A “Property Survey” is another name for an Engineers Report, Structural Survey or House Inspection Report. It is a visual survey undertaken by an Engineer or Surveyor on a Second-hand home. These reports are used when you are purchasing a house in Galway or Mayo. 

‘Caveat Emptor’, Buyer Beware! There are many pitfalls when buying a house. There could be structural defects, map problems, boundary discrepancies, planning problems or issues of non-compliance. These need to be checked. Your Solicitor may also require that you have an independent survey before you purchase the property. Would you buy a car without having it checked-over? Probably not and a house is no different (and more expensive!).

‘Caveat Emptor’, Buyer Beware! Whilst most builders will have a great understanding of construction, they may not know about mapping, planning or the regulations applicable to the property you are buying. It is best to have a full survey undertaken.

Yes! We undertaken structural surveys for property in all of Mayo. Our office is based in Tuam, but we cover all of County Mayo, including Achill, Belmullet, Ballina, Castlebar, Westport, Ballinrobe, Kiltimagh, Kilmaine, Foxford and all areas in between! You can get an online property survey quote for Mayo here!

Yes! We survey property in Galway including Galway City, Tuam, Oranmore, Athenry, Loughrea, Gort, Portumna, Ballinasloe and all areas in between! You can get an online quote for Galway on our website here!

For a new house, you need a ‘snag survey’. Here is a link to our page specifically for new property and snag lists. 

Overall, about 1.5-2 hours for one surveyor. Sometimes, we use two surveyors which reduces the time ( two heads are better than one!).

Generally, no. Our insurance only covers ourselves at a property. We also need contemplative time when there to evaluate any problems or issues. 

We encourage all clients to email any concerns before the survey, so we can look at the issue when there. 

We are usually booking for 6-9 working days ahead. The report takes about 2-4 working days to prepare. Don’t be fooled by guaranteed “fast turnaround times”. A comprehensive report takes time. All our reports are reviewed internally before they are issued to you. 

Sometimes, your Solicitor may get a legal planning search that only documents what file numbers relate to your site. Our search is totally different, and more comprehensive. We undertake a planning search of the file numbers and then compare the plans and maps to what was actually built. We check planning conditions for compliance with building works. A legal search will not go as far as this. 

A pre-sale report is for when you are selling. A pre-purchase report is for when you are buying.

We start outside. We check boundaries, the external parts and the we use a telescopic ‘drone’ camera for the hard to see high-up stuff. We then work inside and check the structure and fabric. There is a comprehensive list on our website here. 

So you can see what we surveyed. It helps a lot when we discuss the report afterwards. We photograph hard-to-reach areas with our telescopic ‘drone’ camera. We use thermal imagers for damp and cold. We take 160+ images.

After receipt of payment, we issue it as a .PDF on email with a shareable link to all photos taken. If you want a printed copy, just let us know and we will post one out to you. 

Yes. We answer all your questions and solicitor queries afterwards. This is usually by return email. If you want a follow-up call, just let us know and we will schedule it with you. 

Yes. We are fully indemnified or ‘bonded’. 

It will be an experienced member of our professional staff. Unlike others, we are not a referral service. You hire us. We are your team!

All reports are overseen, supervised, validated and signed by Dwayne Higgins, who is the Managing Director. We are not a referral service. We have strict reporting standards that are constantly checked and updated. 

Yes. We are one of the few companies that offer Thermal Imagery as standard for moisture, cold and damp.

Yes. We visually examine the installation for obvious defects (corrosion, melting and leaking). We look for appliance damage. Testing of these systems is outside our remit.

Yes. We check the regs that applied when the house was built. Some were built before regulations and these are then assessed on good practice and common sense. 

We check it. We see if there are any planning exemptions for it and we comment on this in your report. 

We check what developments are planned for an area, within c. 0.3km of the property, and include this in the report (we wish the bypass was built! We want to get to Knocknacarra faster!).

We check what developments are planned for an area and available on public record, within c. 0.3km of the property, and include this in the report.

Yes. We look at the rating and make a comment on the insulation levels of the property.

Yes. We check the old maps and the new OPW flood maps. 

These are assessed on good general building practice and Building Bye-Laws (if applicable) when considering their age and the likelihood of defects being present.

We do. From once you book us, we handle everything. We arrange the keys and access with the Auctioneer / Vendor. 

Not a lot for the comprehensive service that we offer. We do more than most others. All our prices include VAT, many quote without it to appear cheaper. Also, our price is all-inclusive, there are no hidden extras for the survey of your property (others charge extra for the planning search or boundary check). You can get a full quote on our website today! All reports issue after receipt of payment.