Why choose DB Property Surveyors?
At DB Property Surveyors, we pride ourselves on a meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled local knowledge of the Kent area. Specialising primarily in Level 2 Home Buyers Surveys and Level 3 Building Surveys, we offer comprehensive insights for property buyers. We are a Verified Surveying Partner of Build Perception and also being an independent practice are able to price extremely competitively in the local area, ensuring that you receive reports of the highest standard. We are dedicated to providing clear, actionable advice, making your property journey as smooth and informed as possible.
With more than 20 years of experience in the construction and property surveying industry, I understand how buildings are designed, constructed and maintained. Every inspection is carried out personally, using advanced technology including drone roof inspections, thermal imaging and moisture detection equipment. My aim is to provide clear, independent advice and detailed reports that help buyers make informed decisions before committing to a property purchase.
The Reports
We create exceptional reports, each report is bespoke and unique to each individual property where the inspection is carried out. Reports depending on the size of the property are between 90-180 pages and are written within 24-72 hours of the initial inspection. Each property undergoes a 2-4 hour desk top study before its even attended so the surveyor has foreknowledge of underlying defects before attending and they are cross referenced after inspection. Items included in desk top studies before attending include but are not limited to:
Flood risk checks
Floor plans
Planning applications / rejections
Building control records.
Full EPC information
Environmental checks such as Radon gas searches
Tree preservation orders
Article 4 directions
Conservation area checks
FENSA and HETAS searches.
If the gas boiler and consumer unit have been correctly installed and logged with local authorities.
If solar panels have correct MCS certificates.
All this information is included in your report with very few exceptions. (some local authority's can be very difficult to deal with such as Tonbridge wells) where they make obtaining information very difficult or they sub contract building control departments to private companies
Report Sections.
Reports are broken down into 25-30 manageable sections, each section receives a traffic light system grading.
CR1 = no concerns or general maintenance needed
CR2 = Repairs or replacements are needed but these are not considered to be serious or urgent
CR3 = These are defects which are either serious and/or require urgent repair or replacement or where it is felt that further investigation is required (for instance where there is reason to believe repair work is needed but an invasive investigation is required to confirm this). A serious defect is one which could lead to rapid deterioration in the property, or one where the building element has failed or where its imminent failure could lead to more serious structural damage. You should obtain quotes for additional work where a condition rating 3 is given, prior to exchange of contracts.
CRHS = These are actual, or potential, health and safety related matters that require your immediate attention / awareness. Failure to attend to these issues or to be ignorant of them could result in serious injury or death. In many cases it will require specific testing of services such as electricity or gas to confirm that they are safe to use, but in other instances it may relate to actual, or perceived, risks of falls or other hazards.
It is recommended that that these matters are attended to prior to any exchange of contracts.
Visual, Factual, Understandable
All evidence of defects within a property are visually identified and laid out to see in an easy to understand format within the report.
The defects are commented on, a level 2 report will indicate locations of defects and may suggest what the likely causes are.
where a level 3 report will indicate the location, identify the likely cause and offer remedial advice, its really this level of detail which sets level 2 and 3 reports apart.
Informed Research
Every property is searched before attending, this includes conservation area checks, this is an example where a new build property was built within the boundary of a conservation area near Canterbury, the property had been on the market for a year, but it seemed everyone overlooked the conservation area restrictions in place, the property had solar panels installed which had to be removed and the UPVC windows had to be removed and timber alternatives fitted instead.
Maps & Drawings
Detailed maps and architectural drawings are often included in reports, these will usual depict, garage conversions, extensions, conservatory's, floor plans etc. official land registry boundary's can also be included within a report upon request and any conservation area maps will be included along with relevant information maps relating to article 4 directions, tree preservation orders and flood risk.
Drone Imagery
The use of drone photography (UAV) has revolutionised the surveying industry. Where hidden defects not visible from the ground can easily be identified. This example here, shows a large timber frame conservatory where the internal side of the roof had been over boarded, making noticing these defective lead flashing invisible from the ground or inside.
The drone Images taken during the inspections are all made available to you in a resolution of 5472 x 3078 which is equal to 16.84 megapixels.
They are stored online and you can download them onto your own devices.
Your peace of mind is our priority
Choosing DB Property Surveyors means opting for competitive pricing, exceptional reliability, and truly bespoke service. We are fully contactable via phone or email to answer all your queries. Our reports, often exceeding 100 pages, are generally delivered within 24 hours and can be tailored to your specific needs prior to attending. Each report includes high-resolution drone photography and comprehensive remedial advice and recommendations, ensuring you have all the information required to make informed decisions about your property and you can discuss your report in person section by section with your surveyor over the phone.