Domesticsurveys

We used Domestic Surveys for a Level 3 survey of the Victorian house we are purchasing in Bristol. We are frankly astonished at the quality of the work and care which has been put into the output and could not be happier with the decision. We chose Domestic Surveys after reading many, many online reviews and speaking with multiple surveyors. Our choice was influenced most strongly by the following: - Evidence of exceptional work came through strongly in reviews. You might notice many companies have close to 5* ratings, however when you dig in to reviews many of these are more perfunctory reviews with a "good enough" vibe, and combing through for most surveyors we found at least one or two reviews which suggested issues had been found in properties which hadn't been identified. This wasn't the case with Domestic Surveys - every single review is a glowing endorsement acknowledging the exceptional quality of the work, and we couldn't find a single example of an indication something was found after the survey had been completed. - Speaking with Martin initally over the phone really inspired confidence that they approach this in the right way. They are the only company we spoke to who clearly go above and beyond RICS expectations. I doubt you hear many larger commercial surveyors promising words to the effect "if it's there, we will find it" - having now read the survey report I can understand why they confidently take this position. - Domestic Surveys were conspicuously not recommended by our estate agent (most other well regarded local surveyors were). Estate agents are of course strongly incintivised to ensure the sale goes through with minimal risk of a change in decision and we felt this was a likely indication.When we arranged our survey the team were booked out for several weeks, but at this point we were sure enough they were the right team we booked a survey with Jon. Everything in on the organisational side was very straightforward. We had a call booked in early evening shortly after the survey to review findings, and two days after the survey itself we were sent a copy of the report. The report is exceptionally in depth - we knew that this would be long, but the quality of the contents was astounding. The report includes written summaries and numerous pictures to illustrate points, and has clearly been written in its entirety for us - and there's no feeling of needing to skim boilerplate text or flick through to the interesting parts. It's well organised and easy to read, whilst going to a level of a technical depth in a multitude of areas which shows just how knowledgeable the team are. There is far too much to do justice to what's covered in the report here, but particular elements we were especially impressed with: - The section on the roof was extremely well outlined, and based on findings from pole camera pictures which provide excellent and clear evidence of damage which would be impossible to identify in other ways. - We had mentioned several areas we wanted checking in detail and had specific questions relating to the property. In all cases these questions were investigated in depth in the report. - The investigation into possible damp issues went well beyond a series of meter readings, and identified likely construction and renovation circumstances which are important to undertand for planning improvements. Without this detail it's highly likely we would have made incorrect assumptions which could have meant extremely costly renovation mistakes. - In all areas there are actionable recommendations suggested, including many small changes we could make at minimal cost which would help preserve long term condition and value. This is so much more than just a negotiating tool and provides us with a plan for how we'll improve and look after the house long term. Our follow-up call with Jon lasted 4 hours and was extremely helpful - Jon walked us through each section providing extra context and sharing even more photos evidencing what was found. Jon is super helpful and a great listener as well as having a wealth of experience and information to share - he was prepared to offer opinions in additional to sharing objective evidence and made it very clear which was which. The time, care and effort which has gone into the whole process is a breath of fresh air and is what we'd hoped for and much, much more. We cannot thank Jon and Martin enough, we could not be happier and will be recommending to anyone we know in need a survey.Moreexpand_more

You might find it hard to believe the perfect 5 star reviews but these guys honestly deserve every one of them. I have had 2 surveys done by them now and they have undoubtedly saved me thousands of pounds. The level of detail provided is astonishing, both in the report and the feedback session and all the documents and photos provided. Jon also has a phenomenal ability to break down the meaning and impact of the findings for a non-technical person. So second time round I felt so much better prepared and more knowledgeable for what to look out for (and what to avoid). They are such friendly and helpful people it really has been a delight to find them and receive their support. While they do have longer waiting times and cost more than some other companies, it is genuinely because they are that good, and in my experience it was 100% worth it for sure. I honestly can't recommend them highly enough.

Jon and Martin have been nothing short of phenomenal and we are so so grateful for their incredible support and thorough work during our house buying process. Martin is the kindest human, unbelievably patient and willing to explain details to house newbies like us. Jon has provided a fantastic survey with plenty of photos and more details we would’ve ever expected to receive and broke complex things into simple wording when we met online to discuss the results, so we could follow along with ease. They’re both clearly so passionate about their work and have gone above and beyond to support us and we’re so glad to have booked their service. Thank you both! Sophia and Nick .

Jon goes above and beyond! He produced an incredibly detailed survey which will not only be very helpful in making decisions about my house purchase, but will continue to be a reference guide as I work my way through the list of repairs (! ). In addition to the survey he provided links to helpful videos, a glossary of relevant terms, recommended prices for repairs so you know what you're getting into, and very clear photos of all the areas requiring attention. I also really valued the in depth debrief by Zoom where I was able to ask lots of questions and get even more into the detail. I can't recommend highly enough, not just Jon's expertise but the professional and friendly service throughout the process. Thank you!

Jon and Martin exceeded our expectations with such a thorough survey and detailed report, Jon’s knowledge was amazing and spent over 2 hours walking us through his findings. At all times they were very professional and honest with what was required to bring the property I was looking to purchase up to standard. I would definitely use them again.

I had a survey done by Jon who is the most passionate and thorough professional I have ever met, I was impressed by the debriefing session, I learnt a lot! Definitely worth every penny to completely derisk a property purchase.

I think the reviews on here speak for themselves. Would fully recommend for a thorough and professional survey. Feedback session is great, very clearly communicates their professional opinion alongside some context for those assessing the risk of proceeding.

Jon and Martin have really gone above and beyond any expectations that I had for surveyor. Highly recommend to obtain a level 3 survey - the details that Jon had gone into are really thorough and the time that the whole team spent on my case was the most support I've had from anyone (including solicitors, agents, etc! ) for the home-buying process. Thanks to the hard work of Domestic Surveys I have a much better understanding of the home I am considering to buy and going into the purchase with my eyes open as to what sort of repairs or maintenance would be required. They are both open, honest, hardworking - I would only come back to this team again if buying another property!

Martin and Jon were fantastic throughout and really knowledgeable. They wrote us an incredibly detailed report and guided us through their rationale/recommendations, this made us much more confident/aware of what we're getting into as firs time buyer sof a period property. Couldn't recommend enough.

By far the best customer service and quality of service I have ever experienced… From any service…Ever! We've had two house surveys with Domestic Surveys and both times Martin and Jon have gone absolutely above and beyond. They are so knowledgeable and thorough - the quality of the final survey report is outstanding and will be of huge use during the buying process as well as for years to come. Thank you so much for everything!

My partner and I are first-time buyers. We enlisted the help of Domestic Surveys on the recommendation of friends who had an excellent experience, and all I can say is that I am grateful we took their suggestion. From the offset, we received a professional and tailored service far above what we were expecting. Martin promptly responded to our initial query and has been a fantastic help throughout the process, keeping us regularly updated about the timeline. When an earlier slot became available, he contacted us and booked us in straight away – bringing everything forward by a fortnight! Our surveyor, Jon, compiled an extensive report on the property (74 pages! ). As part of the service, we had a two hour debrief session with Jon where he took us through his report and summarised all of the work that needed doing going forwards. As neither of us work in the construction industry this session was a godsend, as it gave us a full understanding of the more complex details in the report. Jon was fantastic during the debrief; he would have an illustrious career presenting Homes Under the Hammer as his sense of humour and ability to break jargon down turned what could have been a stressful experience into an enjoyable two hours. Unfortunately Jon did uncover several costly structural defects within the property that we otherwise would have missed. As a result of his report, we were able to renegotiate a price on the property that far exceeded the cost of the survey. We were also provided with a digital file containing all of the photos and videos taken which will be a great help in arranging remedial works. Something that we really appreciate is that during the renegotiations, Martin and Jon stayed in touch and offered further advice that helped us to secure the right price for the property. Overall, we couldn’t recommend Domestic Surveys enough and would absolutely use them again in the future.Moreexpand_more

Could not fault this service. The survey I received was so thorough, and John was so helpful in explaining everything to me, as a novice in the building world! Highly recommend.

I can't fault the service one bit. Jon surveyed a Victorian terrace that looked okay at first glance. He identified many costly issues that would have cost me 50k to rectify. From his information, I decided to withdraw from the purchase, but he gave me good advice going forward. Martin (who arranged the logistics of the survey - very prompt and responsive) provided an 81-page report two days after the survey. I highly recommend Jon and intend on using him once I've found another place to buy in Bristol!

Cannot recommend Domesticsurveys and the team enough! My sister and brother-in-law had previously worked with Jon and said the survey was so thorough and incredibly helpful, and we had exactly the same experience. We're first time buyers so needed quite a lot of guidance and Jon was so helpful in his detailed explanation, and we know covered areas that many others wouldn't have taken the time to explore. Martin was very responsive on email and the report was sent over promptly with easy access links. We'll definitely be using Domesticsurveys when it comes to our next house purchase.

If I could put 10 stars I would… Jon is an amazing surveyor and an absolute expert. We would not buy another house without his wise advices. 10 stars as well for Martin in the office who always organise everything quickly, smoothly and efficiently. This is now our 3rd full building survey with Domestic Surveys and it is always an amazing service and experience. Thank you guys.

We are extremely happy with the service that Domestic Surveys provided. They were quick to communicate and answer questions. Booked us in quickly. Jon did an extremely thorough survey, finding a major issue that had been missed by several other less thorough surveys. He got the report back to us within 2 days. He then took the time to talk us through the report and educate us about the issues he found and what our next steps should be. He was very responsive to follow up questions/ advice in the period after the survey. Martin also promptly provided contacts for further work we needed, which was really helpful. Jon is a great people person and it was a pleasure to have experienced his work.Moreexpand_more

I cannot recommend enough domestic surveys. Both Jon and Martin were incredibly nice and helpful and the house survey was extremely comprehensive. The two hour session afterwards to discuss and explain the findings was also very useful. I feel like I am now in a good position to negotiate for the property or to pull out, and that I would have made strategical mistakes or a wrong investment without Jon's invaluable input. Thank you. .

Incredibly detailed report and excellent feedback session. Helped us plan the maintenance of the property we were about to buy. Exceptional service.

It has been a pleasure working with both Jon and Martin. They are incredibly knowledgeable and delivered a highly professional and friendly service, delivering a very in-depth analysis of the property. The meeting with Jon was a great way to gain a better understanding of the survey results. We highly recommend working with them!

An incredibly comprehensive survey and the two hour session afterward to go through the findings was really useful. It put us in an excellent position to negotiate the price of the property. I would recommend DomesticSurveys to anyone!