Every property presents a different combination of age, construction, condition and alteration. We help you choose the level of survey that is proportionate to the building and the decision you need to make.
Suitable for a conventionally built house, flat or bungalow in reasonable condition. The inspection and report focus on visible defects, risks, repairs and ongoing maintenance.
The most comprehensive RICS home survey, intended for older, larger, altered, unusual or poorly maintained properties, and where major works are planned.
A targeted inspection and written opinion where you need professional advice on a particular defect, such as dampness, cracking, roofing failure or deterioration.
Buying a home is a major commitment. An independent survey can help you understand its condition before you exchange contracts. Based in Cheltenham, Imperial Surveyors provides RICS Level 2 Home Surveys and Level 3 Building Surveys for buyers across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.
A property can look well maintained while still needing repairs. A survey from Imperial Surveyors helps you understand its condition before you commit to buying, giving you time to investigate concerns, obtain repair quotes, decide whether the property is right for you and assist with any future repairs or negotiations with the vendor.
We help you choose a survey suited to the property. A Level 2 Home Survey is generally appropriate for a conventional home in reasonable condition. A Level 3 Building Survey provides a more detailed assessment for an older, altered or unusual property, or one where substantial repairs may be needed.
Your report explains significant visible defects, the repairs or further investigations to consider, and matters to raise before purchase. Our aim is to give you clear, practical advice so you can make an informed decision and plan for the costs of owning the property.
Imperial Surveyors is a RICS-regulated firm. Whether you are buying your first home, moving to a larger property or considering a period building, we can help you understand what you are buying.
We keep the process straightforward and make sure you understand both the scope of the inspection and the significance of the findings.
We consider the property type, age, condition and your particular concerns before confirming the most appropriate survey. We also invite you to tell us about any pre-purchase concerns so these can be considered within the agreed inspection scope.
The surveyor undertakes a careful visual inspection of accessible parts of the building, services and grounds within the agreed scope.
You receive a structured report explaining significant defects, risks, maintenance matters and recommended further action.
Where needed, we help you understand priorities and the practical implications for your purchase or planned works.
No two properties are the same, but residential inspections regularly identify defects and risks that are difficult to appreciate during a viewing.
Rainwater defects, plumbing leaks, condensation, bridged damp-proof courses and inappropriate materials can all contribute to moisture-related damage.
Cracks may reflect thermal movement, settlement, structural alteration or other causes. The pattern and context determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
Damaged coverings, failing flashings, defective gutters and restricted roof-space access can conceal costly maintenance requirements.
Changes to layout, roof space, openings and services may raise questions about workmanship, approvals, support and future performance.
Based in Cheltenham, we inspect homes across Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. Our work covers period homes, stone cottages, town houses, modern estates, converted buildings and extended properties, with the survey scope tailored to the building and your concerns.
The postcode map shows our principal service area. Properties outside the highlighted locations may still be considered by arrangement.
Imperial Surveyors works to recognised professional standards, helping clients instruct a surveyor with confidence and understand the basis on which advice is provided.
Independent reviews can give you a clearer picture of the service, communication and support clients receive before, during and after their survey.
Visit our Trustpilot profile to read feedback from clients who have used Imperial Surveyors for residential survey advice.
These answers cover common questions about residential surveys, scope and the next steps in the process.
A survey helps you understand the condition of a property before you exchange contracts. It can identify significant visible defects, repairs to investigate and maintenance to budget for. With that information, you can ask further questions, obtain quotes where needed and decide whether the property is right for you.
No. A mortgage valuation is primarily for the lender’s purposes and does not give you the same advice about the property’s condition. A RICS Home Survey is commissioned for you and provides a report on visible defects and other matters relevant to your purchase.
Imperial Surveyors is based in Cheltenham and provides property surveys across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. Contact us with the property address and the type of survey you are considering, and we can confirm availability.
Arrange your survey once your offer has been accepted and before exchange of contracts. This allows time to read the report, arrange any recommended investigations and consider the findings before you are legally committed to the purchase.