Trusted Building Surveyors Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire

As a fully qualified Building Surveyor with extensive experience in the construction industry, I bring a unique and valuable perspective to my role. 

Having spent over 25 years managing my own construction business, I have gained a deep understanding of all aspects of the process. This hands-on experience equips me with the insight to assess buildings with a level of practical expertise that many others simply cannot offer. With our years of experience and in-depth knowledge, Paul Cahill Building Surveyors is dedicated to providing you with the information you need to make a safe and informed decision. I am committed to offering a reliable and honest service that ensures your property purchase is a step towards long term peace of mind.


Why do you need a survey?

A building survey is a comprehensive inspection that goes far beyond a basic mortgage valuation. While a mortgage valuation simply confirms the property’s value for the lender, it doesn’t assess the condition of the property itself. A detailed building survey will give you a thorough understanding of the condition of the property, highlighting any potential structural or maintenance issues that could impact your investment.

By getting a building survey, you will have a clearer picture of any necessary repairs or upgrades, helping you avoid costly surprises after you’ve moved in. It can also give you the information you need to renegotiate the price or ask the seller to fix certain issues before completing the purchase. Ultimately, having a building survey provides you with an expert’s insight into the property, giving you confidence in your decision and protecting your investment.

The surveyor will examine all parts of the property, including walls, roofs, floors, ceilings, foundations, gardens and any outbuildings. The survey focuses on the structural integrity of the building, including the condition of beams, joists, and other supporting elements.

The surveyor will identify and document any defects and problems with plumbing or electrical systems. The report will indicate the urgency of repairs, prioritising issues that pose an immediate safety risk. .

Most homeowners only consider having a property expertly assessed when they are buying or selling. A Home Health Check is an appraisal of your property so you can better take care of what you own. If there’s a concern, a developing issue, or something that poses a risk of causing a problem, then a Home Health Check can identify these issues.

A Home Health Check offers you an inspection of a property’s condition, aiming to identify if there are any existing issues and ensure it meets certain standards. This can be a general inspection for home maintenance or a more specific inspection focusing on aspects such as roofs, services or energy efficiency.

 

With over 25 years experience of managing my own construction business, my hands-on knowledge equips me with the insight to assess buildings and future projects with a level of practical expertise that many others simply cannot offer. 

A pre-extension consultation offers home owners the opportunity to discuss the potential types of extension that could be suitable for their home, before committing to the expense of involving an architect.

We conduct two levels of home surveys:

Level 2 – Home Buyers Report

A Level 2 building survey, often referred to as a Home Buyer Report, is a visual inspection of a property to assess its condition and highlight any significant issues.

Level 2 surveys are best suited for properties that are not overly complex, have not been extensively altered or extended, and are in reasonable condition. Ideal for properties under 50 years old, a detailed yet efficient overview, highlighting significant defects and maintenance needs

Level 3 – Building Survey

The Level 3 Survey is designed for properties over 50 years old, ideally suited to larger, extended, higher value homes or those with complex or unique characteristics, such as extensive renovations or unusual construction methods.

It provides a thorough assessment of the building’s condition, identifying potential issues and advising on necessary repairs.

When to choose a Level 3 Building Survey?

Older Properties:

Buildings older than 50 years old may benefit from the more in-depth inspection of a Level 3 survey.

Complex or Unusual Construction:

Properties with unusual designs or non-traditional construction may require a Level 3 survey to identify specific issues.

Properties in Poor Condition:

If a property is visibly in poor condition, a Level 3 survey can provide a comprehensive assessment of the extent of the issues.

Major Renovations

If you plan to make significant alterations or renovations, a Level 3 survey can identify potential issues that could impact the project.

Why choose Paul Cahill Building Surveyors?

25+

years experience in the construction industry equips me with the insight to assess buildings with a level of practical expertise that many others simply cannot offer

In-depth

local knowledge and understanding of the property market in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire

100%

dedicated to providing you with the information you need to make a safe and informed decision

“Paul did a great job helping me understand the jargon and risks. He provided a thorough assessment of the most important areas of the property that would need immediate improvement, and what would need to be addressed in the longer term so I could budget for everything.

He was helpful, polite and his work was detailed and accurate”

Sarah

/

St Albans

★★★★★