Our Surveys
From your first home to a commercial lease, we offer seven types of survey for properties across Essex, each designed for a different property and a different question. All of them are carried out by a Chartered Surveyor, backed by detailed photographs, and delivered within 5 working days with a follow-up call to talk through the findings.
How It Works
Each survey below links to a full page explaining what's inspected, what's included in the report and who it's best suited to.
A survey for buyers of conventional houses, bungalows and flats that appear to be in reasonable condition. It covers the main structure, roof, walls, windows, damp, visible services and outbuildings, and rates each part of the property green, amber or red so the important issues stand out.
Best for: modern and conventional homes in reasonable condition.
A deeper inspection and a more detailed report, explaining each defect, what's likely to be causing it, how it could be repaired and what ongoing maintenance to plan for. The right choice when a property is older, larger, altered or clearly in need of work.
Best for: period, listed, extended, unusual or run-down properties.
Written for landlords, this survey combines a Level 2 style condition report with a review of the 29 hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, helping you keep a rental property safe and fit for tenants.
Best for: landlords buying a rental property or checking one they already let.
An independent inspection of a newly built home to the RPSA New-build Inspection & Reporting Standards. Every defect, unfinished item and safety concern is photographed and listed, giving you a clear report to hand to your developer.
Best for: buyers of new build homes, before or after completion.
A focused inspection of a problem you already know about, such as cracking, damp, a leak or a sagging roof. We explain the most likely cause, the repairs that may be needed, and whether a specialist should take a closer look.
Best for: homeowners, landlords and property managers with a known issue.
A survey commissioned by the seller before the property is marketed. The inspection is equivalent to a Level 3 survey and the report covers condition, legal matters, safety, environmental and climate risks, giving buyers and their advisers the facts early.
Best for: homeowners preparing to sell.
A dated, detailed photographic record of a property's condition, prepared before a lease starts so landlord and tenant agree on the starting point. Available for both commercial and residential properties.
Best for: commercial landlords and tenants, and residential landlords.
Level 2 or Level 3?
Most buyers choose between a Level 2 survey, sometimes known as a Homebuyer Survey, and a Level 3 survey, sometimes known as a Building Survey. Both involve a thorough, non-invasive inspection, and neither includes a market valuation. The difference is in the type of property each suits and how much detail the report goes into.
Still undecided? Our survey guide compares every survey side by side, or you can call us and we'll recommend the right one for your property.
Our Reports
Whichever survey you choose, our reports are written to be read and understood, not filed away. You can expect:
We also use a moisture meter and, where needed, thermal imaging. Weather permitting, we use a drone and an extendable pole camera to inspect roofs, chimneys and other hard-to-reach areas.
Get in touch
Tell us about the property and the survey you're interested in, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk?
WhatsApp us:
Send us a message, the property listing link and any photos or questions. Handy if you're busy during the day.
If you're unsure which survey you need, tell us about the property and your circumstance and we'll guide you through it.
No. A mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender, to confirm the property is suitable security for the loan. It's usually brief and isn't designed to tell you about the property's condition. A survey is carried out for you and reports on defects, repairs and risks before you commit.
Usually as soon as your offer has been accepted, and before you exchange contracts. That gives you time to act on anything the survey finds, such as asking for repairs or renegotiating the price.
A standard survey isn't designed for new homes. A New Build Snagging Report is, because it checks the quality of the finish and construction and lists the defects your developer should put right.
Yes, we prepare schedules of condition for commercial landlords and tenants, usually at the start of a lease. Our home surveys are designed for residential properties.
We're based in Leigh-on-Sea and carry out all seven surveys across the whole of Essex, including Southend-on-Sea, Rayleigh, Basildon and Chelmsford. See the full list of areas we cover.
No, none of our surveys include a market valuation. An insurance reinstatement cost can be added to a Level 2 or Level 3 survey, or provided on its own, for an additional fee.
Our Surveys
From RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys to new build snagging, buy to let and schedules of condition, we'll help you choose the right report for your property.
Get a Quote
Tell us the property address and the survey you need, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp 07375 390466.
Lima Surveys is an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors based in Leigh-on-Sea, regulated by both RICS and the RPSA. Every survey is carried out and written by a Chartered Surveyor, with a clear photographic report issued within 5 working days and a follow-up call to talk through the findings. We cover the whole of Essex.
Lima Surveys Ltd
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 3PL
Registered in England & Wales, Company No. 13556609
Registered office: C/O Kingsley House, 22-24 Elm Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, England, SS9 1SN.
VAT Reg No. 458 5578 39
T: 07375 390466
E: info@limasurveys.co.uk
