FAQ Background

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about our property surveys, valuations, and reports.

General FAQs

Crownstone Surveyor's Ltd is a highly trusted, RICS-regulated property surveying firm. We deliver independent building inspections, expert property valuations, compliance reporting, and specialist maintenance services to buyers, landlords, legal professionals, and local councils.

We operate heavily across London and the surrounding areas within the M25, but we provide nationwide coverage across the UK for specialized corporate, commercial, and council instructions.

Yes. We are rigorously regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Furthermore, we hold Constructionline Gold and SafeContractor accreditations, and carry comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance for all our services.

You can book effortlessly by filling out the secure contact form on our website, calling our direct line at 07500964046, or emailing Info@crownstonesurveyors.co.uk. Our team will typically respond within a few hours to arrange a time.

RICS Level 2 & 3 Home Surveys

A Level 2 survey (Homebuyer Report) is suited for modern, conventional properties in reasonable condition, highlighting urgent defects using a traffic light system. A Level 3 survey (Building Survey) is significantly more comprehensive, tailored for older, visibly altered, or run-down properties. It investigates the underlying structure deeply and can offer estimated repair costs.

A Level 2 survey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours on-site, whereas a Level 3 Building Survey can take between 3 to 5 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. In most cases, we offer next-day delivery of the digital report.

Yes. All our Level 2 and Level 3 reports include an extensive appendix of high-resolution photographs detailing specific defects, hard-to-reach areas, and overall property conditions to help you visually understand the surveyor's findings.

Absolutely. We can arrange access directly with the estate agent, vendor, or existing tenant. We handle all scheduling logistics on your behalf, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free process.

Damp, Mould & Condensation

Yes. We utilize advanced moisture profiling and thermal analysis tools to properly test and locate the exact source of damp, mould, and condensation within a property, rather than just treating the surface symptoms.

Our specialist report includes a clear identification of root causes (e.g., structural ingress vs. lifestyle condensation), a severity assessment, photographic evidence, and highly tailored, actionable recommendations to eradicate the problem permanently.

Yes. Not only do we provide independent inspection reports, but through our trusted and vetted trade network, we can arrange and oversee the physical remedial works required to fix the issue safely.

CPR 35 Expert Witness Reports

A CPR-35 Expert Witness Report is a highly structured, court-compliant document prepared strictly in line with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules. Its overriding duty is to provide an independent, impartial professional opinion to the court regarding a property dispute.

We prepare these reports for instructing solicitors, private landlords, councils, housing associations, and tenants involved in complex property condition disputes, dilapidation claims, and boundary issues.

Because of the rigorous legal standard required, an expert report typically takes between 7 to 14 days to finalize following the physical inspection, depending on the scale and complexity of the defects being analyzed.

Party Wall & Boundary Services

The Act provides a legal framework for preventing and resolving disputes relating to party walls, boundary walls, and excavations near neighboring buildings. Anyone intending to carry out such work must give adjoining owners legal notice.

Yes. We can act as the appointed surveyor for the Building Owner, the Adjoining Owner, or act impartially as the "Agreed Surveyor" representing both sides simultaneously to resolve the matter efficiently.

If the neighbor consents immediately, it can take just a few days. If they dissent or fail to reply, a Party Wall Award must be drafted, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months depending on complexity and responsiveness.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for exactly 10 years from the date of issue. However, if you make significant energy-efficiency upgrades to the property, we recommend getting a new one to reflect the better rating.

Yes, it is a strict legal requirement in the UK to have a valid EPC before marketing a property for rent. Additionally, rental properties must currently meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Our certified assessors can typically visit the property within 24-48 hours of your request, and the official EPC is usually lodged and sent to you on the same day as the inspection.

Building And Maintenance Services

Through our trusted trade network, we oversee a comprehensive range of remedial and maintenance works, including handyman services, precision carpentry, deep carpet cleaning, plumbing, plastering, and end-of-tenancy house clearances.

Yes. Every operative within our network is strictly vetted, fully insured, and highly qualified in their specific trade, ensuring our rigorous RICS-backed quality standards extend to all physical works.

Absolutely. We routinely manage both reactive day-to-day maintenance as well as large-scale, planned capital works programmes for commercial portfolios, local authorities, and housing associations.

Pricing & Payment

At Crownstone Surveyor's Ltd, our fees are transparent and fixed wherever possible. Survey fees are generally calculated based on the property’s size, age, estimated value, and location. Contact us with the property address for an instant, no-obligation fixed quote.

Yes. As a registered UK corporate entity, our services are subject to standard VAT. All formal quotes provided to you will clearly display the cost both excluding and including VAT so there are no surprises.

We accept secure online payments via credit/debit card as well as direct BACS (Bank Transfer). Payment instructions and a secure link will be provided alongside your formal Terms of Engagement.

Still have questions?

Our expert team is always available to discuss your specific property requirements and provide no-obligation advice.

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