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Fees & FAQ
Every instruction has a fixed fee, confirmed in writing with the scope before the inspection. The fee depends on the property and the scope, not on what the inspection finds.
How fees are set
Fixed fee, agreed first
Every instruction is quoted individually. You receive the scope and a fixed fee in writing before the inspection, and the fee does not change with what the inspection finds.
What affects the fee
The type, size, age and condition of the property, the service and level of survey, access, travel distance, any agreed testing or specialist input, and whether 360° documentation is included.
What is included
The inspection, the written report with photographs, and a follow-up call to go through the findings.
Extras agreed in advance
Further investigation, laboratory analysis of samples, extra site visits or additional properties are only carried out with your written agreement.
Get a quote
Send the property address, its type and approximate age, and a short description of what you need. You will receive the proposed scope and a fixed fee in writing. Any travel costs are included in the written quotation.
Questions
What are your qualifications?
I'm a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB), a Chartered Construction Manager, and an Associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (AssocRICS). I am not a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS). Home surveys are carried out in accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standard and do not include a valuation.
Does a 360° walkthrough replace an inspection?
No. A walkthrough records the visible condition of accessible areas at the time of capture. It supports the written report but does not replace a physical inspection, a survey report or specialist testing.
What if I'm unhappy with the service?
Please tell me first, so I can try to put it right. The complaints procedure explains the steps, including independent redress if a complaint isn't resolved.
Why not use a free damp survey?
Free surveys are often provided by companies that sell treatments. Some are thorough, but the commercial incentive exists. I charge for the investigation and sell nothing afterwards.
Do you use a damp meter?
Yes, as one tool among several. Hand-held meters are calibrated for timber, so on plaster and masonry they indicate relative differences rather than actual moisture content, and salts can give false high readings. Readings are interpreted alongside other evidence.
Will the report tell me what the repairs cost?
Where useful, reports give indicative cost ranges to help you prioritise and budget. They are not quotations. For firm prices you'll need quotes from contractors, and the report is written so they can quote on the same scope.
Can you recommend a contractor?
I can describe the type of contractor and the scope to ask them to price. I don't accept referral fees, so I don't steer clients to particular firms.
Who can rely on the report?
The client named in the terms of engagement. If someone else, such as a lender, buyer or other party, needs to rely on it, that has to be agreed in writing.
How quickly will I get the report?
The timescale is confirmed with the quotation, before you instruct me. If you're working to a deadline, mention it when you book.
What areas do you cover?
Approximately 50 miles by road from Barnsley, covering South and West Yorkshire and parts of North Yorkshire, the East Riding, North Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Greater Manchester. Specialist investigations and consultancy instructions can be undertaken nationally by arrangement. Any travel costs are included in the written quotation.
Ready for a quote?
Send the address and a short description of what you need, and you'll get a fixed fee and scope.