Residential Surveying in West Kent and East Sussex
Austen May Surveying offers a professional surveying service to help you make informed decisions when buying or selling a property.
Louisa McAllister - AssocRICS MRPSA DipSRV
With a profound passion for buildings and experience in the industry spanning nearly 20 years, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Austen May Surveying. I have also bought and sold many properties myself so I understand the many concerns you have when buying a property.
My commitment to providing exceptional service means that I go the extra mile to understand your needs fully and I really care about the outcome.
Whether you're a property owner or buyer seeking detailed information about your property or need valuable advice, I'm here to assist you every step of the way.
Contact me at Austen May Surveying by emailing [email protected] or calling 01892 249114.
RICS Level 2 Survey (formerly a Homebuyers Survey)
The Level 2 Survey is suitable for properties built in or after 1920 that have not had significant alterations or extensions. It is suitable for most modern properties.
The Level 2 survey does NOT include a valuation.
RICS Level 3 Survey (formerly a Building Survey)
The Level 3 Survey is suitable for properties built before 1920 or ones that have undergone significant alterations or extensions,
The Level 3 survey does NOT include a valuation.
Specific Defect Report
Do you have specific concerns about your property, such as damp issues, cracking or roof problems? Austen May Surveying provides comprehensive inspections and reports that focus on identifying and addressing these specific concerns.
Snagging List
Austen May Surveying offers comprehensive snagging lists to identify any poor workmanship or defects before you legally commit to buying your new home so the issues can be remedied by the developer before you move in.
Frequently asked questions
What types of surveys do you offer?
I offer residential property surveys, including RICS Level 2 and 3 surveys (formerly known as Homebuyers and Building Surveys), specific defect reports and snagging lists for new-build properties.
Why is a property survey important?
A property survey helps identify potential issues or defects before buying or selling, ensuring informed decision-making and cost-effective budget planning. Without a survey, you may have a specific budget for updating a property, which gets wiped out very quickly when defects you weren't aware of come to light.
How long does a survey usually take?
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the property, typically ranging from a few hours upwards. A RICS Level 2 survey inspection may take 2.5 hours and a RICS Level 3 survey could take a whole day.
How long is it until I get my report?
I promise a rapid turnaround time, typically within 5 working days of the inspection.
I've had a mortgage survey. Why should I have a separate survey on the property I am buying?
It is a common misconception that a mortgage 'survey' will tell you what defects a property has. When a lender sends a surveyor to a property, they are solely acting for the lender and not for you as a buyer. The inspection process is usually over in less than an hour (much less in some situations) and will only report on defects that are likely to have a specific impact on the value of the property. A RICS Level 2 or 3 survey will be much more thorough, with the surveyor spending considerably more time acting on your behalf, to identify defects that may have cost implications to you.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, I offer discounts to any members of the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, or armed forces. Please just ask.
What level of survey do I need?
It can be confusing to know which survey would best suit your needs. The two documents below explain the differences between the two levels of survey to assist you in making the right decision. If you are still in doubt, please call me and I can help you make the right decision.
Testimonials
Why choose Austen May Surveying?
Personal contact with your surveyor
You will be able to discuss the property, the survey and any related concerns with me, both before the inspection and once you have received the report. I offer a free 45 minute telephone call to ask any questions you may have once you've read the report.
You will have direct contact with me from the outset to the end of our professional relationship and won't be transferred to a central office or call centre. Your survey instruction will not be passed onto a third party to be undertaken and will only be carried out by me.
I aim to always exceed your expectations
I promise a rapid turnaround delivery of our reports, typically within 5 working days from when the report is conducted. This ensures the report is not rushed, and I have ample time to reflect before sending the report or discussing my findings with you over the phone.
I limit the number of surveys carried out each week. This enables me to continue to provide a highly professional level of service. Your report will have all the detail you require to help you make one of the most important decisions of your life.
A detailed and easy to understand report
You will receive an easy to understand and very detailed report, which has a traffic light system to tell you the urgency of each issue found. The report will have photographs showing defects found. These will include high level photography of the hard to see areas of the property.
A totally independent viewpoint
I earn no money from referral links to estate agents, mortgage brokers, or solicitors and am therefore totally independent and working for YOU.
Talk to me
Get in touch with me to discuss how I can help you with what you need.
If you need a quote for a survey, please send me a link to more details on the property.
What happens next?
If instructed to carry out a RICS Level 2 or 3 survey, I will make contact with the estate agent to arrange a convenient time for the inspection to take place. You don't need to do anything. Once the appointment is booked, I will send you our Terms of Engagement and invoice for payment. Once payment has been received and the signed Terms of Engagement received back, I will carry out the inspection. Sometimes, I find a defect on the inspection that warrants a call with you on the day. Other times, I will aim to speak with you within 2 working days of the inspection and have the finalised report to you within 5 working days. Payment can be made by BACS or via Paypal. The bank details will be provided on the invoice.
Regulated By RICS and Member of RPSA
