man doing survey

Surveys of Properties in Romford

There’s no substitute for the advice that can be provided by an experienced Chartered Surveyor when it comes to buying a property.

Our team of surveyors are on hand to provide whichever type of survey best suits your needs, whether that be a mid-range Level 2 Survey or a Level 3 which not only highlights all significant and costly defects but goes on to provide advice on repair methods and the future maintenance of your Romford property. Additional services can be included such as a valuation, a reinstatement cost assessment, repair costings or a feasibility report if you are planning to extend.

Below you will find links to the hundreds of positive reviews we’ve received from buyers of properties in and around Romford and, for additional peace of mind, the company is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Contact Us

If you’re in the process of buying a property in Romford or a neighbouring area please call for a competitive quote or drop us an email.

Our Surveying Services

MORE ABOUT OUR SURVEYING SERVICES

MORE ABOUT OUR SURVEYING SERVICES

Learn more about the benefits of commissioning a detailed survey report and how our team of experienced surveyors can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

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HOMEBUYER REPORT (LEVEL 2)

HOMEBUYER REPORT
(LEVEL 2)

The Level 2 (Homebuyer) Report is designed to provide buyers with concise information about the condition of a property. This is achieved by giving elements a Condition Rating based on the traffic light system and summarising them at the front of the report.

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BUILDING SURVEYS (LEVEL 3)

BUILDING SURVEYS
(LEVEL 3)

The Level 3 (Building Survey) is the most detailed of the RICS Home Survey Reports and is suitable for all residential properties. The report can be customised and enhanced with the addition of a valuation, feasibility study or ballpark repair costs.

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SPECIFIC DEFECT REPORTS

SPECIFIC DEFECT REPORTS

If there’s an issue with a property that you already own which requires investigation, our Building Surveyors can provide a Specific Defect Report. The report will provide an expert opinion on the cause and useful guidance on the next steps.

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MORE ABOUT OUR SURVEYING SERVICES

MORE ABOUT OUR SURVEYING SERVICES

A property survey is an independent inspection carried out by an experienced RICS-qualified Chartered Surveyor to assess a property’s:

  • Overall structural condition
  • General state of repair
  • Market value or reinstatement cost (optional)

The aim is to identify defects or areas of concern before you commit to a purchase or renovation. Unlike a basic lender’s valuation, a survey gives you a full picture of what you’re buying — inside and out.

Why It Matters to You

A professional survey can:

  • Highlight building issues before contracts are exchanged
  • Help you negotiate the price if defects are found
  • Provide peace of mind when deciding whether to proceed
  • Estimate repair scope and urgency, and sometimes give cost guidance

Without this insight, you risk discovering costly problems after purchase — or overpaying relative to the property’s true condition.

Survey Options Available

Peter Barry Surveyors offer a range of survey types, including:

  • RICS Level 2 Home Survey — a mid-level economical report providing condition insight and, if you choose, a valuation and reinstatement cost assessment.
  • RICS Level 3 Home Survey — a detailed inspection, ideal if the property is older, has been altered, or you need thorough condition analysis and repair recommendations.
  • Specific Defects Reports — bespoke assessments focusing on particular concerns.
    We can also provide standalone valuation reports for purposes like tax planning, matrimonial matters, or staircasing shared-ownership properties.

How It Works

Surveys are usually commissioned after your offer is accepted but before you exchange contracts. The report is delivered promptly after inspection, and our surveyors are always happy to discuss their findings with you and offer further advice.

HOMEBUYER REPORT (LEVEL 2)

HOMEBUYER REPORT
(LEVEL 2)

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey (formerly called a Homebuyer Report) is a mid-level economical property survey designed to give you clear, practical insight into a property’s condition so that you can make an informed buying decision before exchanging contracts. It’s recommended for mainstream properties in a reasonable state of repair without obvious major defects.

What’s Included in the Report?

When you commission this survey, your surveyor will:

  • Inspect the property inside and out, including the grounds.
  • Use a traffic-light condition rating system for key building elements:
    • 🔴 Red – Serious defects needing urgent attention
    • 🟠 Amber – Defects needing repair or replacement in due course
    • 🟢 Green – No current repairs needed
  • Flag items for your legal adviser to investigate, including boundary issues, rights of access, documentation relating to extensions, guarantees/warranties and areas not inspected.

The report uses straightforward language so it’s easy to understand what you need to consider before completing your purchase.

How It Helps You

  • You’ll know about urgent defects before committing to the purchase.
  • You can negotiate the price or request repairs based on independent evidence.
  • The survey protects you from surprises that could lead to unexpected repair costs.

After You Receive the Report

Once you have the survey report, you can talk it through with the surveyor, weigh up any recommended actions, and plan the next steps.

BUILDING SURVEYS (LEVEL 3)

BUILDING SURVEYS
(LEVEL 3)

A RICS Level 3 Building Survey — previously known as a Full Structural Survey or Building Survey — is the most detailed and comprehensive property survey available. It’s designed for:

  • Older properties
  • Buildings with a history of alterations
  • Properties you plan to renovate or extend

This report goes beyond basic condition checks to assess the structure and fabric of the building in depth and help you understand repair needs and risks before you commit.

What’s Covered in the Survey?

When Peter Barry Surveyors conduct a Level 3 Building Survey, we will:

  • Closely inspect all visible and accessible parts of the structure
  • Assess the walls, roofs, chimneys, floors and joinery
  • Review services (e.g., wiring, plumbing, heating systems) at a surface level
  • Explain visible defects and potential hidden issues
  • Use a condition rating system (e.g., urgent, repair later, no immediate action)
  • Identify long-term maintenance needs and risks
  • Advise on likely consequences if problems aren’t addressed

The survey does not usually include a market value, though this can be added as a separate report if required.

How It Helps You

A Level 3 survey gives you:

  • A thorough understanding of the property’s condition
  • Insight into hidden structural issues that might affect cost or safety
  • Evidence to negotiate price or factor repairs into your planning
  • A better basis for future maintenance decisions

Next Steps

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed written report and can discuss the findings with your surveyor. This helps you make an informed, confident decision about proceeding with your purchase or project.

SPECIFIC DEFECT REPORTS

SPECIFIC DEFECT REPORTS

A Specific Defect Report is a focused property investigation designed to diagnose one or two specific problems you’re concerned about, rather than surveying the whole building. It’s a practical and cost-effective alternative if there are defects that you are aware of but need professional insight on.

When This Report Is Useful

You might commission a Specific Defect Report if you’ve noticed issues such as:

  • Structural movement or cracking
  • Dampness, condensation or moisture issues
  • Timber decay or rot
  • Roofing defects
  • Unusual construction details that raise questions or poor/unsafe alterations

This type of report can also be helpful when issues are flagged during a basic valuation, mentioned in a mortgage report, or identified via an environmental search.

How It Helps You

Specific Defect Reports provide:

  • A clear and independent expert opinion on the cause of the defect
  • A professional assessment of the significance of the issue
  • Guidance on the next steps, including possible remedies
  • An outline specification for repair works, potentially with cost estimates or contractor suggestions

This means you can approach contractors or insurers with confidence, negotiate fairly in a property transaction, or decide whether a defect needs immediate action.

Who Benefits from One

Specific Defect Reports are useful for:

  • Homebuyers who want targeted advice before exchanging contracts
  • Homeowners who have discovered a worrying issue
  • Vendors or landlords responding to survey concerns
  • Clients seeking independent analysis for insurance, legal or dispute purposes

Professional Support & Next Steps

Our team will talk through your concerns before quoting, carry out the necessary inspection, and deliver clear written advice. You can also discuss the findings with our RICS-Regulated surveyors and get help organising any follow-up work.

Recent Activity in Romford

Our consultant surveyor, Justin Bodjawah, recently completed an RICS Level 3 (building survey) report on a 1950s two storey mid-terrace house located just off Mill Lane in Chadwell Heath.

The property was in generally in good condition, but a few defects were highlighted in the report which could become significant if not addressed. They included a cracked cement fillet at the base of the chimney stack, eroded pointing and deterioration of the sarking felt to the main roof.

Sarking felt sits below the roof covering (tiles in this case) and its purpose is to take any rainwater that penetrates the covering down to the gutters and away.  Older types of felt can simply perish over time. Defective flashing is not an issue while the primary covering is in good condition but, as soon as there’s a leak, rainwater will penetrate to the interior of the property and cause damage to surfaces. The defect was allocated a Condition Rating 2 on the RICS traffic light system i.e. not urgent (as the roof covering was in good condition) but requiring attention to prevent problems from occurring in the future.

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Further Reviews

You can read further reviews from our clients in and around Romford on our Google Business page

Contact Us

If you require advice on any residential surveying matter please call us for some free advice or drop us an email.

About Romford

Romford is a large and well-connected town in the London Borough of Havering, located on the eastern edge of Greater London and bordering Essex. The areas covered by RM1 and RM4 include Romford town centre, Gidea Park and the more semi-rural outskirts towards Havering-atte-Bower, offering a varied mix of busy urban living, established suburbs and open green spaces. RM6 and RM7 encompass Chadwell Heath and Rush Green, which are primarily residential areas with a strong sense of local community and a good range of everyday amenities.

Romford town centre is one of East London’s key retail and leisure hubs, home to a long-running market, several shopping centres, restaurants, cinemas and nightlife venues. Gidea Park is particularly well known for its attractive Edwardian and interwar housing, much of which was influenced by the historic Exhibition of Houses held there in the early 20th century. The surrounding countryside and parks provide welcome green space within easy reach of the town.

Transport connections are a major advantage, with Romford station offering fast services into central London, including the Elizabeth line, while nearby main roads and bus routes connect the area across Havering and into Essex. Culturally, Chadwell Heath is recognised as the birthplace of singer Sandie Shaw, giving the area a notable link to British music history.

YOUR LOCAL PETER BARRY OFFICE

Kings House
101-135 Kings Road
Brentwood
CM14 4DR

Telephone: 01277 506 003
Email: surveying@peterbarry.co.uk

meet your local team

Matthew Price

BSc (Hons) MRICS FFPWS

Matthew is an experienced party wall surveyor known for straightforward, practical advice on technically demanding neighbourly matters. He quickly identifies the real issues and sets a clear plan to protect clients’ positions and keep programmes moving.

His core focus is on complex Party Wall etc. Act 1996 work—typically basement extensions and deep excavations—acting for building owners, adjoining owners and as the agreed surveyor. He is regularly involved from early design review through to Award and proportionate monitoring, coordinating with engineers, contractors and legal teams on constrained urban sites.

 

Trina Shoat

Trina joined the Administration team at Peter Barry in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of professional experience and strong organisational skills. She has been a positive addition to the team and supports the smooth running of daily operations.

After 17 years working in private nurseries and nursery recruitment, Trina changed direction and began a new career in office lettings. Developing a keen interest in property, she was eager to broaden her experience and knowledge within the sector.

Outside of work, Trina enjoys catching up with friends and family, listening to music, and attending concerts whenever she can.

Justin Bodjawah

BSc (Hons) PGDip Surv MRICS

Justin has been a Chartered Surveyor for 15 years and joined the Peter Barry team as a consultant in 2023. Based in Chelmsford, he covers a wide area extending from North and East London to Ipswich, providing reliable and professional advice to clients across the region.

He specialises in RICS Home Surveys, undertaking both Level 2 and Level 3 reports. Justin is also an experienced RICS Registered Valuer, offering clear, well-reasoned valuations supported by his extensive industry knowledge.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys maintaining a healthy work-life balance and spending time with family and friends.

Contact Us

If you require advice on any residential surveying matter please call us for some free advice or drop us an email.

WHY CHOOSE PETER BARRY

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HIGHEST STANDARDS

Our reports are benchmarked as RICS Home Surveys to ensure that they comply with the highest standards in the residential sector.

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RICS SURVEYORS

Our surveyors are members of the Royal Institution Chartered Surveyors (RICS) so you can rely on their honesty, integrity and professionalism.

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REGULATED COMPANY

Peter Barry Surveyors are Regulated by the RICS ensuring that you have a free to use method of redress should anything go wrong.

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BEST PRACTICE

Our surveyors undertake Continuing Professional Development to keep on top of current issues and this will be reflected in the advice that you receive.

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PROTECTED

Our professional indemnity cover exceeds the high standards approved by RICS to give you all the additional assurance you need to proceed.

Excellent

Excellent
5.0
Based on 14 reviews
Monkey Monie
1 week ago
Justin was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful throughout the process. The survey was arranged and completed promptly, and the report was thorough. It highlighted the key issues with the property, which really helped me focus on the most important points during my negotiations.

Justin also made himself available by phone to talk through some of the more technical aspects I was unsure about — a personal touch you don’t often receive. This made a huge difference and significantly reduced the stress that comes with buying and negotiating on a home.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Justin and the firm.
D
3 months ago
Peter Barry Surveyors services was used by my Elderly Mum last year.Katie handled her case , and my Mum was very pleased with her kindness and professionalism.

When I needed a Party Wall Surveyor recently, I had no hesitation in approaching Katie and Peter Barry Surveyors.
Katie very diligently talked me through the process and eased my fears.She answered my phone calls, dealt with my queries , was punctual with her appointment in visiting my property, and discussing matters with my neighbours Surveyor.

Her administrator Trina was also very helpful, in dealing with me.

I would certainly recommend Katie, Trina and Peter Barry Surveyors.
Jessica Neall
4 months ago
We recently used Peter Barry Chartered Surveyors for a Level 3 survey on the barn we’re purchasing, and we couldn’t be happier with the service. The team was prompt, professional, and incredibly thorough — the report was detailed, easy to understand, and highlighted key points clearly. Communication throughout was excellent, and they were more than happy to discuss any questions we had after receiving the report. We’d highly recommend them to anyone needing a reliable and detailed survey.
Carl Timehin
8 months ago
Recently used Peter Barry Surveyors due to needing a surveyor for my lease extension. They were great, very efficient and highly informative.
They were also able to reduce my extension premium through negotiations with the freeholder.
They were professional throughout and would highly recommend.
Chris B
9 months ago
Found Peter Barry online and glad I chose them to do my house survey. They are very friendly and professional. My surveyor was Justin and his report came through in 7 business days after inspection. It was very clear, easy to understand and thorough. He took the time to call me a couple of days after to help me with some questions I had and explained things in further detail. I’d highly recommend and will certainly use again.
We found Peter Barry Surveyors via an AI search as we needed a party wall surveyor for a rather complex party wall rebuilding issue. Jaynell Mainoo handled our case and we are extremely happy with the service and the efficiency. We will definitely ask for Jaynell again if needed.
I recently used Peter Barry to help me secure party wall agreements from my two neighbours, and I couldn't be more impressed. From start to finish, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly efficient. They guided me through the entire process, answered all my questions promptly, and made what I expected to be a stressful experience completely hassle-free. Thanks to their expertise and excellent communication, both agreements were obtained quickly and without any issues. I highly recommend Peter Barry to anyone needing party wall support—you’ll be in great hands!
Peter Barry assisted us with a surveyor’s report following cracking in a property we manage. Joanne was excellent in booking a surveyor promptly and professionally.
We recently used Peter Barry Chartered Surveyors to handle our party wall agreement and were extremely pleased with the service we received.

From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive. They explained the party wall process clearly, kept everything moving efficiently.

Communication was excellent throughout, and we felt confident that everything was being handled properly and fairly for all parties involved.

I would highly recommend Peter Barry Chartered Surveyors to anyone needing party wall advice or surveying services.
Professional, diligent and very quick. I was offered a call with David Breeze after his survey, which was incredibly helpful - as he was able to explain "in real English" what was in the report and which elements I needed to be most/less concerned about. Would highly recommend!
Very pleased so far with Katie's thoroughness and support
Long may it continue!
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