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 three survey options, allowing the scope and depth of inspection to be matched to the age, construction, condition and complexity of the property.
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 independent 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
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 membership and independent advice
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.
CABE members are required to follow the Association’s professional standards and maintain continuing professional development. This provides clients with professional reassurance while remaining distinct from RICS membership and RICS Home Survey products.
What does ACABE mean?
ACABE denotes Associate Member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, a professional body incorporated by Royal Charter. Membership reflects professional competence, conduct and continuing development within the built environment.
How are Williams reports different?
Williams Survey & Design is not a RICS-regulated practice. Our building survey reports are independently developed Williams Survey & Design reports and are not RICS Home Surveys or mortgage valuations.
When is a Williams survey suitable?
Where you want an independent assessment of visible building condition, clear photographic findings, practical defect commentary and repair or maintenance advice, and no lender, insurer, solicitor or other party has specified a RICS-branded report.
When should you appoint an RICS surveyor?
If your mortgage lender, insurer, solicitor or another party specifically requires a RICS Home Survey, RICS valuation or an MRICS/FRICS surveyor, you should confirm that requirement before instruction.
Unsure?
Tell us what the survey is required for before instructing us and we will confirm whether our service is appropriate.
Need a survey on a property?
Send us the property address, approximate age and anything you are particularly concerned about. We can recommend the most appropriate survey option and provide a clear quotation before you decide whether to proceed.