Dover Surveyors

Surveyors in Dover

Looking to buy in Dover, White Cliffs Country...

White Cliffs Country takes its name from Dover’s iconic chalk coastline and spectacular natural feature: the White Cliffs of Dover. With breath-taking views across the English Channel, a clifftop walk along the world-famous cliffs is a must. On a clear day, you'll see the French coast in the distance and cruise ships and ferries coming and going from Dover Harbour.

Trust BuildPerception to carry out your building survey in Dover and rest assured that you know exactly what you are buying with a building survey from Dover surveyors.

Dover is a 'Walkers are Welcome' town with walking routes to explore suitable for all ages and abilities and walking events, including an annual walking festival. There are knowledgeable volunteers to guide you on a walking tour of the town or a self-guided town trail to follow and discover the town's beautiful and historic sites. Head to the seafront to stroll along the architect-designed promenade to the Marina Curve, home to street food stalls and events in summer, and out along the pier for panoramic views of the seafront, harbour and cliffs.

Don't let nasty surprises with your property purchase spoil your new life in the Dover area, Build Perception, Property surveyors in Dover, carry out in depth property surveys at extremely competitive prices.

Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to England’, Dover has been a significant port since Roman times (when it was known as Dubris) and there are still Roman remains to be discovered. Thanks to its close proximity to France, the town played a crucial defensive role over the ages and you'll find the story of all this, and more, at Dover Castle and its Secret Wartime Tunnels, as well as in the town's many other incredible historic sites such as the Drop Redoubt and Grand Shaft.

Get peace of mind with a level 3 building survey in Dover, then you can relax and immerse yourself in history at Dover Museum in the Market Square, which proudly houses the world's oldest surviving sea-going vessel - the 3000-year-old Bronze Age Boat - in a special gallery just yards from where it was originally discovered. The museum is also home to the Visitor Information Centre where you'll find helpful advice and information to make the most of your stay.

Surveyors in Dover

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

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 Dover.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

A level 3 survey includes, but is not limited to:-

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.

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.

Defect Surveys in Dover

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.

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 are the Transport Links from Dover to London & Europe?

Dover works for quick and easy access to London and the continent. High Speed 1 means a journey time of just 63 minutes to London St Pancras from Dover Priory Railway station. This is perfect if you want to work and live by the coast and visit London.

On the roads the M20 and M2 provide links to London as well as to the rest of the UK, continental Europe is just 35 minutes away via the Channel Tunnel either by car or as a passenger on Eurostar which can be accessed from nearby Ashford International. There are also regular ferry services from the Port of Dover which is just a few minutes away.