Your Trusted Surveyors in Braintree, Essex
Able Surveyors is a trusted name across Essex, and we are proud to offer our comprehensive surveying services to the historic and expanding town of Braintree. With over 25 years of experience, we provide detailed, accurate reports for home buyers and property owners throughout the Braintree area, helping you move forward with confidence.
Braintree boasts a rich architectural heritage, featuring everything from charming, centuries-old properties in the town centre to established 20th-century homes and modern developments. Our experienced team is equipped to handle this diverse range of building styles and is committed to providing expert, locally-focused insights.
We regularly conduct surveys on traditional timber-framed and period homes near areas like the Great Square and Rayne Road, and are adept at identifying the specific issues that can affect older properties in the region. Furthermore, we provide essential snagging reports and valuations for the many contemporary new-build developments expanding in and around areas like Great Notley, Black Notley, and the wider Braintree district.
Our most popular RICS Home Surveys
| Survey | Price |
|---|---|
| Level 2 Homebuyer Report | from £450 + VAT |
| Level 2 (above) plus Valuation | from £500 + VAT |
| Level 3 Building Survey | from £550 + VAT |
We also provide
- Structural Surveys
- Asbestos Sampling Survey
- Drone Inspection Survey
- Market Valuation
We are only a short drive away from our main office near Braintree and have spent many years surveying the area. Should you wish to write to us please find our address below.
Buying in Braintree
Whether you’re purchasing a period property in one of Braintree’s established neighbourhoods or a contemporary home near the town centre, our local knowledge ensures we provide prompt and reliable service across the district. Our expertise extends beyond standard reports to include structural surveys, drone inspections, and even asbestos sampling, giving you complete peace of mind when making one of life’s biggest investments. Are you looking for a specific type of survey, like a Building Survey or a Home Survey Level 2, for a property in Braintree?
Our Services
- Level 2 Homebuyer Report
The survey includes a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior features of a property and includes associated utilities and some aspects of the grounds. The methods used to investigate the property are non-invasive and are tailored towards conventionally-built properties. Homebuyer Report - Level 3 Building Survey
Previously known as a Building Survey (Level 3), the Level 3 Home Survey is the most comprehensive property inspection we offer. This in-depth home survey provides a detailed assessment of a property’s construction, condition, and any potential defects. Building Survey - Market Valuation
Property valuations are a crucial tool in a number of legal and property-based situations, from matrimonial matters, to tax planning, probate, insurance and mortgage valuations. Market Valuation - Structural Surveys
A Building Survey (formerly a structural survey) is a comprehensive inspection that provides a detailed analysis of a property’s construction and materials. It’s often a crucial step for prospective homeowners in Braintree, as lenders frequently require this report to evaluate a property’s suitability for a mortgage, especially for older, period homes in the town centre or properties that may feature non-standard construction methods. - Asbestos Sampling Survey
Asbestos sampling is a vital service for anyone considering a property purchase in Braintree, as many buildings constructed before the year 2000 (including many 20th-century estates and older homes) may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Identifying these materials is crucial for assessing potential health risks and financial implications before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. - Drone Inspection Survey
Drone inspections utilise state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive inspections of hard-to-reach areas on properties throughout Braintree. Our drones allow for a detailed and accurate assessment of chimney stacks, roof coverings, and other intricate architectural details, which is especially useful for inspecting the high roofs of period and listed buildings or large, complex rural properties in the surrounding district.
When you’re searching for a new home in Braintree, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a property’s appearance and price. However, an independent survey is a crucial investment that many buyers in the area still overlook, instead relying solely on seller information or a basic mortgage valuation. This is an incredibly risky approach. A mortgage valuation is conducted for the lender’s benefit to confirm the property is worth the loan amount; it absolutely doesn’t provide a detailed assessment of the building’s condition. By commissioning a professional survey, you protect yourself from hidden defects—such as structural issues, damp, or other problems common in both older, traditional homes and modern estates—that can lead to significant and costly surprises once you’ve completed the purchase. Do you have a specific property type in Braintree you’d like to discuss surveying options for?
At Able Surveyors, our job is to investigate all kinds of property to document its condition and identify any areas of concern before contracts are signed. This may be in the form of one of our property reports, a specific defect report or simply an independent valuation.
FAQs
- Why do I need a survey?
-
When you’re searching for a new home in Braintree, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a property’s appearance and price. However, an independent survey is a crucial investment that many buyers in the area still overlook, instead relying solely on seller information or a basic mortgage valuation.
- What about the mortgage valuation report?
-
It’s a common and costly misconception that your mortgage valuation will flag any defects with the property. This is simply not true. A mortgage valuation has one purpose: to inform your bank or lender whether the property’s value meets the agreed loan amount. It is entirely for their security, not yours. Crucially, it will not provide you with any reliable information about legal or structural issues. It’s not a proper survey and won’t protect you from unexpected repair bills—such as those arising from subsidence, damp, or roof damage—once you’ve moved into your new Braintree home. Would you like to know the difference between a mortgage valuation and a Building Survey?
- Which survey do I need?
-
Every independent survey offers a different level of detail and information. The most cost-effective choice for you depends entirely on the property’s current condition and your future plans for it. For example, a Level 3 Survey is highly recommended for Braintree’s many older, traditional, or period properties, while a Level 2 may suit a modern, well-maintained house in a development like Great Notley. To fully understand the differences between each report, please refer to our survey comparison table, or simply contact us to discuss your specific situation in Braintree. Do you know the difference between the RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3?
VALUATION REPORT STARTS AT £350 +VAT
HOMEBUYER REPORT STARTS AT £450 +VAT
HOMEBUYER REPORT WITH VALUATION STARTS AT £500 +VAT
BUILDING SURVEY STARTS AT £550 +VAT
A visual inspection of the property to access condition
✕
✓
✓
✓
Detailed visual inspection for hidden defects
✕
✕
✕
✓
A “traffic light” grading system is used to indicate defects severity.
✕
✓
✓
✓
Identifies legal issues disputes pertaining to the property
✕
✓
✓
✓
Informed recommendations for repair options
✕
✕
✕
✓
Technical details of building construction and materials provided
✕
✕
✕
✓
Identifies future maintenance requirements
✕
✓
✓
✓
Mortgage valuation / reinstatement cost
(Where not included this can be provided separately)
✓
✕
✓
✕
Additional Drone Survey
(for a more detailed view of a properties roof)
✕
+£300
+£300
+£300





