About Us | Crawley Surveyor - Chartered Surveyors in West Sussex

Our Story

Crawley Surveyors Built on Local Knowledge

Crawley Surveyor began with a simple idea: that people buying property in Crawley and across West Sussex deserve honest, expert advice from a surveyor who actually knows the area. Not a faceless national firm. Not a box-ticking service that leaves you none the wiser. A real surveyor who understands the local property market, knows the quirks of the housing stock, and takes the time to explain what they've found.

Over the past 15 years, we've surveyed hundreds of properties across Crawley, Horley, Horsham, Brighton and beyond — from post-war family homes in Ifield and Pound Hill to Victorian terraces in Three Bridges, modern apartments near Gatwick and commercial buildings across West Sussex and Surrey.

We've seen it all. And that experience means we know exactly what to look for — whether it's the classic damp issues in older Sussex properties, the structural quirks of 1960s system-built housing, or the hidden defects that an untrained eye simply won't catch during a viewing.

Our surveyors hold accreditations from RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) and RPSA (Residential Property Surveyors Association). These aren't just letters after a name — they represent genuine professional standards, ongoing training, and the consumer protection that comes with proper regulation.

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Chartered surveyors from Crawley Surveyor discussing a building survey report with clients

"Our mission is simple: to give every client the information they need to make the best decision about their property — delivered clearly, honestly and on time."

— The Crawley Surveyor Team

What We Stand For

The Values That Drive Every Survey We Do

Honesty

We tell you what we find — every defect, every risk, every recommendation — even if it's not what you want to hear. You deserve the truth.

Thoroughness

We don't skim. Every accessible part of every property gets the same careful attention, from the ridge tiles to the floor joists.

Clarity

Our reports are written in plain English. No jargon, no unnecessary technical language. Just clear, actionable information you can act on.

Approachability

Have questions after you've read your report? Call us. We're here to help you understand what it means and what to do next.

Meet the Team

The Chartered Surveyors Behind Crawley Surveyor

Our team of experienced surveying professionals brings together decades of hands-on knowledge of the Crawley area and the wider West Sussex and Surrey property markets.

Richard Ashton

Principal Surveyor

Richard has been surveying property across Crawley and West Sussex for over 18 years. He founded Crawley Surveyor after years in larger national firms, driven by a desire to offer genuinely personal service to local property buyers. He specialises in older properties and structural investigations, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the post-war housing estates that dominate the Crawley area. Richard's surveys have helped clients save tens of thousands of pounds through informed renegotiations and by identifying serious defects before purchase.

"I started this firm because I wanted people in Crawley to have access to the same quality of advice that was previously only available to large commercial clients. Every person buying a home deserves a surveyor who actually cares about the outcome."

Claire Watkins

Chartered Surveyor

Claire joined Crawley Surveyor six years ago after working in property valuation in Brighton and the wider Sussex market. She specialises in RICS HomeBuyer Reports and property valuations, and has a particular talent for communicating complex findings in a way that clients find genuinely useful. Claire is known for her meticulous attention to detail and for the warmth she brings to what can be a stressful process. She covers a wide area including Horsham, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and east into Surrey.

"The best part of my job is the moment a client realises exactly what they're buying — warts and all — and feels genuinely confident in their decision. That's what a good survey should do."

Tom Ellery

Senior Building Surveyor

Tom brings over 20 years of experience in both residential and commercial property surveying, with a background in project management that sets him apart from many local surveyors. He's the go-to member of our team for complex commercial building surveys, party wall matters and reinstatement cost assessments. Tom has surveyed a remarkable range of property types throughout West Sussex, Surrey and Kent — from Georgian farmhouses to modern industrial units near Gatwick. He's known for his thorough, no-nonsense approach.

"A survey is only as good as the person doing it. I've seen surveys that miss the obvious and I've seen surveys that create unnecessary panic. Getting the balance right — thorough but proportionate — is what I've spent 20 years perfecting."

Accreditations

Professional Standards That Protect You

Our accreditations aren't just badges. They represent a genuine commitment to professional standards, consumer protection and ongoing professional development.

RICS

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors — the world's leading professional body for property. RICS-regulated firms are subject to strict standards and professional indemnity insurance requirements. When you instruct a RICS surveyor in Crawley, you're protected.

CIOB

Chartered Institute of Building — the world's largest professional body for construction and project management. CIOB accreditation demonstrates a high level of competence and experience in building and construction — vital for complex building surveys.

RPSA

Residential Property Surveyors Association — a specialist body focused entirely on residential property surveying. RPSA members are trained to produce high-quality, consumer-focused survey reports and are bound by a strict code of practice.

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Ready to Book a Survey in Crawley?

Whether you're buying your first home or your tenth, our surveyors in Crawley are here to make sure you know exactly what you're getting. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.

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