Cosey Homes is an experienced team of Chartered Surveyors in Kent. Our skilled structural engineers and surveyors have worked with countless satisfied clients in the South East delivering impartial advice, technical expertise and consistently exceptional customer service.
With over 18 years in the property business, we are proud to be accredited by industry-leading organisations, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). For details about any of the services we provide, or if you would like to book a property survey, please call our friendly team on 0330 053 5823 or send us a short message via our contact page.
Are you looking for professional property surveying services in Kent? We understand that buying a home or business premises is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, which is why we make it our business to equip each client with the right information to make an intelligent decision about how to proceed. Before you commit to buying your new property, contact our team at Cosey Homes for a survey, valuation or structural inspection to make sure you fully understand its condition.
Cosey Homes is a leading property surveyor in Kent; we work all over the region including Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Sevenoaks, Dartford and Rochester. Our team has a diverse range of experience in all kinds of property, and we have the knowledge and qualifications to undertake commercial surveys and valuations as well as residential Building Survey (Level 3) and RICS HomeBuyer Reports (Level 2). We are happy to help in any environment, from industrial warehouses and commercial spaces to large homes and tower blocks.
You can request a RICS Homebuyers Survey quote by completing a simple form.
A must for anyone buying a new home
For older or altered buildings
For a highly accurate valuation
At Cosey Homes, our broad experience allows us to provide clients with a wide range of specialist property and consultancy services including the full suite of RICS endorsed home surveys:
The RICS Building Survey (Level 3) was once known as a ‘full structural survey’ and provides the greatest level of detail. The report comprises a comprehensive analysis of building defects and serious issues, and will also include cost estimates for repair as well as recommendations for ongoing maintenance. Building Survey (Level 3) are highly recommended for larger and older properties including heritage homes and listed buildings, non-standard constructions and previously altered structures, as well as so-called ‘doer-uppers’.
The Homebuyer Survey (Level 2) is a mid-level property investigation based on a non-invasive site visit, and it is designed to provide a reasonable amount of detail. The report is laid out in an easy-to-understand format, using a colour coded ‘traffic light’ condition rating system to indicate the severity of each defect found. The report will also highlight any features that are not current building regulations compliant. Homebuyers Survey (Level 2) are appropriate for a wide range of conventional properties built in the last 100 years that are in a good state of repair.
Condition Report (Level 1) are designed to provide a brief overview of the property’s condition, giving an ‘as is’ snapshot and highlighting any particular areas of concern. As the most basic type of property survey, we would only recommend Condition Report (Level 1) for new-built homes and nearly new property where no serious defects are expected to be found. If you would like our professional opinion to give you the all-clear on your upcoming new home purchase, please contact us to discuss whether a Condition Report (Level 1) is the right tool.
We would absolutely recommend that every buyer obtains a property survey before purchase. Houses, apartments and commercial premises of any age can suffer from serious defects that are not apparent to the untrained eye but can potentially cost you thousands to repair after you move in. An independent survey by a qualified surveyor is your best opportunity to spot any potential problems before you sign on the dotted line. A full RICS Building Survey (Level 3) is the most comprehensive property investigation, which is appropriate for older buildings, larger buildings, non-standard buildings, buildings with a history of alterations, and fixer-uppers.
The main difference between these two types of survey is the level of detail involved in the property investigation. Both are based on a visual, non-invasive site visit, but the Building Survey report (Level 3) offers a much greater depth of analysis, making it more suitable for older homes, listed buildings, non-conventional structures and those needing substantial refurbishment. By comparison, a HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) is appropriate for modern properties of standard construction that are in a reasonable state of repair.
While the seller is not obliged to lower the agreed asking price following the survey, he may be motivated to accommodate your request in the interests of a smooth sale. If the survey flags up unexpected problems, add up the total estimated costs for the necessary repairs and maintenance and use this as a guide to compute the discount you would like. Make sure you stick to evidence-based facts discovered in the survey, and be flexible in your approach to negotiations. You may need to meet the seller in the middle, and you should also be prepared to pull out of the purchase if the costs are over your budget and the seller is unwilling to compromise on price.
Many buyers mistakenly assume that a brand-new or nearly new property won’t need to be surveyed, either because there won’t be any defects presents or because any problems will be covered by the 10-year NHBC warranty. However, this warranty only covers the home if the original housebuilder is prepared to accept responsibility for their mistakes, and even brand new homes can suffer from unexpected faults. Ultimately, buying any property is a significant investment, and the peace of mind achieved by obtaining a professional survey only costs a fraction of the price.
Many buyers seem to think that a brand-new (or almost brand-new) home won’t need to be surveyed, either because it’s unlikely for any defects to be present, or because any problems should be covered by the 10-year NHBC warranty. This warranty actually only covers the home if the original housebuilder is prepared to accept responsibility for their mistakes, and even new-builds can suffer from unexpected faults. Ultimately, buying any home is a significant investment, and the peace of mind achieved by commissioning a survey only costs a fraction of the price.
If you are considering the purchase of a period property or a listed building, we would most definitely recommend a RICS Building Survey (Level 3). Old properties may have been standing for centuries, but they can suffer from numerous unseen problems like subsidence, timber decay, roofing issues and damp. Their construction may also require specialist knowledge in order to recommend the right courses of action for repair and maintenance. Commissioning a comprehensive investigation is the only way to ensure that you won’t be confronted with nasty surprises when you move in.
No, we don’t. Our team works independently and aren’t obliged to look after the interests of estate agents, mortgage providers or any other third party. As RICS Chartered Surveyors, this means that we are entirely focused on the needs of our clients and offer a completely unbiased assessment of your property and circumstances. In return, you can feel assured that our advice is always in your best interests, and that our clear, easy-to-follow reports are giving you all the information you need.
