Henderson Building Surveyors

Tel: 07870914895

Email: info@hbsurv.co.uk

Based between Reading and Oxford, we cover the whole of Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

Our Services

RICS Homebuyer Report

The RICS Homebuyer Report (now called RICS Level 2 Report) is our most popular service.

It provides extensive information regarding the current condition of your chosen property and is suitable for most properties built from c.1950 to the current day.

The report crucially includes a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property; detailed in a clear ‘traffic light’ system to outline problems that require varying degrees of attention in a concise fashion.

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RICS Building Survey

The RICS Building Survey, often called a Structural Survey, (and now officially called the RICS Level 3) is the most in depth survey.

It is suitable for:
- Any property built before 1950
- Significantly altered or extended properties
- Any listed building
- Neglected properties
- Any property built using non-standard construction methods such as pre-fabricated, pre-cast, timber framed etc.
The report further includes:
The report itself is far more detailed than a RICS Homebuyer report and further includes:
- A comprehensive investigation and thorough report on a wider range of issues. These will be bespoke to each built type with each report produced highly individual.
- A description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws, inappropriate building materials / practices and likley future problems that may be encountered.
- An outline of repair methodology and risk outcome of further neglect. Each report will have a full schedule of costs broken down into categories and linked to the recommendations in each section.
- Areas of further advice / confirmation for your solicitor or legal adviser and details of any serious risks and dangerous conditions.
Included as standard in all of our Homebuyer Reports
At Henderson Building Surveyors we have used our extensive knowledge, experience and customer feedback to refine the high quality RICS template, adding our own bespoke additions that we have found to be essential for a full and comprehensive service.

These are included as standard in all of our Homebuyer Reports:
- Over 100 pictures per report. This helps us convey defects to our clients as 'a picture paints a thousand words'.
- Roof survey conducted via drone. Traditional surveys are carried out from the ground/on a ladder. Through the use of drones and pole cameras we are able to fully see every angle of your roof/chimneys/gutters. *in some areas there are flight restrictions and we will use a 10m pole camera*
- Thermal imaging to seek hidden moisture issues, where indicated.
- Thermo-hygrometer readings to assess moisture conditions throughout the property, sub-floor vents etc, again to help find hidden moisture issues.
- Post inspection phone call and discussion

Need a Building Survey?

Do not hesitate to get in touch. The simplest way to do this is to enter your details on our online quote form - Please click the button below

Alternatively, please call us on 07870914895.

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Drone & Aerial Survey

Costs associated with high level inspections have always been excessive. Scaffolding, cherry pickers, harnesses, safety ropes - these will often cost you more than the repair specified!

Until recently however, this has been the only way but ………….

What if there was another way?

Well, thanks to modern technology - There is!

We carry out Drone & Aerial Surveys utilising high end drone and camera technology to carry out fast, efficient and effective drone inspections. There are no access restrictions, and our drones can get high quality pictures of your roof and chimneys in minutes, covering every angle.

There are no long delays awaiting safety equipment and their associated costs with the majority of inspections written up and sent to you on the same day!

As always, at Henderson Building Surveyors we offer something different. All of our RICS Level 2 & 3 - Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys - have drone inspections as standard and at no extra cost. With a standard aerial inspection starting at £250, this represents a significant saving and a far higher standard of service than viewing coverings, chimneys and gutters from the ground.

Take a look at the two pictures below.

Ground Level

Ground Level

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Taken by a Drone

Taken by a Drone

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The first is from ground level.

This is the angle traditional building surveys and homebuyer reports will view the roof coverings, chimneys, valleys and gutters. Problem is, you can’t see it all so the risk of hidden problems is high.

And, here is a picture from about 12 meters up, taken by a drone -

What we see is a significant defect - valley full of mud and a pretty much a garden forming! The cost to rectify this as found on the survey is at the most still under £1000. But if left, the costs would risk significantly. Moisture ingress internally leading to lead replacement at the valley, slate degradation, internal plasterboard removal and replacement, internal redecoration and not to mention defects to the neighbouring property you would be liable for too.

Thankfully the survey picked all this up and made the client aware.