminster, Redfield, Clifton, Southville, Knowle, Knowle West, Henbury, Hengrove, Shirehampton, Avonmouth, Thornbury and Weston-Super-Mare, All of the BS postcodes. One of our surveyors lives in Gloucester and works all over Gloucester as well as Bristol and Wales. We do work in other parts of the country when required or recommended and then we do charge for travel.