Building Surveys in Oxford
Should I instruct a Building Survey in Oxford?
In short; Yes.
Oxford is an historic city. The architecture is varied but often grand and impressive. Being home to many listed, period and traditionally built properties, a building survey for a property in Oxford is a must before you commit to purchase.
Much of the housing stock in Oxford was built pre-1950 and so should be inspected with a RICS Building Survey.
Commonly, most defects will not be readily apparent when you view with the estate agent. While thing can be hidden, this is actually because most property defects will start at the very top and the very bottom of a property – two areas that receive the most attention from a RICS building survey.
We carry out all roof and chimney inspections using drone photographs. This is the gold standard and, aside from setting up a load of scaffolding, the only way to truly view high level areas of any property. There are countless occasions we have found valleys filled with moss, parapet walls failing, and chimneys on the brink of collapse – all that would have been missed if your surveyor didn’t have a drone or a pole camera.
Don’t be blasé, although widely available, the majority of surveyors in Oxford, will not be using drones – so ensure yours does!
At a low level we check for damp, and if we find it, we will diagnose it too. While sometimes this may mean we need to drill to test for damp at depth – unfortunately an invasive survey would be needed – the majority of the time in traditional buildings we can advise on remedial actions without this as the mechanisms are often clear. We use thermal imaging and thermohygrometer readings to help us check for current issues and help prevent future issues.
Check out our Building Survey page to see what we offer as standard in our reports.
Building Surveys in Oxford
With a population of around 170,00 people, there are many properties, and many surveyors in Oxford. You have to offer something different to stand out from the crowd and our Building Surveys do just that. We offer over 100 pictures per report, high level drone inspections as standard, post inspection phone call and follow up, specialist equipment such as thermal imaging and thermohygrometer, and local knowledge.
Check out our blog for interesting posts such as ‘What is a Building Survey’ and ‘Can a Building Survey Save me Money’. Older properties often need widespread repair and ongoing sympathetic maintenance. So a Building Survey in Oxford, from a local Oxford surveyors could save you money in the short and long term.
RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report in Oxford
Despite its history, Oxford has the problem that the rest of the country faces too – not enough residential buildings!
Converting older buildings into residential dwellings is difficult in cities like Oxford, due to the wide spreading conservation areas and many listed buildings. So new built developments are popping up in the greater Oxford areas, properties that are ideally served by the Homebuyer Report.
We like to think that we offer the best homebuyer reports around. With 50 pictures per report, high level photography using a drone, 24hr turnaround as standard and an overview phone call after the inspection, we go above and beyond to offer a top level service.
A homebuyer report is suitable on properties most built after 1950-1960, have not been extensively extended and are of standard construction. See our Homebuyer Report page for full detail of what make us a top Oxford surveyors.
Considerations when buying a property in Oxford
There is no other purchase of such value that you would go into without a professional opinion. AA garage second hand cars, certificate of authenticity, the makers mark; you get the picture; so it is essential that you go into a house purchase with your eyes open.
A Building Survey or Homebuyer report, from a highly rated Oxford surveyors should be your first port of call. Local knowledge, exacting standards and 5-star reviews – see our testimonials – make us stand out from the crowd for surveyors Oxford, Oxfordshire, Cotswolds and beyond!
Common Questions About Surveys in Oxford
Why are Building Surveys particularly important in Oxford?
Oxford has a high concentration of period, listed and traditionally built properties, many dating back to before 1950. These buildings often use materials and construction methods that behave very differently to modern homes.
For this reason, a RICS Building Survey is usually the most appropriate option for older Oxford properties, as it provides a more detailed assessment of condition and future maintenance.
How do you inspect roofs and chimneys on Oxford properties?
Many Oxford properties have complex roof structures, parapet walls and tall chimneys that are difficult to assess from ground level.
We use drone photography as standard to inspect high-level areas safely and thoroughly, allowing us to identify defects that would often be missed during a visual inspection alone.
Is damp a common issue in Oxford properties?
Yes. Solid wall construction, historic alterations and older materials mean damp is a common concern in Oxford homes.
Where damp is identified, we focus on diagnosing the underlying cause rather than recommending unnecessary treatments, with advice tailored to traditional buildings.
Should I choose a Building Survey or Homebuyer Report for a property in Oxford?
Older, extended or non-standard properties in Oxford are usually best suited to a Building Survey, while newer or more conventional homes may be appropriate for a Homebuyer Report.
If there is any uncertainty, we can advise on the most suitable survey based on the specific property before you proceed.
Book a FREE Quote
Oxford is a fantastic place to live. Instructing a building survey or a homebuyer report from a local building surveyor is the next step in your property buying journey.
