Francis Blackstone Surveyors
Areas covered | Essex | Kent | Hertfordshire | London
Professional Chartered Surveyors | Experienced & Qualified
Francis Blackstone Surveyors – RICS Regulated.
Whether you need a valuation or home survey, we are happy to help out and advise on anything to do with your property. Our Chelmsford-based experts are always ready to help.
Buying a home will be one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. So, it makes sense that you seek expert advice to help reduce the chances that you make a costly mistake. Such advice will help you to decide if the property is a sensible purchase, whether you’ll need to negotiate the price further to allow for repairs and alterations, or may highlight structural issues that may need to be addressed.
Call us today at +44 (208) 798 0593 to discuss your needs and we’ll match you with the right surveyor for your requirement.
Great Prices & Quick Turnarounds
Buying a property can be stressful, and with many tight deadlines pressing in on you, the pressure only builds up. We are here to assist you and listen to your concerns while ensuring that your property gets the inspection that you deserve. We are keen to help release some of the pressure you are feeling now.
Our fees are competitive and we guarantee a quick turnaround on all jobs, usually within 48 to 72 hours from the date of your property inspection.
You Will Get an Accurate & Unique Report
At Francis Blackstone Surveyors, we want to move your transaction forward by giving you a full report, e.g. homebuyer, building survey, or property valuation report. A professional building surveyor will explain what is wrong with your property and advice on its condition to help you make an informed buying decision.
On the surface, valuing a property appears to be a simple process. However, obtaining a true, useable valuation is a professional process involving a lot of variables. To arrive at a realistic valuation, we combine survey data with historical data, local knowledge, and expertise.
Call us immediately to schedule your property’s inspection or valuation and you can be assured that you will always be dealing with seasoned professionals.
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Surveys carried out at short notice by a fully qualified Member of the RICS Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Our Services
RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyer)
RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyer) are a good way to avoid unexpected costly repairs further down the line.
RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)
RICS Level 3 Building Survey is a detailed inspection of a property’s condition and involves an extensive inspection schedule.
Property Valuations
A property valuation is the process of evaluation that determines the worth of your property by comparing it
Reviews on Trust Pilot
Very Thorough & Professional I did a comparison of six possible surveyors and using the Trustpilot reviews chose Francis Blackstone. This was based on the fact that at the time there weren't any poor reviews and the comments indicated that Izuka went above and beyond what was required. This proved to be the case with us. Communication was first class, the survey was completed promptly, the report was comprehensive but easy to understand and Izuka also covered some extra points which we were unsure about. I would highly recommend Francis Blackstone. (5/5).
Report carried out swiftly Really pleased with the service, and report was in-depth and gave full detail. Went above and beyond in terms of asking us any particular points we wanted covered. Dealt directly with estate agents to get survey booked, arrived on time and full report was received within 3 working day. Very happy with the service. (5/5)
Goes over and above! Great service! Izuka shared the detailed report within 48 hours of the survey. When we had few concerns regarding some inaccessible areas of the house, he made a second .... (5/5).
Efficient, thorough and professional A very thorough and professional inspection of my property. From the initial conversation pertaining to the valuation and expectation of my property the experience was seamless. The surveyor who did the valuation was totally professional and a credit to your company. (5/5).
Swift and Efficient Response Izuka was very friendly and efficient. He provided swift responses to all of my questions and was very helpful. Our survey was completed in a quick and timely manner and to a high standard. 100% recommend.
CONTACT US NOW
Surveys carried out at short notice by a fully qualified Member of the RICS Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Frequently Asked Questions
We can usually book a survey within 2-5 days (subject to availability), if required urgently, sometimes, we can do this sooner at short notice as slots open up due to survey cancellation or postponement.
The turn around time from inspection to completion of the survey the report is usually 2-3 working days maximum.
Windows
Inspection includes opening of windows only where permission has been given, any keys/ locks are available, and it is safe to do so. Where the inspection of windows is restricted, the RICS member must inform the client. For level two, the RICS member will include one on each elevation and one of each different type of window where there is a variety.
Roof space
For all levels of inspection, the RICS member will carry out an inspection of roof space that is not more than three metres above floor level, using a ladder it is safe and reasonable to do so. When inspecting the roof space for level two, the RICS member will enter the roof space and visually inspect the roof structure with attention paid to those parts vulnerable to deterioration and damage.
Floors
The RICS member will inspect the surfaces of exposed floors but will not lift carpets, floor coverings or floorboards, or move furniture. The RICS member will assess floors for excessive deflection by a ‘heel-drop’ test. Where floors have unfixed access hatches/panels or floorboards, the RICS member will inspect subfloor areas by an inverted ‘head and shoulders’ inspection where appropriate and it is safe to do so.
Inspection chambers and underground drainage
The RICS member will lift accessible inspection chamber covers to drains or septic tanks and visually inspect them, where safe to do so and without causing damage, and visually inspect the chamber (s)
Other services
The RICS member does not perform or comment on design calculations or test the service installations or appliances in any way. For a level two inspection, the RICS member will visually inspect all parts of the different service systems that can be seen within the normal course of the inspection.
Grounds
RICS member will carry out a visual inspection of the grounds from within the boundaries of the subject property and where necessary, from adjoining public property. In level two inspection, the RICS member will perform a thorough inspection of the grounds, noting any limitations.
RICS members will also use appropriate methods and equipment to inspect a roof that is not visible from a window or another part of the building, and that is not more than three metres above ground level if it is safe and reasonable to do so.
General: Market Valuation, Location, Construction, Accommodation, Area of property (sq m), Building Insurance Reinstatement cost, Risks (building, grounds, people, other), Issues for the your legal advisors, Energy matters and insulation External: Roof, Chimneys, Rainwater goods, Main walls including signs of any subsidence, Windows, Doors, Conservatory and porches, Joinery, External decoration, Garage, Grounds, gardens and boundaries including checks for signs of Japanese knotweed Internal: Roof space/loft, Ceilings, Walls including damp tests for rising damp or water ingress, Floors, Fireplaces, Chimney breasts, Fixtures and fittings, Joinery and woodwork, Bathroom fittings, Internal decoration Services: Electricity, Gas, Water, Heating, Water heating, Drainage, Common services.
Windows
Inspection includes opening of windows only where permission has been given, any keys/ locks are available, and it is safe to do so. Where the inspection of windows is restricted, the RICS member must inform the client.
Roof space
For all levels of inspection, the RICS member will carry out an inspection of roof space that is not more than three metres above floor level, using a ladder it is safe and reasonable to do. In a level three inspection, the RICS member will enter the roof space and visually inspect the roof structure, with attention paid to those parts vulnerable to deterioration and damage. Although thermal insulation is not moved, in a level three inspection The RICS member will lift small corners so the roof’s thickness and type, and the nature of the underlying ceiling can be identified, if it is safe to do so. Where permission has been granted and it is safe, a small number of lightweight possessions should be repositioned so a more thorough inspection can take place.
Floors
The RICS member will inspect the surfaces of exposed floors and will lift the corners of any loose and unfitted carpets or other floor coverings where practicable. The RICS member will assess all floors for excessive deflection by a ‘heel-drop’ test. Where the subfloor is inspected, an inverted ‘head and shoulders’ inspection will be carried out where appropriate and it is safe to do so (either physically or using appropriate equipment). If it is safe to do so, the RICS member will enter the under-floor area to carry out a more thorough inspection.
Inspection chambers and underground drainage
In a level three inspection, the RICS member will lift accessible inspection chamber covers to drains and septic tanks (where it is safe to do so and without causing damage) and observe the normal operation of the drains in everyday use.
Other services
The RICS member does not perform or comment on design calculations or test the service installations or appliances in any way. For a level three inspection, the RICS member will visually inspect all parts of the different service systems that can be seen within the normal operation of the services in everyday use (where it is safe to do so and without causing damage) including the operating an identified sample of lights and extractor fans and asking the occupier to operate the heating.
Grounds
RICS members will carry out a visual inspection of the grounds from within the boundaries of the subject property and where necessary, from adjoining public property. In a level three inspection, the RICS member will perform a comprehensive inspection of the grounds, noting any limitations. Specific defective features and other matters associated with the grounds can be costly to resolve and may affect the client’s decision. Consequently, the RICS member should fully account for these during a level three service and be prepared to follow the trail of suspected problems to a greater extent than at levels two.
RICS members will also use appropriate methods and equipment to inspect a roof that is not visible from a window or another part of the building, and that is not more than three metres above ground level if it is safe and reasonable to do so.
General: Market Valuation, Location, Construction, Accommodation, Area of property (sq m), Building Insurance Reinstatement cost, Risks (building, grounds, people, other), Issues for the your legal advisors, Energy matters and insulation External: Roof, Chimneys, Rainwater goods, Main walls including signs of any subsidence, Windows, Doors, Conservatory and porches, Joinery, External decoration, Garage, Grounds, gardens and boundaries including checks for signs of Japanese knotweed Internal: Roof space/loft, Ceilings, Walls including damp tests for rising damp or water ingress, Floors, Fireplaces, Chimney breasts, Fixtures and fittings, Joinery and woodwork, Bathroom fittings, Internal decoration Services: Electricity, Gas, Water, Heating, Water heating, Drainage, Common services.
The Building Survey – RICS Home Survey Level 3 is a longer more detailed report whilst the Homebuyer Report – RICS Home Survey Level 2 is shorter and less detailed. The Homebuyer Report – RICS Home Survey Level 2 includes a valuation whilst the Building Survey – RICS Home Survey Level 3 does not (but a valuation can be added if required). Both reports cover similar parts and checks of the property but the Building Survey – RICS Home Survey Level 3 will provide more detail on construction and may be more suitable for older properties, or properties which are in poor condition or properties which have undergone major extension.
