For many years, surveyors have been guilty of providing Building survey reports based on what we think you want. At Martin and Mortimer, we are trying to do our small bit to change that.
Eight years ago, we launched a Building survey with a Summarising report format. This was designed to give our clients the comfort of knowing that an experienced surveyor had looked at the property in detail whilst providing a report that is straight-forward to read and understand.
From those humble beginnings, the Building survey with Summarising report has risen to become our most popular product. We are not, however, ones to rest on our laurels. In 2007, we added ‘contingency repair costs’ to our reports. We felt that use of language such as a ’significant issue’ or serious defect’ was unhelpful but costs are something everyone can relate to.
We didn’t stop there, in Jan 2010, we changed the Conclusion to our Summarising report to include two tables. These pull together the contingency costs contained in the report and break them down in to urgent and non-urgent issues. This allows clients (at a glance) to distinguish between what needs doing now, and what can be done as part of planned maintenance.
The feedback we have had has been very encouraging but we are always open to new ideas. If you have had previous experience of other surveyors reports and think they offered something special, or if you want advice on what is included in the Building survey, let me know.