Surveyor Local

So I contacted Surveyor Local to get a quote and book in a full building survey on a property. I liked the idea of using a national organisation to do the booking but use a local surveyor to do the work. They were very friendly and helpful on the phone, it was all great. On timelines, they said “once booked in, it’ll be 1-2 weeks to get your survey conducted”. I thought ‘great, let’s book it in!’Unfortunately, after I paid the full amount, nothing happened for a week. I called to chase, expecting everything was going on in the background and our survey would only be a week away… but no. Turns out in that week nothing at all had happened, our survey was not handed to the booking team as it should have and there was no appointment. I thought nevermind, let’s just crack on.Anyway when the bookings team finally got an appointment in the diary – turns out that all three of their local surveyors were taking leave and the earliest possible appointment was in 4-5 weeks time (that’s 6 weeks from when we originally booked). This timescale was completely unacceptable to us and encroached too close to our anticipated exchange of contracts. Very very frustrating.To their credit, they were very apologetic, acknowledged the errors and we were offered a prompt full refund which we accepted. We then chose a different local firm that could conduct their survey faster. However this process ultimately slowed our entire purchase process down by some 3-4 weeks which we really didn’t need or nor ask for. Surveyor Local must look into what went wrong here or be more honest about the original 1-2 week estimate. I would advise anyone booking with them to push and urge for an actual survey date with an available surveyor, *before* payment.

I wouldn't recommend using these people.I've had very similar experience to the previous reviewer.Booked 12th May.Survey Carried Out 20th May, athough the initial email said the surveyor would be in touch with T&C etc but never happened.Report received 30th May (after I chased on 25th because I still hadn't heard anything from my initial booking/payment)Raised a query on 31st May because the report wasn't cler and it contradicted itself in 2 places.Chased up on 9th June because still hadn't been resolved - was told it would be looked at and corrected on weekend of 11th/12th June.Chased up again on 18th June and after receiving the reply this time about having a 'busy schedule' I have given up.Promised a full refund - lets see how long that takes.NOW I HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN TO GET MY REPORT - WHAT A WASTE OF 40 DAYS.

Overall, the service was good. Nevertheless, it is important to differentiate between the quality of the service provided by the staff of Surveyor Local, and the quality of the survey conducted by a third party (that is, by the agencies that Surveyor Local allocates for conducting the surveys).Our experience with SL staff was very good. Always very friendly, ready to answer questions and help making the best decisions. Staff did not impatiently rushed behind us, as is sometimes the case in other services. We appreciate their patience and their attention.Unfortunately, we had a bad experience with the survey itself. When we complained about the quality of the report, SL were extremely helpful both to contact the surveyor and explain the matter, and to settle the issue in an effective, beneficial way.It is obviously a hassle when the survey doesn't go as expected, but it was good to have the support of SL staff throughout the process. Whilst the result of the survey was not satisfactory, the assistance of SL definitely was, and we are thankful for that.

**EDIT - SURVEYOR LOCAL HAVE OFFERED A FULL REFUND WITH THEIR APOLOGIES AND AGREE THIS DOES NOT MATCH THEIR USUAL STANDARDS**40 days from booking to results plus A LOT of chasing - unacceptable time wasting!29/04/16 - Full Building Survey plus valuation was booked and paid for. Was told the surveyor, David Edmondson, would be in touch with agent within next two working days to arrange date and would then confirm with me. Heard nothing.10/05/16 - I emailed asking why agent had not been contacted and were now chasing me about it. This prompted surveyor to finally make an appointment. Was told access had to be convenient for tenant and that's why there had been a delay - but the house was not tenanted! I was told survey would take place on 16/05/16 and I would get verbal report on the day.16/05/16 - Surveyor failed to attend appointment and failed to inform agent. Once again I was informed by the agent.17/05/16 - Agent informed me Surveyor had rebooked for 19/05/16.19/05/16 - No survey happened. Was not informed. Was again expecting to get verbal report on day, obviously nothing.1/06/16 - Rang Surveyor Local first thing to chase, was told someone would call me back that day. No word by late afternoon so rang again. Was told surveyor would ring back THAT DAY WITH VERBAL REPORT. Surveyor did not call.2/06/16 - Rang Surveyor Local again. Was finally told survey did not happen until 23/05/16, they didn't know why I hadn't received verbal report on day as promised, was promised verbal report for next day.3/06/16 - Finally got verbal survey report over voicemail - contained halfbaked apology about it taking so long and a lot of vague muttering about 'computer issues'. Was promised full survey in writing by the next day.04//06/16 - Surprise surprise, no written survey report.05/06/16 - No written survey report. Instead received a form to print, sign, scan and send so survey can be released. I was then working away and could do nothing about it. This form of release could have been sent at any time over the previous month so as to not cause delay at the end. Very poor planning.08/06/16 - I returned from my work trip, returned the form and late that evening FINALLY received my written survey.Written survey report at least is thorough, professional and informative. In those nearly six weeks however we had to jump in to our house purchase blind, pay for all the searches, mortgage fees, legal fees, all before we knew whether there were any severe structural problems which might have caused us to pull out. We may as well not have bothered spending £629 having the survey done as it didn't inform our purchase at all.

I was very happy with every aspect of the process. Fast response to online request, keen pricing and a prompt, professional and helpful survey process. The report was everything I expected and was supplied promptly with my follow-up questions being answered thoroughly with no problems.

I found the process very easy as they dealt with everything. After talking to a couple of different firms I found Surveyor Local to be the most reasonably priced and I felt they dealt with my case in a professional manner. I was informed with everything I needed to know and the report came through over my email as well as through the post. Overall I was very happy

Instructed a survey to be completed 3 weeks ago. As of yet, no report has been received. The surveyor gave the vendor a call to say he was turning up in an hour (the only warning that was given), then turned up 3 hours late. The surveyor promised me the report two weeks ago, and then did not respond to voicemails I left just asking for an update of when the report may be expected. Managed to get through to the surveyor yesterday who promised he would send it over by the end of the day (before hanging up abruptly). Still nothing received. SL staff have been helpful and understanding, but the facts of the matter currently stand at the fact I have parted with nearly £1k, and have not received any service, or indication that I am likely to receive one any time soon.

Responded quickly to my enquiry and were very helpful. The arrangements were then made on my behalf to access the property making everything very straightforward. The report was submitted to me on the 3rd working day. Fast efficient service. Very pleased as totally stress free.

the building survey was booked and completed within a reasonable amount of time. and i had the full report via e-mail around 2-3 days after and the paper copy a couple of days after that.i am very happy with the report and the questions i asked were answered within a short amount of time.overall good service and happy with the result.

Well..Sarah Harrower the surveyor is quite an amazing surveyor. She picked up on crucial things that are so important that they can be easily overlooked. And rang me for a talk about it. I'm absolutely delighted that she did my survey and would recommend her highly. A* (if possible Sarah can you post my report as I don't have a printer please)