Understand the property before you commit.
Independent building surveys for buyers and property owners, with clear findings, photographic evidence and practical advice on defects, maintenance and further investigation.
Not every property needs the same depth of inspection
A modern, straightforward property and a heavily altered Victorian house should not automatically receive the same type of report.
Williams Survey & Design offers a range of professional survey options, allowing the scope and depth of inspection to be matched to the age, construction, condition, complexity and purpose of the instruction.
Not sure which survey is right for you? Send us the property address, approximate age and anything you are particularly concerned about. We will recommend the most appropriate survey rather than automatically suggesting the most expensive option.
Three whole-property survey options
Essential Condition Report
A concise inspection focused on significant visible condition issues.
- Visual inspection of accessible areas
- Key defects and condition concerns
- Photographic evidence where useful
- Maintenance items requiring attention
- Issues that may justify further investigation
- Clear summary of priority matters
Detailed Property Survey
A broader inspection with more explanation of defects, likely causes and practical repairs.
- More detailed visual inspection
- Commentary on significant defects
- Likely causes where reasonably apparent
- Practical repair and maintenance advice
- Prioritisation of recommended actions
- Matters to investigate before purchase
- More extensive photographic evidence
Comprehensive Building Survey
Our most detailed inspection for complex, older, unusual or visibly defect-affected buildings.
- Detailed condition assessment
- Construction and alteration observations
- Defect analysis and likely causation
- Repair strategy and priority advice
- Areas requiring specialist input
- Consideration of future maintenance
- Extensive photographic reporting
- Greater detail where defects warrant it
Property Condition & Defect Survey
A whole-property condition record for clients who need more than a brief overview, but are not necessarily commissioning a purchaser-style building survey.
Particularly suited to landlords, property owners, managing agents and commercial clients, this survey records room-by-room condition, visible defects, deterioration and matters requiring attention, supported by photographic evidence and practical recommendations.
The property usually tells us what depth of survey makes sense
Before quoting, we consider the property information you provide and any readily available background information.
Looking at the building as a complete system
Roofs & rainwater goods
Roof coverings, visible structure, chimneys, flashings, gutters and signs of leakage or deterioration.
Walls & structure
Cracking, movement, masonry condition, alterations, visible structural concerns and external wall performance.
Dampness & moisture
Visible dampness, condensation indicators, water ingress, ventilation issues and likely moisture sources.
Floors, ceilings & interiors
Visible condition, movement, distortion, finishes and indications of concealed or historic problems.
Windows, doors & joinery
Condition, operation, visible decay, glazing issues and evidence of alteration or poor installation.
External areas & services
Where relevant and accessible: drainage indicators, retaining features, external surfaces and visible service-related concerns.
A clear process from inspection to report
Property review
We confirm the scope, property details and any particular concerns you would like us to consider.
Site inspection
A visual inspection is carried out of reasonably accessible areas relevant to the agreed survey scope.
Assessment
Observed defects and condition issues are considered in the context of construction type, age, alterations and likely causes.
Clear report
You receive a written report with photographs, priorities and practical recommendations appropriate to the instruction.
Professional building surveys, independently prepared
Luke Haworth ACABE is an Associate Member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). Associate membership is awarded against CABE’s Associate Competency Framework and demonstrates a recognised level of expertise and professional competence.
Williams Survey & Design combines professional built-environment qualifications with extensive practical construction, surveying and building-defect experience. We hold appropriate Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance and undertake instructions within the scope of our professional competence.
Our surveys are designed to provide detailed, practical and technically informed assessments of construction and condition, supported by clear photographic evidence and proportionate advice on defects, maintenance, repairs and further investigation.
Are these professional building surveys?
Yes. The inspection and report are professionally prepared and scoped according to the property, its construction, condition, complexity and the client's requirements.
Are they RICS Home Surveys?
No. A RICS Home Survey is a specific service provided within the RICS framework. Williams Survey & Design reports are independently scoped professional reports and are not RICS Home Surveys or mortgage valuations.
Does that mean a reduced level of inspection?
No. The absence of RICS branding does not itself determine how detailed an inspection will be. The agreed scope determines the depth of inspection and reporting, and our Detailed Property Survey and Comprehensive Building Survey are intended for clients who require progressively greater levels of technical consideration and reporting.
When should you appoint a RICS surveyor?
If a lender, insurer, solicitor or another third party specifically requires a RICS Home Survey, RICS valuation or an MRICS/FRICS surveyor, that requirement should be confirmed before instruction.
Unsure?
Tell us what the survey is required for and we will confirm whether our service is appropriate before you commit.
Need a survey on a property?
Use the guide-price calculator for an initial estimate. We can then review the property information, recommend the appropriate survey scope and confirm a fixed professional fee before arranging the inspection.
Starting prices are guide fees only and are subject to the property, location, complexity, access and agreed scope. No VAT is currently added to Williams Survey & Design professional fees.