Get a free instant quote for a property survey in County Durham
The surveyor who produces your report will be local to County Durham with knowledge of the area. We work with RICS qualified surveyors around the country who offer high quality property surveys at a great price. Surveyor Local gives you piece of mind and offers RICS HomeBuyer Reports, Building Surveys and Property Valuations.
Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in County Durham made easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in County Durham? Then one of the first things you'll need is a property survey. Getting a property survey doesn't have to be complicated. At Surveyor Local we can help you make an informed decision about any property you plan to buy.
We offer Homebuyer Reports (RICS Level 2), Building Surveys (RICS Level 3), and Property Valuations. So get things moving in a matter of moments with an online quote, call us on , or request a callback.
Arranging a building survey in County Durham
Found a property you want to buy and need to arrange a building survey in County Durham? No matter which part of this historic county you intend to purchase in, you can arrange the building survey you need through Surveyor Local.
From the biggest towns such as Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton to other smaller spots such as Barnard Castle and Stanhope, Surveyor Local can arrange the essential County Durham building survey you need.
We only work with chartered County Durham surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to guarantee you the highest quality service at affordable prices.
Read on to find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about building surveys in County Durham.
I'm thinking of buying a Victorian mid terrace house in County Durham, is it best to spend a bit more on a full building survey?
If you are buying an unusual type of property such as a period house a Building Surveys (RICS Level 3) is the right type of RICS survey suited to you. Following a thorough inspection of the home's accessible parts, this survey provides in depth details and often crucial information about the home's construction and uses as well as any maintenance needs. If there are any permanent, external buildings, these will also be surveyed as part of the survey.
We intend to buy a home in County Durham in the vicinity of a conservation area. Is there anything we need to be aware of?
There are over ten thousand conservation areas in the UK which are overseen by local authorities. County Durham RICS surveyors are required to possess sufficient knowledge of relevant local considerations and the effect these may have on the property and its value. Property prices are generally higher than prices elsewhere as conservation areas are largely unspoilt. However, many conservation areas have been neglected and are in a poor state, mostly caused by unauthorised alterations to the fronts, roofs and chimneys of buildings. Property surveyors are expected to report whether the property looks to be within a conservation area. A County Durham Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) will suggest additional due diligence and enquiries are raised by your conveyancing solicitor. Alterations to properties that do not have Local Authority approval may also be noted in the survey, but these are more of a concern for your legal advisor.
I have been told that clay soil can be the cause of many issues for residential property in Durham. What should we expect a building survey (RICS Level 3) to include?
If not monitored properly, the make-up of the soil surrounding a home's foundations can create difficulties. Clay soil is naturally lower in volume and will compact over several months in the case of new builds. This settlement is predictable and necessary - the real concern is contraction in clay soil caused by changes in the local water table. Signs like warped window frames in a drawing room can be an early warning, suggesting severe underlying structural deficiencies. There is a real benefit in booking a surveyor to carry out your Building Survey (RICS Level 3) as they will be familiar with local soil composition and are likely to have witnessed the effects first-hand. Parcels of sodden soil can just as easily warp foundations, so care must be taken to ensure the overall moisture level of the clay soil around the foundations stays consistent.
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Will the County Durham surveyor check for any flood damage?
Heavy rain, drains blocked with sewage or soil and burst pipes can all result in extensive floods. It is, however, easy to assess whether a house is susceptible to flooding via various routes. In addition, the property survey may offer advice to limit damage in the event of flooding. Details relating to signs of flooding may be reported in Section J of the HomeBuyer Report (RICS Level 2). You can also obtain information on the flooding history of property from the Environment Agency.
Does a RICS surveyor check out the safety of the gas appliances?
A RICS surveyor will locate and visually check out any easily accessible parts of the system. For instance, the survey will include the location of the meter in addition to gas affiliated installations, such as fixed external ventilation hearths. If there are any gas fittings, they will not actually be taken off. The system will not be tested. Most people are aware that gas can be deadly and if there are any concerns relating to gas installations, call a gas safe engineer.
Arrange your County Durham building survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team today. You can also request a callback at a time that's most convenient to you. We're open late Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm every Saturday.