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Rated "Excellent" ★★★★★ based on 800+ reviews

Welcome to CJ Bloor, Your Trusted Building Surveyors in Leeds

We specialise in helping people make smart choices when purchasing their new home.

We offer comprehensive RICS Home Surveys in Leeds and its surrounding areas, including Headingley, Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, and Beeston.

Our reports stand out for their quality, created by some of the most experienced surveyors in Leeds. Our dedication to excellent customer service has earned us a place as one of the Top-rated Chartered Surveyors on Trustpilot.

Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Did you know?

Leeds is a popular residential destination due to its thriving economy, making it an important location for quality RICS Home Surveys.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent and Swift Delivery

Received an excellent service from CJ Bloor. They were able to swiftly address my needs, demonstrating efficiency and professionalism throughout the process. Their service comes highly recommended.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Efficient and Accommodating

CJ Bloor’s service was highly efficient and they were able to accommodate my request on a tight schedule. They are fast, friendly, and deliver as promised. I would recommend them to family and friends.

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Speedy and Efficient

CJ Bloor provided an excellent and speedy service, completing the review in just two days. Their efficiency and professionalism is commendable. Extremely pleased with the service provided.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Competitively Priced

CJ Bloor offered an excellent service, maintaining communication throughout the process. They were able to swiftly complete the tasks at a competitive price. Highly recommended.

What Sets Us Apart From The Rest

Independent, Personal & Regulated

Embrace the personal touch of CJ Bloor Property Consultants. We know you’re more than a number; you’re an individual with unique needs. As an independent, regulated, and fully insured firm, we’re free from third-party influences.

Individually Assessed Quotations

In the world of automation, CJ Bloor Property Consultants stands as a beacon of personalisation. We don’t believe in ‘one-size-fits-all’ quotations. Every case we handle is looked at individually, taking into account the unique requirements and circumstances.

We Respect Your Time; We Value Your Voice

We deliver detailed RICS Home Surveys within 5 working days, utilising the easily decipherable ‘traffic light system’. We’re swift, but never hasty. Feel free to engage us in as many conversations as you need, without ever feeling rushed.

Our Never-Ending Pursuit of Excellence

Using cutting-edge technology, we ensure precision that’s simply unrivalled. However, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to continuous improvement. Our stringent Quality Assurance process, a relentless hunt for perfection, ensures that every report you receive from us is nothing short of excellent.

We’ve Got Your Back

Transparency and accessibility aren’t just buzzwords for us; they’re a way of life at CJ Bloor Property Consultants. We’re here to not just explain our findings but to listen, to understand, and to answer your queries, anytime you need us.

When is a Home Survey Required?

Home surveys are an integral part of the property buying process. They provide essential information about a property’s condition, helping buyers make informed decisions about their investment. Home surveys are typically carried out by qualified surveyors who evaluate various aspects of the property’s structure, building materials, and overall state of repair. This process can help identify any hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent, such as damp, subsidence, or structural defects.

What's included in a Home Survey?

A home survey isn’t just a quick look around a property. It’s a meticulous examination that goes beyond the surface. The goal? To present a true, unbiased picture of a property’s condition. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  1. Pre-Survey Consultation: Before we even step onto the property, we’ll ask you some questions via an online form to understand your specific concerns and needs. This helps us tailor our approach.
  2. External Assessment: Our surveyors begin with the outside, examining the property’s foundation, walls, roofing, drainage, and other external elements.
  3. Internal Examination: Moving indoors, we scrutinise every room, including the less-frequented areas like attics, basements, or cellars.
  4. Specialist Checks: Depending on the type of survey chosen, we may deploy advanced tools and techniques, such as moisture meters to detect dampness.
  5. Immediate Feedback: After the survey, we can provide a quick overview of our findings, so you aren’t left waiting.

For more insight, you might want to check out our blog post Why are home surveys so important and what makes a good one? It’s packed with useful information that could help shed more light on the topic for you.

Choosing the correct level of Home Survey

There are three levels of the RICS Home Survey: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Moving from the most basic at Level 1 to the highly detailed Level 3.

At CJ Bloor, we specialise in conducting Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys:

Level 2 RICS Home Survey (Homebuyers Survey)

A Level 2 RICS Home Survey, previously known as a Homebuyers Survey, is a simplified version of the Level 3 Home Survey. The survey is designed to provide you with an overview of a property’s condition, highlighting any significant defects or potential problems that may affect the property’s value.  It is particularly suitable for more modern homes that haven’t undergone extensive alterations or renovations and are in relatively good condition. 

Level 3 RICS Home Survey (Building Survey)

A Level 3 RICS Home Survey, previously known as a Building Survey, is a more comprehensive inspection of a property that provides a detailed report on its condition and any potential defects or issues. It is the most extensive type of home survey available and is typically recommended for older or more complex properties, or properties that have undergone significant alterations or renovations.

Committed to providing comprehensive information to aid your decision-making process, we have carefully crafted a Home Survey Guidance. We invite you to take a look at it: Home Survey Guidance.

Understanding Your Survey Report

A home survey report is an in-depth document, and while we strive for clarity, we understand it can be dense for someone new to the process. Here’s a guide to deciphering the information:

  1. Traffic Light System: At CJ Bloor, our reports use a simple color-coded system to classify issues. Green means good, amber indicates caution, and red flags an immediate concern.
  2. Photographic Evidence: Images are worth a thousand words. We attach photographs to provide a visual reference for any defects or issues highlighted.
  3. Expert Recommendations: For every issue identified, we provide actionable advice on how to rectify it, ensuring you aren’t left wondering what next steps to take.
  4. Property Valuation (if included): Based on the survey’s findings, we may offer an estimated property valuation, helping you understand the asset’s potential worth.
  5. Glossary: Any technical terms used are explained in an appended glossary to ensure you’re never lost in jargon.
  6. Follow-Up Consultation: We encourage you to reach out post-report. Got questions? Need clarity? We’re here to help. Your understanding is our top priority.

Why is a Home Survey Important?

Making a property purchase is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your life. It’s tempting to cut corners and skip steps like the Home Survey to save money, but doing so can expose you to significant risks and unexpected expenses.

A Home Survey serves as a critical tool in uncovering and comprehending potential challenges such as timber deterioration, dampness, flooding risks, pest infestations, and ground subsidence. Furthermore, it offers insight into specific, hard-to-tackle problems such as dry rot or the invasion of tenacious species like Japanese Knotweed.

A Home Survey isn’t an unnecessary expense – it’s an invaluable tool that protects you from future headaches. It ensures you’re making a wise, well-informed investment.

The Difference Between a Good Survey and a Bad One

When investing in a property, the quality of the survey you receive can be the determining factor between making an informed decision or encountering unforeseen complications down the line. But how do you differentiate between a good survey and a bad one? Here are some key indicators to guide you:

  1. Photographic Evidence:
    • Good Survey: Offers clear, high-resolution photographs that provide visual context to the written findings. These images not only pinpoint defects but also capture the overall state of the property, ensuring that the client gets a holistic view.
    • Bad Survey: Features blurry, poorly lit, or entirely absent photographs. This omission can leave clients unsure about the precise location or extent of an issue, forcing them to guess or seek further consultations.
  2. Level of Detail:
    • Good Survey: Dives deep into the specifics. A comprehensive survey will describe issues, their possible causes, and even suggest potential solutions. It should also highlight positive aspects of the property, providing a balanced view.
    • Bad Survey: Offers only a surface-level examination with generic statements. Such reports might mention a problem like dampness but fail to specify its extent, location, or severity. This lack of detail can leave homeowners unprepared for the scope of required repairs.
  3. Use of Caveats:
    • Good Survey: While some caveats are necessary due to inaccessible areas or unforeseen circumstances, they are used sparingly and with justification. When a caveat is presented, a good survey will often suggest a method for further investigation or a future course of action.
    • Bad Survey: Overflows with generic disclaimers and caveats. Over-reliance on such statements might suggest a lack of thoroughness or an unwillingness to commit to findings. It can leave property buyers feeling they’ve got little more than a general disclaimer rather than an insightful survey.

Using a Survey to Re-negotiate the Sale Price

If the surveyor identifies defects, and the sale is in the ‘subject to contract’ phase, then these can be used as leverage to reduce the final purchase price.

Provided the survey has been carried out by an RICS Accredited Surveyor, the report can act as an important document to assist with your case.

However, there are other factors that may impact your ability to negotiate, such as the state of the market. House prices are determined by supply and demand, so if the market is strong with high demand for residential properties, you may find negotiating the purchase price more challenging. On the other hand, negotiations might seem a little easier during a falling market.

We also have an article that you might find interesting. It’s called how to renegotiate an offer after a home survey. It’s been quite the hit since we first put it out there, and we think you might find it handy too.

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RICS Regulated

Choose our RICS regulated firm for quality, professionalism and peace of mind. Our expert surveyors and strict adherence to ethical practice make us the ideal choice for your property needs.

Competitive Prices

RICS Regulated Firm

Quick Turnaround Times

Friendly & Professional

DID YOU KNOW?

Buying a property is likely to be the largest purchase you make in your life.

Still looking for answers?

What is a RICS Home Survey?

A RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Home Survey is an in-depth visual inspection of a property. It helps homebuyers understand the condition of the property before purchasing, highlighting any major issues that could affect the decision to buy or the negotiated price.

Why should I get a RICS Home Survey?

A RICS Home Survey can help you avoid future unexpected repair costs. It provides information on the condition of the property, identifies any potential issues, and offers advice on repairs and maintenance.

What types of RICS Home Surveys are available?

There are three types of RICS Home Surveys: the RICS Condition Report, the RICS HomeBuyer Report, and the RICS Building Survey. The first provides an overview of the property’s condition, the second adds a market valuation and insurance rebuild costs, while the third provides a comprehensive analysis of the property’s structure and condition.

How is a RICS Home Survey different from a mortgage valuation?

A mortgage valuation is primarily for the lender’s benefit to ensure the property is worth the amount being loaned. A RICS Home Survey, on the other hand, is for the buyer’s benefit, providing a detailed assessment of the property’s condition, and identifying potential issues.

How long does a RICS Home Survey take?

The length of a RICS Home Survey depends on the type of survey and the size and condition of the property. It can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day. The surveyor then needs additional time to prepare the detailed report.

How much does a RICS Home Survey cost?

The cost of a RICS Home Survey varies depending on the type of survey, the property’s size, location, and age. It is always advisable to get a few quotes from different surveyors before making a decision.

What will the RICS Home Survey report include?

The RICS Home Survey report includes information about the property’s condition, potential issues, necessary repairs, and maintenance advice. The level of detail will depend on the type of survey chosen.

Can a RICS Home Survey affect the property price?

Yes, if the RICS Home Survey uncovers significant problems with the property, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price, or request that the seller completes necessary repairs prior to the sale.

What happens if problems are found during the RICS Home Survey?

If problems are found during the RICS Home Survey, the surveyor will highlight these in the report. Depending on the nature of the issues, you may decide to negotiate the price, request repairs, reconsider your decision to buy, or seek specialist advice.

Can any surveyor conduct a RICS Home Survey?

No, only surveyors who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can conduct a RICS Home Survey. These professionals have undergone extensive training and are required to maintain their skills through continuing professional development.

Customer Testimonials

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Great Work!

Received excellent and prompt service from CJ Bloor. From initial enquiry to receiving results, the process was efficient. Their professionalism and the quality of their work makes them a highly recommendable choice.

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Professional and Competitive

CJ Bloor provided an excellent service. Their communication was commendable, and they responded quickly to our needs. They were professional, polite, and competitively priced. We are very pleased with the service provided.

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Punctual and Professional

Impressed by CJ Bloor’s excellent service. From initial contact to final delivery, they were punctual and professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for their business efficiency

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Speedy and Efficient

CJ Bloor provided an excellent and speedy service, completing the review in just two days. Their efficiency and professionalism is commendable. Extremely pleased with the service provided.

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Great Service and Communication

Impressed by CJ Bloor’s great service and communication. From booking to the final delivery, everything was handled efficiently. The quality service and competitive price make them highly recommended

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Surprisingly Quick

CJ Bloor was reliable, arriving exactly when they said they would. They were efficient, polite, and provided a swift service. Their prices are reasonable and I would recommend them without hesitation.

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Professional and Efficient

Chose CJ Bloor due to their stellar reputation. Their team provided top-tier service, exhibiting professionalism and efficiency throughout the process. Their high-quality service and customer focus makes them highly recommendable.

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Competitively Priced

CJ Bloor offered an excellent service, maintaining communication throughout the process. They were able to swiftly complete the tasks at a competitive price. Highly recommended.

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Swift and Trustworthy

Reached out to CJ Bloor and received top-notch service. The team communicated well, was efficient, and provided the necessary results promptly. The service quality and pricing are impressive. I plan on using their service again.

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Five Star Service

Our agent recommended CJ Bloor and we were very impressed. They responded promptly, provided a professional service, and delivered the report in a timely manner. We appreciate their professional approach.

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Transparent and Helpful

Although I haven’t used CJ Bloor’s services, their transparency and helpful advice was commendable. They recommended a more suitable service for my needs, demonstrating their client-first approach. They are my first choice for future needs.

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Highly Responsive

I requested a quote online and received a prompt response from CJ Bloor. The assessment was done quickly and the certification sent the same day. Their service is five-star.