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.

Email [email protected]Call 01892 249114

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.

Call Louisa

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.

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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.

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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.

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New house framework of house under beam construction

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.

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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.

RICS Level 3 Survey RICS Level 2 Survey

Testimonials

Slide 1 of 13

Louisa was very helpful from start to finish with my survey. She communicated with me throughout the process to make sure i was kept in the loop throughout the process. Louisa provided me with a very detailed survey and focused on the areas i was concerned about. Louisa was very helpful with answering any questions i had before, during and after the survey which put my mind at rest. Louisa responded to any emails and calls quickly. I would definitely recommend Louisa's services as the service i received was great!

- Lucy G

Louisa recently completed a Level 3 survey for us. The service was excellent from start to finish. She met us at the property and explained the important points very clearly to us. She then provided us a very detailed written report within 2 days which we were told was very fast. We would highly recommend her.

- Mr and Dr R

Louisa recently carried out a Level 2 survey for our house purchase and the process was seamless. Louisa is efficient, professional and an expert in her field. She met us after the survey to outline her findings and answer any queries we had. Huge thanks to Louisa for making the moving process that little bit easier!

Rachel P

Promptness of response : Louisa, took the trouble to call and explain how she would bring additional value to her service. She communicated very well and left me feeling confident Quality of service : Exceeded all expectations. Took the trouble to meet us at the property at the end of the survey and discuss her findings Value for money : The cost was competitive and the service exceeded anything I have experienced before and I have been on the property market for over 40 years. Professionalism : Professionalism beyond expectations.

Mr O

Very impressed with personal presentation, efficiency, thoroughness of survey and report and promptness. Would strongly recommend Austen May

Mr C.

Excellent and comprehensive work delivered. Timely also and good post survey engagement and support.

Dr E.

Louisa stepped in late notice for us and we were very impressed with her service. She was incredibly thorough and produced a very detailed level 3 survey for our prospective purchase. She also kindly took the time after the survey to debrief us of her overall conclusions and offer an opportunity for us to discuss with her. Highly recommend her services.

Charlotte J

Thank you so much for your excellent survey which was very thorough and for your professional advice and honest opinions which have been extremely useful in enabling me to come to the right decision and for your flexibility in surveying the property and sending the report so swiftly I would be very happy to use your services again in the future when I find another property to buy.

Ms S.

TPR Property Solutions has known Louisa McAllister for many years and when a client of ours required a Building Survey on short notice, Louisa reacted immediately, efficiently turning the report around and reporting to our client, who was subsequently very impressed with the service she provided. Always contactable, it was a pleasure working with Louisa and Austen May and we shall look forward to working together again soon.

Jeannie - TPR Property Services

Louisa is a real professional. She executed a survey for us upon an offer placed for a property. Her attention to detail uncovered structural issues with the property, resulting in us pulling the offer. We are grateful, because it is ultimately better to know sooner rather than post purchase if something is wrong. Thank you!

Ms I

Louisa was informative and helpful throughout the process, providing a detailed report with photos depicting all the raised points. I found it particularly useful to also have a phone call where she walked me through everything in plain English. Would definitely recommend.

Mr B

Our surveyor Louisa McAllister was incredibly professional, thorough and most importantly, she was really nice. During such a stressful time she made the process very easy, and her report was so clear. Thank you so much for your help Louisa!

Ms H

Louisa was absolutely superb from beginning to end. Moving house is daunting enough, but surveys, quite frankly, scare me! She was utterly thorough; clear and concise in her reporting, and equally patient with some of my random questions, explaining everything (sometimes multiple times) until she knew I fully understood the finer details, and / or implications. I have felt completely supported throughout this process, and I would have NO hesitation in recommending Louisa. Excellent service. Thank you.

Ms W

Louisa was very helpful from start to finish with my survey. She communicated with me throughout the process to make sure i was kept in the loop throughout the process. Louisa provided me with a very detailed survey and focused on the areas i was concerned about. Louisa was very helpful with answering any questions i had before, during and after the survey which put my mind at rest. Louisa responded to any emails and calls quickly. I would definitely recommend Louisa's services as the service i received was great!

- Lucy G

Louisa recently completed a Level 3 survey for us. The service was excellent from start to finish. She met us at the property and explained the important points very clearly to us. She then provided us a very detailed written report within 2 days which we were told was very fast. We would highly recommend her.

- Mr and Dr R

Louisa recently carried out a Level 2 survey for our house purchase and the process was seamless. Louisa is efficient, professional and an expert in her field. She met us after the survey to outline her findings and answer any queries we had. Huge thanks to Louisa for making the moving process that little bit easier!

Rachel P

Promptness of response : Louisa, took the trouble to call and explain how she would bring additional value to her service. She communicated very well and left me feeling confident Quality of service : Exceeded all expectations. Took the trouble to meet us at the property at the end of the survey and discuss her findings Value for money : The cost was competitive and the service exceeded anything I have experienced before and I have been on the property market for over 40 years. Professionalism : Professionalism beyond expectations.

Mr O

Very impressed with personal presentation, efficiency, thoroughness of survey and report and promptness. Would strongly recommend Austen May

Mr C.

Excellent and comprehensive work delivered. Timely also and good post survey engagement and support.

Dr E.

Louisa stepped in late notice for us and we were very impressed with her service. She was incredibly thorough and produced a very detailed level 3 survey for our prospective purchase. She also kindly took the time after the survey to debrief us of her overall conclusions and offer an opportunity for us to discuss with her. Highly recommend her services.

Charlotte J

Thank you so much for your excellent survey which was very thorough and for your professional advice and honest opinions which have been extremely useful in enabling me to come to the right decision and for your flexibility in surveying the property and sending the report so swiftly I would be very happy to use your services again in the future when I find another property to buy.

Ms S.

TPR Property Solutions has known Louisa McAllister for many years and when a client of ours required a Building Survey on short notice, Louisa reacted immediately, efficiently turning the report around and reporting to our client, who was subsequently very impressed with the service she provided. Always contactable, it was a pleasure working with Louisa and Austen May and we shall look forward to working together again soon.

Jeannie - TPR Property Services

Louisa is a real professional. She executed a survey for us upon an offer placed for a property. Her attention to detail uncovered structural issues with the property, resulting in us pulling the offer. We are grateful, because it is ultimately better to know sooner rather than post purchase if something is wrong. Thank you!

Ms I

Louisa was informative and helpful throughout the process, providing a detailed report with photos depicting all the raised points. I found it particularly useful to also have a phone call where she walked me through everything in plain English. Would definitely recommend.

Mr B

Our surveyor Louisa McAllister was incredibly professional, thorough and most importantly, she was really nice. During such a stressful time she made the process very easy, and her report was so clear. Thank you so much for your help Louisa!

Ms H

Louisa was absolutely superb from beginning to end. Moving house is daunting enough, but surveys, quite frankly, scare me! She was utterly thorough; clear and concise in her reporting, and equally patient with some of my random questions, explaining everything (sometimes multiple times) until she knew I fully understood the finer details, and / or implications. I have felt completely supported throughout this process, and I would have NO hesitation in recommending Louisa. Excellent service. Thank you.

Ms W

Louisa was very helpful from start to finish with my survey. She communicated with me throughout the process to make sure i was kept in the loop throughout the process. Louisa provided me with a very detailed survey and focused on the areas i was concerned about. Louisa was very helpful with answering any questions i had before, during and after the survey which put my mind at rest. Louisa responded to any emails and calls quickly. I would definitely recommend Louisa's services as the service i received was great!

- Lucy G

Louisa recently completed a Level 3 survey for us. The service was excellent from start to finish. She met us at the property and explained the important points very clearly to us. She then provided us a very detailed written report within 2 days which we were told was very fast. We would highly recommend her.

- Mr and Dr R

Louisa recently carried out a Level 2 survey for our house purchase and the process was seamless. Louisa is efficient, professional and an expert in her field. She met us after the survey to outline her findings and answer any queries we had. Huge thanks to Louisa for making the moving process that little bit easier!

Rachel P

Promptness of response : Louisa, took the trouble to call and explain how she would bring additional value to her service. She communicated very well and left me feeling confident Quality of service : Exceeded all expectations. Took the trouble to meet us at the property at the end of the survey and discuss her findings Value for money : The cost was competitive and the service exceeded anything I have experienced before and I have been on the property market for over 40 years. Professionalism : Professionalism beyond expectations.

Mr O

Very impressed with personal presentation, efficiency, thoroughness of survey and report and promptness. Would strongly recommend Austen May

Mr C.

Excellent and comprehensive work delivered. Timely also and good post survey engagement and support.

Dr E.

Louisa stepped in late notice for us and we were very impressed with her service. She was incredibly thorough and produced a very detailed level 3 survey for our prospective purchase. She also kindly took the time after the survey to debrief us of her overall conclusions and offer an opportunity for us to discuss with her. Highly recommend her services.

Charlotte J

Thank you so much for your excellent survey which was very thorough and for your professional advice and honest opinions which have been extremely useful in enabling me to come to the right decision and for your flexibility in surveying the property and sending the report so swiftly I would be very happy to use your services again in the future when I find another property to buy.

Ms S.

TPR Property Solutions has known Louisa McAllister for many years and when a client of ours required a Building Survey on short notice, Louisa reacted immediately, efficiently turning the report around and reporting to our client, who was subsequently very impressed with the service she provided. Always contactable, it was a pleasure working with Louisa and Austen May and we shall look forward to working together again soon.

Jeannie - TPR Property Services

Louisa is a real professional. She executed a survey for us upon an offer placed for a property. Her attention to detail uncovered structural issues with the property, resulting in us pulling the offer. We are grateful, because it is ultimately better to know sooner rather than post purchase if something is wrong. Thank you!

Ms I

Louisa was informative and helpful throughout the process, providing a detailed report with photos depicting all the raised points. I found it particularly useful to also have a phone call where she walked me through everything in plain English. Would definitely recommend.

Mr B

Our surveyor Louisa McAllister was incredibly professional, thorough and most importantly, she was really nice. During such a stressful time she made the process very easy, and her report was so clear. Thank you so much for your help Louisa!

Ms H

Louisa was absolutely superb from beginning to end. Moving house is daunting enough, but surveys, quite frankly, scare me! She was utterly thorough; clear and concise in her reporting, and equally patient with some of my random questions, explaining everything (sometimes multiple times) until she knew I fully understood the finer details, and / or implications. I have felt completely supported throughout this process, and I would have NO hesitation in recommending Louisa. Excellent service. Thank you.

Ms W

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

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