Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors

I chose this company after a great deal of research and care and I was not disappointed the y were prompt and efficient and came back to help when I had difficulties as all part of the service,. And it was only a one bed garden flat I was getting. Efficient with a capital E and helpful kind and understanding of my adhd and perplexities about by masonry wall. And fears of bungaroosh I felt reassured and well advised after they came back to reassess the wall. And cracks. And whipped up a short mail about it for everyone here. Brilliant.

Excellent service from first contact with administrator Lorraine through to emails and conversations with surveyor Stuart Bowler. Fast and responsive from delivery of report to follow up visit to confirm area of concern. Can't fault any aspect of their service would recommend to anyone without hesitation.

Great service from the team at Desbruslais all round. Gary who did our survey gave us a call shortly afterwards and gave a really good breakdown of areas to address. A building survey can sometimes be daunting as a layman, so having Gary explain areas that are for noting rather than of concern was really helpful. Thank you!

We used Debrulais to assist and advise us in obtaining Planning Permission for our Listed Building in Lindfield. From start to finish they were excellent and justified their reputation as specialists in this field. Richard Pocock who was responsible for our Heritage submission was a pleasure to work with and a credit to the Company. His Heritage support Statement was complimented by all parties. I would strongly recommend Desbruslais if you are considering and applying for Listed Building consent.

Carl recently surveyed a property I was intending to purchase. Unfortunately, there were unforeseen issues which he made me aware of in a kind and patient way, he also did his best to alert me before writing the report and therefore avoiding me having to pay the full charge. His service was brilliant and I would definitely recommend. I will be going back again when I find the right place.

I originally gave Desbruslais Surveyors an absolutely glowing review. However, this was only a month or so after moving into the property we had bought. Desbruslais were recommended to us by the estate agent we bought through, and I asked quite specific questions before the survey took place. One of the questions was about the construction of the building and if it was Bungaroosh. The response was that it was brick and not bungaroosh. Our whole area is apparently Bungaroosh. There isn't a residential building here which isn't made from a Bungaroosh construction. Within six months of moving into the property, we realised damp was coming in through the kitchen wall. There had been a bubbling effect on the inside walls, but a reason was never given by the surveyor. We discovered that the render on the back of the building was severely blown in quite a few places, and pockets of water were getting trapped, and soaking through what we now know to be the Bungaroosh construction of the building. My builders commented that this should have been picked up on the survey. We ended up having the repair work done, at our expense. The surveyor also mentioned in his report that we were in an area with medium to high risk of flood damage. When I compared this to surveys my neighbours had done, this did not correlate. We're actually in a low risk area. The list of contacts that were given to us, via Desbrulais, for people such as electricians and plumbers, I found to be very out of date. A few numbers were no longer in service. What I would say, is if you really have to use Desbrulais, I would also get a professional builder to cast their eye over the property. You'll get a much better understanding of what needs to be done. The report we received was certainly not adequate, and cost us a lot of money in the long run.Moreexpand_more

From the outset this firm was efficient and courteous. I went for a full building survey, which cost a lot of money, but the advice given by Raph, who telephoned me immediately to make me aware of certain big flaws in the house, showed real commitment, expertise and empathy. I emailed him on a Saturday, not expecting a response until the next week, and was most surprised when I heard back from him within about 10 mins, with helpful advice. Since then I have made contact several times, due to the significant decisions to be made, and all my requests have been met with generosity and professionalism. The report itself is beautifully written and contains really helpful advice and, frankly, wisdom. I would recommend the firm very highly.

Carl carried out a survey on my Flat a few years ago which was excellent. Recently I have had a problem with a leak in the ceiling and he has gone over and above to help. He always gets back to you and explains things in layman's terms so that you can understand. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

We were very impressed by the excellent, detailed full survey received from Carl Vener of Desbruslais in Dec 2020. Plus how quickly he was able to provide it for us after the survey was carried out (surveyed Monday, full written report received Thursday, plus a phone call on same day as survey). It gave full information on the property plus useful additional advice on how to remedy any issues found, and multiple photographs to refer to, amounting to 49 pages in total. Carl also telephoned us after the survey and gave an immediate feedback on how the survey had gone. In addition, he gave us answers to additional questions relating to work we are planning to carry out at the property, which was very helpful. All the office staff we contacted were also very helpful, courteous and speedy in their responses. We would fully recommend Desbruslais Surveyors.

I have used Desbruslais twice in the last 4 years - both times for full structural surveys. They provided an excellent service both times. Nothing was ever any trouble. The lady I made the appointments through was really helpful, courteous and friendly. The report was excellent… Detailed and clear. I was struck by how accessible the surveyor was after I received the report. I had a couple of questions and he was always available to discuss these with me over the ‘phone taking time to explain things simply, but in detail. A huge bonus for me was that after living in my property for 6 months, I needed further advice on how best to progress with the work needed and Robert came round to offer further advice and support. Brilliant and thank you so very much!

Robert surveyed our house (when for sale) for the purchasers. We were impressed by his thoroughness and attention to detail. As a result we asked him to survey the (new) house we are buying and were equally satisfied.

We engaged Desbruslais to carry out a full structural survey on our future purchase. Throughout the process (from scoping to report delivery) the team were available to answer any questions we had and gave us a very personal service. For example, on the day of the survey we received a call from the surveyor who gave us an initial view of the property prior to the report being delivered. We then had a series of calls on specific queries that we had on the property and the surveyor gave us, at all times, an honest and open assessment, using plain language and providing constructive, cost effective advice. I’ve already recommended Desbruslais to colleagues.

My enquiry was promptly and efficiently handled by staff at Desbruslais and Robert Desbruslais carried out a very thorough, practical survey for me. The owners of the house I was purchasing were so impressed by the thoroughness of the survey conducted on their property that they then engaged Robert to do a survey on the house they were purchasing!

Mr Robert Desbruslais carried out a very thorough survey on a Grade 2 listed property for me. I very quickly received a full account of the survey with many photographs. I was also able to consult Mr Desbruslais more than once, following the survey as I had many questions and was given a very honest opinion which was of great help to me. Thank you Desbruslais.

We commissioned a full structural survey as we were in the process of purchasing a period property. The verbal feedback given on the day was very thorough and gave some immediate reassurance. The written report was thorough, detailed and included photographs which was very helpful when getting quotes for work. The survey gave sensible advice about which works were urgent / advisable / not urgent. We found the quality of work very high and exceeded our expectations.

A great service. A home buyers survey was undertaken, with a phone call on the day from the surveyor after the visit had been undertaken to summarise the visit. This was followed up by a thoroughly comprehensive written report, with photographic support throughout. Ongoing support offered had I needed it. How refreshing!

I received recommendations and glad I listened. These guys are very professional. Responded to any query’s quickly. The report I received was brilliant. Photos and recommendations on who could help with building issues etc. 5 star service. Can’t fault them.

The team were great from start to finish, kept us updated at all times, free to take calls and offer advice as it was the first time we were going through the process. Good value for money and very friendly.

I asked Desbruslais to conduct two surveys for me during 2019. In the event, I did not proceed to purchase either of the two period properties (both with 16th century roots) surveyed but this was mainly due to failure to sell my current house. I was recommended to contact Desbruslais by Mark Crampton at Middleton Advisors and have never regretted doing so. Both Robert Desbruslais and Stuart Bowler were eminently approachable, prompt and helpful in responding, extremely professional and comprehensive, whilst at the same time being balanced, practical and realistic in their survey reports. They were also very willing to answer any follow up questions I had. Desbruslais' fees represented excellent value for money and their "back office" support friendly and efficient. I would have no hesitation in engaging them again as and when the need arises.

Desbruslais carried out a full building survey on a property purchase for me in October 2019. They clearly outlined the terms of their service prior to engagement, the team were happy to answer all queries both before and after the survey, I had a full verbal discussion with the surveyor immediately following the visit to the property, and a full written report was sent promptly. Excellent service, good value, highly recommended.