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kieran newcombe13 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Me and my partner have been going through the process of purchasing our first house and was recommended to get a Level 3 survey completed. From start to finish, H&S have been great. Quick and friendly correspondence, and communication was very good! The survey write up was in great depth and easy to understand. We have been in touch with them a couple times after the survey was completed and they have been incredibly helpful! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone, especially if you’re a first time buyer and this is all new to you. Reasonably priced and very happy customers. Thanks you! 👍Posted on GoogleJanet Bartholomew31 July 2026We used this company nine years ago when we bought our house,and Andrew was excellent ,very thorough and went out of his way to come back when we needed some extra advise,he did a full home buyers report for us. Today - nine years on Chris and Jack came round.they did an excellent job and gave good advice. I can’t praise these guys enough, Very thorough and professional.with all the latest technology! We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend h & s Chartered surveyors. Thankyou very much! IPosted on GoogleKatie Griffiths20 June 2026I would highly recommend this company. I am very impressed with the service provided particularly the excellent communication, customer service and willingness to provide guidance and answer questions at all stages. I am in the process of purchasing a house in Teignmouth. Firstly, h&s were recommended by the Estate Agents. I looked on the website and liked what I saw, clear and concise in explaining all the options. When I rang the office I was also very pleased after speaking with Saffron, she is very helpful, she clearly explained everything and arranged the next steps. Chris soon got in contact with me and really has been excellent from there onwards. Firstly, he explained that as the property was an older building and had been converted he would be able to best assess whether it should require a Level 2 or Level 3 Survey on inspection. Chris said he would keep me informed on the day, which he did, via WhatsApp at my request as I was at sea on a Transatlantic Cruise at the time! He deemed that it just needed the Level 2 which was great. I got the report in a timely manner both electronically, and a bound hard copy. It is clear and easy to understand. I spoke to Chris after I’d had time to digest it, and he spent over an hour on the phone with me going through it all, explaining the recommendations and answering lots of questions which I had mainly about next steps to take, which was so helpful. What amazing customer service! Chris also reassured me that I can contact him again via a call or email should I need to. I very rarely write reviews but this service was so exceptional that I just had to. I would not hesitate to use this company again. This has by far been the most seamless part of the process of purchasing my new property! Thank you so much Saffron and Chris 😊Posted on GoogleLuke Brisco21 April 2026Great service provided by the team four our survey needs. The Surveyor was very knowledgable and helpful with providing advice, with the report produced and sent over to us the following working day. Great communication and customer service, would definitely recommend!Posted on Googleoliver ware31 March 2026Friendly and professional company. Detailed and accurate report. Highly recommended and will use again in the future.Posted on GoogleSimon McGlynn31 March 2026Chris visited carried out two valuation reports for us, offering help and advice that went above and beyond (and probably saved us some money). Would highly recommend.Posted on GoogleLiyam Laraba30 January 2026Ian at h&s Surveyors provided an excellent survey. He provided a comprehensive report with lots of details and answered our specific queries really quickly. I would highly recommend h&s to anyone who needs surveyor services.Posted on GoogleMichelle Egan28 January 2026Excellent service, very good reports and was most helpful for follow up advice for conveyancing would and have recommended to others to use their services.Posted on GoogleMiss E Pierce3 January 2026I am really thankful and appreciate of the service that the H&S Team have given me every step of the way since the very first phone call back in July. Their service has been exceptional - from the customer care over the phone to the surveying process itself - the efficiency and professionalism truly is 5 star! I would highly recommend the team for any survey and valuation report needs!Posted on GoogleLouise White9 December 2025This was our fourth house purchase and H&S Surveyors were far and away the best we have used. Our surveyor, Chris, was extremely professional and approachable with excellent attention to detail. He was happy to follow up the report with further clarification over the phone as needed, and even supported with additional enquiries on some matters. After our first property fell through we had a second survey by Chris on our subsequent purchase. He had advised that the first required a Level 3 survey due to its age and condition; for the second, he advised that only a Level 2 was necessary as it was a newer build. We were very happy to trust his judgement and expertise. Office staff were also extremely helpful and communicative. We would thoroughly recommend H&S.
Buying a period property – which survey is best?
Period properties are some of the most attractive homes on the market. From Georgian townhouses and Victorian terraces to Edwardian villas and traditional Devon cottages, older homes often offer character, craftsmanship and original features that are hard to find in modern properties.
High ceilings, sash windows, fireplaces, exposed beams and stone walls can all make a period home feel special. However, older buildings also need careful consideration before you buy. A property that has stood for 100 years or more may still have hidden defects, historic alterations or maintenance issues that are not obvious during a viewing.
If you are buying a period property in Devon or South Devon, choosing the right survey can help you understand exactly what you are taking on before exchange of contracts.
Why Period Properties Need a Detailed Survey
A mortgage valuation is not a property survey. It is arranged for the lender to check whether the property is suitable security for the mortgage. It is not designed to give you any detailed advice about the condition of the building.
For many period homes, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most suitable choice. This is the most detailed residential survey and is often recommended for older, larger, altered, listed or non-standard properties.
Unlike a RICS Level 2 Home Survey, which is usually more appropriate for conventional un-altered homes in reasonable condition, a Level 3 survey provides a more detailed assessment of the building’s construction, condition, defects and likely maintenance considerations.
What Can a Level 3 Building Survey Identify?
Older properties can behave very differently from modern homes. Traditional materials such as stone, cob, lime mortar, slate, timber and solid brickwork often need different maintenance methods. Modern repairs using unsuitable materials can result in problems, such as moisture being trapped in external walls due to inappropriate materials being used during re-rendering works.
A RICS Level 3 Building Survey can help identify issues such as:
- Damp, condensation, mould and poor ventilation
- Roof defects, slipped slates, failing flashings or chimney problems
- Structural movement, cracking or signs of subsidence
- Timber decay, woodworm, wet rot or dry rot
- Defective gutters, drainage and high external ground levels
- Poorly supported alterations or removed internal walls
- Unapproved extensions, conversions or changes to listed buildings
- Potential asbestos or other hazardous materials
- Issues linked to insulation, services and future maintenance
The report can help you understand which issues are urgent, which are typical for the property’s age and which may need further specialist advice.
Listed Buildings and Older Alterations
If the property is listed, in a conservation area or has been significantly altered, the survey becomes even more important. Historic buildings may have restrictions on what can be changed, and some works may require listed building consent or planning approval.
Your surveyor cannot replace legal advice from your solicitor, but they can highlight visible alterations and recommend that the relevant permissions, guarantees or certificates are checked before you proceed.
This can be particularly useful if the property has had extensions, loft conversions, replacement windows, removed chimney breasts or changes to internal walls.
Restoring Period Features Properly
One of the joys of buying a period property is the chance to preserve or restore original features. However, restoration work should be approached carefully.
Using the wrong materials or inexperienced contractors can damage the character and performance of an older building. For example, hard cement render or inappropriate modern finishes can prevent traditional walls from breathing properly, increasing the risk of damp.
A Building Survey can help you plan repairs and improvements more appropriately, particularly if you are considering renovation work after completion.
Budgeting Before You Buy
Period properties often require more maintenance than newer homes. Repairs may also cost more if specialist materials, skilled tradespeople or conservation-led methods are needed.
A detailed survey can help you budget for immediate repairs, future maintenance and any further investigations. If serious defects are found, you may be able to renegotiate the purchase price, ask the seller for information or decide whether the property is still right for you.
Get Advice Before You Commit
Buying a period property can be incredibly rewarding, but it is important to go into the purchase with clear information.
H&S Surveyors provides RICS Level 3 Building Surveys, RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Surveys and valuation services across Devon and South Devon, including Newton Abbot, Exeter, Torquay, Paignton, Plymouth, Totnes, Teignmouth and surrounding areas.
If you are buying an older home and are unsure which survey you need, contact H&S Surveyors for friendly advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
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Last updated: 18th August 2026