FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Why Do I Need A Survey?
Many property defects can go unnoticed simply because they are hidden or not easily visible. A professional survey helps ensure that important areas are not overlooked and provides clear advice on any repairs or replacements that may be required before you commit to the purchase.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced mover, our survey report and follow-up consultation will give you a clear understanding of the property’s condition. This can help you negotiate the purchase price if necessary and plan or budget for any essential work in your new home.
What Is a RICS Home Survey?
Our independent RICS Surveyor will visit your chosen property, inspect it thoroughly and provide you with a written report.
Our reports include a discussion before and after ythr survey to provide you with helpful fiendly advice offering an overall better understanding of the process.
RICS qualified surveyors conduct surveys that carry the full weight of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the industry’s most respected authority on surveying.
Is It A Mortgage Lender Report?
A mortgage lender report is for the lender.
A Home/ Building Survey is for you!
The purpose of a mortgage lenders report is to confirm the property has reasonable security for the acceptance of your loan.
A RICS survey is a comprehensive document that informs you of the overall condition of the property.
The survey is invaluable during the negotiations and will help you avoid unexpected repair costs later down the line.
What Survey Do I Need?
The difference between our survey levels is simple. The level of inspection on site is always the same, and all surveys will identify visible issues at the property.
A Level 1 Survey provides a basic condition report only. It does not include photographs or repair advice.
A Level 2 Survey is more comprehensive and includes 4K photographs, repair recommendations, and a 4K drone roof inspection where appropriate.
A Level 3 Survey provides the most detail. It includes explanations of defects in plain language, outlining why they occur and the potential risks if repairs are not carried out.
How Much Does It Cost?
Survey costs vary depending on the size of the property, its condition, and the extent of the external plot or land included in the inspection.
As a general guide, a typical terraced or semi-detached property built between 1800 and 1950 will usually fall within the region of £550–£750, depending on the survey level selected.
Detached properties, larger semi-detached homes, or properties with larger plots or acreage will typically range between £850–£2,000, depending on the size of the property and the survey level required.
Once the property details have been reviewed, our surveyor will assess the information and provide a confirmed quotation based on the specific property and the level of survey requested.
What Happens Next?
1. Contact us for a personalised quote.
2. We discuss the process and help you to choose the appropriate level of RICS Survey for the property.
3. We liaise with the estate agent or owner to arrange an inspection on the property.
4. We carry out the survey and produce a written
report for you.
5. We discuss the findings and answer any further questions you may have throughout the process.
6. You can then make an informed decision on your forward purchase.
Do We Look In Lofts?
Our surveys include an inspection of the loft space where it is accessible and safe to enter.
In many properties, ceiling joists are covered by insulation. In these situations, we are normally limited to observations from the loft hatch, as it would not be safe to walk across concealed joists.
Where the joists are visible or the loft has been boarded for safe access, we are able to carry out a more thorough inspection of the loft space.
Do We Use a Drone?
YES.
As part of our comprehensive home survey inspections, we use a high-spec 4K Drone to safely and accurately assess hard-to-reach areas such as roofs, chimneys, and upper-level structures. The drone allows us to capture detailed, high-resolution images and videos, ensuring no issues are overlooked. Using the latest drone technology allows us to give you greater confidence and clarity when making important decisions about your property.
Do You Cover My Location?
We provide residential property surveys across Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire area, as well as throughout Derbyshire, including the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District, and parts of Nottinghamshire.
If you are unsure whether your property falls within our coverage area, please contact us and we will be happy to confirm availability.
EXCELLENT Based on 35 reviews Posted on Tom Barrie20 January 2026 We employed jack to carry out a level 3 home survey on a period property in the Peak District. The experience was exceptional. He was incredibly accessible and easy to communicate with throughout. The level of detail and attention to all aspects of traditional buildings was very impressive, and he was available to discuss any issues that were discovered during the survey with balance/pragmatism and expertise. He went above and beyond in liaising with both the vendor and estate agent. I highly recommend.Posted on Mandy4 November 2025 Jack has been excellent. Thorough and professional. Easy to communicate with and happy to discuss our survey in length. Would recommend JW.Posted on rebecca rodgers1 November 2025 I had a survey completed. The survey was very thorough and completed in a timely manner. After receiving the document, Jack took his time to talk me through what it all meant, i really appreciate this. Would highly recommend JW surveys!Posted on Matt Green21 October 2025 Jack did a level three building survey on a 375 year old house. His local knowledge in the Peak District is excellent. His reports are highly personalised and practical. He was available for in depth discussions afterwards and his previous experience in trades is abundant. We had strange drainage, complex water systems in an old mill and lots of regular old meets new renovations to inspect. I was really impressed with the report but even more in the following conversation I’ve just had with him. Thanks JackPosted on Aiden Morris21 April 2025 I recently had Jack conduct a level 2 survey for me. After getting a few quotations, I found Jack to be very personable and willing to spend the time with me to understand the survey beforehand and after. As well as this, the attention to detail within reports given during quotation stage swayed my decision and haven't looked back. This same attention to detail was given when the survey report came through, very happy with the service and consistent approach in his communication. Cheers JackPosted on Freya thomas20 February 2025 We’ve recently used JW home survey for our new property Jack was amazing he went into detail about anything we had concerns about and was always happy to answer any of questions we had High recommend and will definitely use again if we ever think of buying another propertyPosted on Cameron Khakh12 February 2025 I hired JW home surveys to conduct a level 3 survey for a property that I was buying. From the outset his transparency with the way he ran his business and the way he does his reports was fantastic. He was reachable and accessible whenever needed and completed the assessment and report within a timely manner as promised. The report was very detailed and easy to read. He also arranged to call me after the report was done to go through finer details and answer the many questions I had. He was incredibly patient and knowledgeable in his field. Even with further issues down the line with the property, he offered further advice on the report that had already been done and offered to look into a small issue that had arisen through the purchase of the property many weeks after the phone call and report had already been done. His prices were very competitive with other surveyors that I had looked into. Overall, the service from JW home surveys was immaculate from start to finish and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him further to friends and family.Posted on Edd Rose11 February 2025 I recently had Jack conduct a survey on a property I’m in the process of purchasing, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his service. He was professional, knowledgeable, and extremely thorough in his work. He took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I understood all the details. His attention to detail and expertise gave me great confidence in the process. On top of that, he was friendly and approachable, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Jack to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled surveyor!Posted on Jack Wilson5 February 2025 Jack was fantastic! He rescheduled multiple times to accommodate the weather conditions and provided a thorough, detailed report that was invaluable in our decision-making. In addition to the report, he took the time to walk us through his key concerns. Highly recommend!Posted on Yusif Babayi25 January 2025 Excellent survey! Very thorough report and great communication from Jack start to finish. Certainly recommend!