Expert Survey Services

The Right Survey for Every Crawley Property

Choosing the right survey can feel overwhelming — especially when you're already navigating mortgages, solicitors and estate agents. That's where we come in. As your dedicated Crawley surveyor, our job is to cut through the confusion and give you the clearest possible picture of the property you're buying or selling.

We've designed our survey services to cover the full range of property types you'll find in and around Crawley — from 1950s post-war family homes to Victorian terraces, modern new builds and commercial buildings. Whatever kind of property you're dealing with, we have the expertise and the accreditations to give you confidence.

All our surveys are carried out by qualified, experienced professionals accredited by RICS, CIOB and/or RPSA. And crucially, all our reports are written in plain English — no jargon, no unnecessary technical language, just clear, actionable advice you can actually use.

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Professional building surveyor inspecting property defects and damp in a West Sussex home
RICS Level 3

Full Building Survey (Level 3)

The full building survey — also known as a Level 3 survey or structural survey — is the most thorough and detailed survey we offer. It's the gold standard for property buyers who want complete confidence in the condition of a property before purchase.

Our surveyors examine every accessible element of the building from top to bottom — roof structure, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, drainage, services and much more. We identify defects, assess their severity, explain what caused them, and tell you what needs to be done about them. The result is a comprehensive, photo-rich report that gives you a complete picture of the property's condition.

Who needs a full building survey?

  • Buyers of older properties (typically pre-1950s)
  • Anyone buying an unusual or non-standard construction property
  • Buyers of properties in a poor condition or with obvious defects
  • Those considering significant renovation or extension works
  • Anyone purchasing a listed or heritage building

What's included:

  • Inspection of all accessible areas of the property
  • Assessment of the roof structure and covering
  • Detailed examination of walls, floors and ceilings
  • Identification and assessment of all visible defects
  • Damp and moisture readings throughout
  • Assessment of drainage, services and outbuildings
  • Colour photographs documenting all key findings
  • Priority-rated recommendations for action
  • Reinstatement cost assessment (optional)
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Row of older Victorian terrace properties in Sussex that require a full building survey

Case Study: Victorian Terrace, Three Bridges

Our full building survey of a 3-bed Victorian terrace in Three Bridges, Crawley revealed significant damp to the rear ground floor extension, timber rot in the roof structure, and original cast iron drainage in poor condition. Total estimated repair cost: £18,500. The client used our report to renegotiate a £15,000 price reduction — more than 10 times the cost of the survey.

RICS Level 2

RICS HomeBuyer Report (Level 2)

The RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is our most popular survey option, and it's ideal for most standard residential properties built after 1945 that are in reasonable condition. It provides a focused assessment of the property's key elements, using the RICS traffic-light rating system to help you understand the seriousness of any issues found.

A HomeBuyer Report from one of our Crawley surveyors will cover the main structural elements, damp, roof condition, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical services, and any significant defects. It also includes a market valuation, which can be especially useful if you're buying with a mortgage.

Who needs a HomeBuyer Report?

  • Buyers of standard post-war residential properties
  • First-time buyers wanting a clear overview of the property
  • Those buying properties in reasonable, well-maintained condition
  • Anyone who wants a professional survey but doesn't need the depth of a Level 3

RICS Traffic Light System:

Condition 1 (Green): No repair currently needed
Condition 2 (Amber): Defects that need attention but aren't urgent
Condition 3 (Red): Serious defects requiring urgent attention
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Chartered surveyor in Crawley carrying out a homebuyer survey on a residential property
Property Valuation

Accurate Property Valuations in Crawley and West Sussex

Whether you need an independent market valuation for a mortgage, probate, shared ownership or matrimonial purposes, our RICS surveyors deliver precise, defensible valuations you can rely on.

Mortgage Valuation

Need an independent valuation for a mortgage application? Our RICS-accredited valuations are accepted by all major mortgage lenders and give both you and your lender confidence in the value of the property.

Probate Valuation

Dealing with a property as part of an estate? Our probate valuations are carried out by experienced RICS surveyors and meet all HMRC requirements — delivered with the sensitivity the situation demands.

Matrimonial Valuation

Going through a separation or divorce? An independent RICS valuation provides an objective assessment of the property's value that both parties and the court can rely on.

Party Wall Advice

Party Wall Surveying in Crawley

If you're planning building works that affect a wall shared with a neighbour — or if your neighbour is planning works that affect your property — the Party Wall Act 1996 applies. Navigating party wall matters can be complex and stressful. Our experienced party wall surveyors in Crawley are here to take the strain.

We act as agreed surveyor (appointed by both parties) or as surveyor for either the building owner or the adjoining owner, depending on your situation. We prepare and serve party wall notices, draw up party wall awards, carry out schedule of condition surveys, and provide expert advice at every stage of the process.

When do you need party wall advice?

  • Extensions — including rear or side extensions adjoining a neighbour's property
  • Loft conversions affecting a party wall
  • Basement excavations close to a neighbouring property
  • Building a new wall on or at the boundary
  • Cutting into a party wall to insert beams or RSJs
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Party Wall Process Summary

1
Serve Notice

You must serve written notice on adjoining owners at least 1–2 months before work begins.

2
Response Period

Neighbours have 14 days to consent or dissent. Dissent triggers a dispute resolution process.

3
Appoint Surveyors

Both parties appoint surveyors (or an agreed surveyor) to draw up a Party Wall Award.

4
Schedule of Condition

A pre-work schedule documents the existing condition of the neighbouring property.

5
Party Wall Award

A formal legal document setting out the rights and obligations of both parties is issued.

Additional Services

Structural Surveys and Commercial Building Surveys

Structural Survey

A structural survey is a specialist investigation focused specifically on the structural elements of a property — foundations, walls, floors, roof structure and supporting elements. It's appropriate where there are specific concerns about structural integrity: significant cracking, subsidence, movement, or where a property has been significantly altered.

Our structural surveys are carried out by surveyors with genuine expertise in building pathology. We identify defects, diagnose their cause, and recommend appropriate action — from specialist investigation to specific remedial works.

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Commercial Building Survey

Our commercial building surveys cover a wide range of commercial property types across Crawley, West Sussex and Surrey — offices, retail units, industrial buildings, warehouses and mixed-use properties. We provide surveys for buyers, sellers, investors and occupiers, as well as schedules of condition and dilapidations reports for landlords and tenants.

Tom Ellery, our senior building surveyor, brings over 20 years of experience in commercial property surveying across the South East, including project management oversight for major commercial developments.

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Compare Surveys

Which Survey is Right for You?

Not sure which survey you need? Here's a quick comparison to help you decide. When in doubt, just ask us — we're always happy to advise.

Feature RICS Level 2
HomeBuyer Report		 RICS Level 3
Full Building Survey		 Structural Survey
Best for Standard post-war homes in good condition All property types, especially older/unusual homes Where specific structural concerns exist
Depth of inspection ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Market valuation included ✓ Optional ✗
Repair cost estimates Limited ✓ Full ✓ Structural elements
Suitable for older properties Use with caution ✓ Ideal ✓
Typical starting price From £400 From £600 POA
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FAQs

Common Questions About Our Survey Services

A HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) is a focused survey covering the main visible elements of a property using the RICS traffic-light rating system. It includes a market valuation and is appropriate for standard properties in reasonable condition. A Full Building Survey (Level 3) is a far more detailed investigation of every accessible element of the property, includes cost estimates for repairs, and is recommended for older, unusual, or poor-condition properties.

Yes — absolutely. New build properties have their own distinct range of defects, from minor cosmetic snags to more serious issues with drainage, insulation or structural elements. A new build snagging survey by one of our Crawley surveyors can identify issues that the developer must rectify under your warranty, potentially saving you thousands in repairs later.

In most cases, we can arrange a survey within 2–5 working days of instruction. We liaise directly with estate agents and vendors to arrange access, so you don't have to chase. If you're in a time-critical situation, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate an urgent booking.

Yes — and we actively encourage it, where the vendor or estate agent is willing. Being present allows you to ask questions directly and get a feel for the property's condition as the surveyor works through it. That said, some clients prefer to leave it entirely to us and then discuss the findings when the report is ready. Either way works.

First, don't panic. Most properties have issues of some kind — it's all about context and proportion. Our report will clearly explain the severity of any problems found and give you a realistic indication of what they might cost to fix. Armed with this information, you can make an informed decision: renegotiate the price, request remediation, proceed as planned, or walk away. We're here to talk you through the findings and help you decide what to do next.

Ready to Book Your Crawley Survey?

Our experienced surveyors provide building surveys and homebuyer reports throughout Crawley, West Sussex and Surrey. Get your free quote today.

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