Property Surveyors Folkestone

Name: Build Perception - Building Surveyors
Address: 43 Earls Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2HB
Telephone: 07736 232775
Rating: 5

We are your local independent building surveyors

We undertake building surveys and defect surveys in Folkestone

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Surveyors in Folkestone

Build Perception are local independent surveyors, carrying out home buyers surveys, building surveys and specific defect surveys in Folkestone.

We have been undertaking quality building survey inspections for over 15 years. Our inspection process is extremely comprehensive, and we use the very latest in specialist surveying equipment.

With over 25 years experience identifying defects within Property and Construction, chartered member of the CIOB and Member of the RPSA. Offering comprehensive Building Surveys across Kent, We are based in Folkestone.

Fully insured, all surveys are conducted in house and are produced in a consistent, consumer friendly format.

We are residential property surveyors in Folkestone who will carry out a thorough inspection of your property.

Looking to buy in Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh...

there’s simply no other place like it. Breath-taking beauty, stunning shorelines and creative communities make our corner of the Kentish coast one of the most exciting places to live.

Trust BuildPerception to carry out a building survey on your property and rest assured that you know exactly what you are buying with a building survey from Folkestone's independent property surveyors.

Folkestone & Hythe district is a landscape full of surprises and brimming with adventure. From the cobbled streets of Folkestone to the eerie wilderness at Dungeness (the UK's only desert), our district has plenty to offer every taste and budget. One visit will never be enough!

Dont let nasty surprises with your property purchase spoil your new life in the Folkestone area, Build Perception Property surveyors carry out in depth property surveys at extremely competitive prices.

Get peace of mind with a level 3 building survey, then you can relax and immerse yourself in the incredible culture of Folkestone's famous Creative Quarter and spend your time exploring the bustling harbour arm, spotting public artworks and enjoying tantalising food and drink from some of the region's most exciting producers.

BuildPerception also carry out specific defect surveys, so if you have any particular issues with your current property that you need professional advice about then we can help identify cause and specify remedial works.

Let BuildPerception look after your home while you look after your family, for a great family day out, climb aboard the miniature trains on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway or experience an African safari in the Garden of England at the award-winning Port Lympne Reserve. For a darker taste of the past, visit the fascinating collection of more than 1,000 skulls in the ossuary at St Leonard’s Church in Hythe or see the imposing Martello Towers constructed to defend our coast during the Napoleonic war.

What is a Level 3 Survey?

A Level 3 survey, also known as a Building Survey or a Structural Survey, is a more comprehensive inspection. This type of survey is suitable for older properties, those in poor condition, or properties that have undergone significant alterations. A Level 3 survey dives deep into the structure, uncovering potential defects that may not be immediately visible, although keep in mind that Level 3 surveys aren’t invasive.

During a Level 3 survey, a qualified Surveyor will thoroughly examine every aspect of the property, from the foundations to the roof. They will visually inspect and evaluate the condition of the property's structure, uncover potential issues with the plumbing and electrical systems, and assess the property for any signs of damp, rot, or infestations. This survey is particularly helpful if you're planning extensive renovations or if you suspect hidden defects in the property. A surveyor will use knowledge to highlight if they think there are hidden defects, but again the inspection is not normally invasive.

How do surveyors inspect roofs

The usual way for a surveyor to inspect a roof is from ground level using a pair of binoculars. This is fairly effective in identifying some defects but there are usually places that cannot be seen from ground level at all. Because of this, most surveyors will include a disclaimer in their report saying that the roof was checked from ground level only, effectively writing off any liability for anything they may miss in the roof.

BuildPerception do things differently. We use a drone to inspect your roof, with a drone we can see the entire roof and identify defects that wouldn't be visible from the ground.

The use of a drone to inspect your roof is included with the cost of the survey, we do not charge extra for this.

The following images are just 1 example of what could have been missed without the use of a drone.

BuildPerception - Surveyors in Folkestone

Whats included in your Building Survey?

WE ONLY OFFER LEVEL 3 BUILDING SURVEYS

SEE OUR PRICES HERE

Our Building Survey is unique to Build Perception, it's not like any other typical Homebuyers report or Building Survey, it's a comprehensive report that has its reader in mind.

We know that you want clear and concise information that is easy to read so that you can make an informed decision about the property you are about to buy.

BuildPerception surveyors work to standards set by the RPSA, the highest in the industry, carrying out a full and thorough visual inspection.

The Survey that we offer is suitable for all property types and offers you clear and jargon free information and advice.

Further details regarding different survey types can be found on Which.

Our Level 3 Building Survey is a full and thorough inspection, including:-

The use of a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) "Drone" to check Roofs and other hard to reach places.
Damp assessment using state of the art equipment
Subsidence, Settlement and Structural movement.
Condition of the external;
Chimneys, Roofs, Walls, Gutters, Flat roofs.
Internal roof structure and condition (the "loft").
Timber rot and damage.
Insect or Beetle infestations (also known as "woodworm").
Windows and Doors.
Services – Heating, Boiler, Electrics, Gas, Oil.
Drains – mains, private cesspits and septic tanks.
Alterations – Extensions, Loft Conversions, Chimney removals, Wall removals.
Ventilation issues.
Grounds and Boundaries.
Energy Efficiency Advice.
Conveyancing Issues – e.g. Planning and Building Control Items.
Health & Safety issues – e.g. Asbestos.
Council information.
Listed Building information.
Easy-to-read format.
Contains up to 100 photographs.

This survey provides a good depth of information about any problems found, along with relevant advice.

BuildPerception is your professional choice for building surveys in Folkestone.

Who are the main accrediting bodies for surveyors?

RICS- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. RICS surveyors provide three 'levels' of survey: RICS Home Survey - Level 1 (previously called a Condition Report), Level 2 (previously called a Home Buyer Report) and Level 3 (previously called a Building Survey). Level 2 reports are available with or without valuations.
RPSA - Residential Property Surveyors Association. The RPSA provides two levels of survey: a Home Condition Survey and a Building Survey. It also offers a specialist buy-to-let survey for landlords.

Who are the RPSA?

The Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) is a not-for-profit representative body for independent residential surveyors who are the industry's leading specialists in reporting on the condition of residential properties on behalf of homebuyers.

Helping consumers at the time they are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives
Helping its members deliver a leading range of high-quality survey products
Raising standards throughout the residential surveying industry
Working with industry stakeholders to improve the home buying process

Who are the RICS

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a professional body working in the public interest to advance knowledge, uphold standards, and inspire current and future professionals. Their members help to create and protect built and natural environments that are sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all.

Who are the CIOB?

The Chartered Institute of Building is a worldwide professional body that represents construction and property professionals who work within the building environment. Chartered members holding CIOB accredited qualifications may use MCIOB FCIOB. Becoming a Member of CIOB is comparable to gaining a bachelor’s degree.

CIOB is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership. They have a Royal Charter to promote the science and practice of building and construction for the benefit of society, and they have been doing that since 1834. members of CIOB work worldwide in the development, conservation and improvement of the building environment.

Organisations Chartered with CIOB are independently assessed and regularly audited. They can demonstrate that they:

Are competently and professionally run;
Operate to high business and ethical standards;
Are committed to developing a fully qualified workforce;
Have a significant number of directors that are already Chartered, either with CIOB or other building environment organisations.

To qualify as an MCIOB a Member must hold either a BSC (Hons) degree in construction processes related to the built environment, or demonstrate academic equivalent either by holding a degree in a different subject or by having their professional performance, competences, and the required underpinning knowledge assessed.

This equivalence was independently audited by the Privy Council and DTI (now split between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and Department of Children, Schools and Families) and further recognised under the European directive 2005/36/EC on mutual recognition.

Further, under the European Union first Directive (89/48/EEC) on a general system for higher education diplomas, the UK government appointed the CIOB as a designated, competence authority for building under the terms of the EU Directive. This Directive shows CIOB alongside the RICS, ICE and other Institutes.

Whilst there are differences between RICS and CIOB qualifications, they are of equivalent level and each carry a Chartered status. It is recognised that the two institutes have differing examination requirements in order to reflex the scope of the qualification.

What is the difference between a Mortgage Survey and a Building Survey?

When you apply for a mortgage, the mortgage lender will carry out a valuation on the property to make sure it's worth roughly what you're planning to pay for it.

The mortgage valuation is sometimes called a valuation 'survey', but this can be misleading.

A mortgage valuation is nowhere near comprehensive enough to take the place of a proper house survey. In fact, it sometimes won't even involve anyone visiting the property in person.

So you should always arrange your own independent survey after you've had an offer accepted, to make sure you're not about to buy a property with significant problems.

Specific Defect Survey in Folkestone

A Specific Defect Survey (also known as a Specific Structural Survey or Specific Structural Inspection) is used to assess a particular problem with a property’s structure or condition. Any related building matters which are found during the inspection will also be covered. The survey goes into a similar level of detail to a Full Building Survey, but does not cover the whole property, just the specific area of concern.

Specific Defect Surveys are suitable if you believe that the rest of the property is sound, but you have concerns about one aspect.

You may be worried about something that you have spotted in a property you wish to buy. A structural inspection would allow you to get detailed information on the extent of the issue and the costs of rectifying it; this would allow you to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the purchase or renegotiate the price.

Sometimes another surveyor will recommend further investigation by a structural engineer (particularly if their firm does not have engineers as part of the team). At other times, mortgage companies ask for a structural report covering a specific defect, and will not lend a mortgage until this has been provided.

Alternatively, it could be something in your own home that you want to check for peace of mind, perhaps before carrying out building works. An engineer can carry out a structural alterations survey to determine the suitability of the property for alterations. For example, we often carry out surveys to assess whether walls are load-bearing, or whether support beams are required to allow chimney breast removal.

Sometimes a vendor may wish to get a second opinion on an issue highlighted by a purchaser’s survey, to aid negotiations. A structural engineer’s assessment of cracking can be particularly crucial for determining whether there is movement due to subsidence, or whether cracks are superficial.