Detailed Building Surveys That Help You Negotiate With Confidence

RICS Level 2 surveys, Level 3 surveys, and snagging surveys for new builds. Carried out by a Chartered Building Engineer. Reports within five working days.

★★★★★  4.8  65+ Google Reviews

Before You Exchange Contracts


The estate agent has shown you round the property twice. The mortgage valuation came back fine. You have already paid your solicitor a chunk of money and the seller is asking for an exchange date.


This is the wrong moment to find out the chimney is failing, the loft has timber decay, or the rear extension was built without building regulations approval. A pre-purchase survey is the one chance you have to find these things out before you are legally committed to buying the house.


Aerial view of three rooftop chimneys on a weathered slate roof beside a lawn.

Chimney defect identified during a Level 3 Survey in Guildford. Not visible from ground level.

Our Building Surveying Services

Brick house roof and chimney against a blue sky

RICS Level 2 Survey


For properties of standard construction in reasonable condition. Two-bedroom flats, modern semis, properties built after 1945 that have not been significantly altered. Identifies defects and major problems so you can make an informed decision.

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RICS Level 3 Survey


For older properties, listed buildings, non-traditional construction, or anything that has been altered or extended. A more thorough inspection. Includes diagnosis and reasoned advice on repairs.

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Clipboard checklist and pen on a house exterior inspection site with level and blueprint plans

Snagging Survey


For new builds before you complete, or for major extensions during or after the build. Identifies workmanship issues against the relevant standards while you still have leverage to get them fixed.

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Which Survey Do I Need?

The honest answer depends on the property. As a rough guide:

RICS Level 2 Survey


Right for most standard properties in reasonable condition. A two-bedroom flat, a 1970s semi, a 1990s estate house that has been lived in and looked after, no obvious signs of distress, nothing structurally unusual.

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

RICS Level 3 Survey


The better choice for older properties (pre-1945), listed buildings, non-traditional construction (concrete frame, timber frame, steel frame), properties with extensions or loft conversions, or properties showing visible signs of movement, damp, or structural issues. It is also the right choice if you simply want the most thorough inspection available.

SNAGGING

Snagging Survey


For new builds before you take possession, or for major extensions before final payment to the contractor.

If you are not sure which one fits, send us the property details.
We will tell you which one we would recommend and why.

How a Survey Works With Us

1

You enquire


Tell us the property address, the type of property, when you need the report by, and whether you have a preferred date for the inspection. We come back to you the same day with a price and the next available date.


2

We attend the property


We personally carries out the inspection. Survey time on site ranges from two hours for a Level 2 on a small property up to a full day for a complex Level 3 on an older house. Telescopic pole camera used to inspect roofs, chimneys, and gutters.

3

We telephone you


Within a day or two of the inspection, we call you to talk through what was found. This is before the written report is sent. Brings you up to speed and gives you the chance to ask questions while it is fresh.

4

The written report follows


By email, within five working days of the inspection. Traffic-light condition ratings to order defects by urgency. Photographs throughout. Plain English explanations. No jargon without a translation.

5

We are available after the report


If you have questions on reading the report, or if you want a view on whether to push back on price, call us. No additional charge.

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"We had a very efficient service from Jemade Palmer. Our Level 3 survey was scheduled promptly after first contacting them. We then received the report a week after the inspection day. The report was incredibly detailed with lots of clear explanations and pictures to explain the technical language. We are very clear on what maintenance the property will need as well as future and things to potentially look out for or invest in. We would highly recommend Jemade Palmer to anyone needing a Surveyor."

Roberts W.

RICS Level 3 Survey

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Rhian Evans

Pre-purchase survey

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"We were really impressed by the service we received from Jemade Palmer. Communication was always prompt and professional, and Uzoma made us feel that no question was a stupid one. We were always dealt with by the same person and were kept up to date with the progress of our survey. We received a detailed 76 page report on our property where we felt all jargon was explained, making the document extremely accessible. Moving house has the potential to cause a lot of stress but Jemade Palmer made the process incredibly easy and I would not hesitate to use them again in the future."

Robert Applegate

Home Buyer Survey

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"Uzoma has carried out 2 home buyer surveys for me recently. His reports are incredibly thorough: the photos in his report really highlight where problems exist in areas that would normally be out of sight such as lofts, roofs and chimneys. I found Uzoma very professional to deal with: he is very knowledgeable and was more than happy to answer my questions during a second viewing of a property. Uzoma's advice had a major bearing when I was deciding whether to proceed with a purchase or not. His advice saved me from incurring major expenses down the line."

Areas we cover


We carry out building surveys across Surrey and Berkshire, with regular work in Guildford, Woking, Reading, Godalming, Farnham, Camberley, Aldershot, Kingston upon Thames, and Twickenham. We also travel into central and west London on a regular basis.

If your property is outside this area, ask anyway. We travel for the right job.

Godalming

Farnham

Woking

Reading

Camberley

Kingston upon Thames

Aldershot

Twickenham

London

Hampshire

Guildford

Our Credentials

Common Questions

  • How much does a building survey cost?

    Cost varies with the property type, size, age, and the level of survey. Send us the property details and we will come back to you the same day with a fixed price. No hidden extras.

  • How quickly can the survey be done?

    For pre-purchase surveys under chain pressure, we can usually attend within a few days and turn the report around within five working days of the inspection. Tell us the deadline when you enquire and we will tell you straight whether we can hit it.

  • Do you use specialist equipment?

    Yes. Drone and Telescopic pole camera for chimneys, roofs, and gutters. Damp meter on every survey. Thermal imaging where damp or insulation is in question. The photographs and findings go in the report.

  • What does the report look like?

    Traffic-light condition ratings (1 means no issues, 2 means needs attention but not urgent, 3 means needs urgent attention). Photograph evidence for every defect. Plain English explanations. Reasoned advice on what to do next.

  • Will you talk me through it?

    Yes, on the phone, before the report is finalised. The call is part of the survey, not an extra.

Ready to Get Started?


Send us the property details. We will come back to you the same day with a price and the next available date.