51.1279° N - 1.3134° E - DOVER
Property surveys in Dover from a RICS surveyor.
Clear, practical surveys from a local RICS surveyor who understands how buildings are actually constructed, altered and repaired.
25+ YEARS’ PROPERTY EXPERIENCE IN KENT
2,000+ HOMES SURVEYED ACROSS KENT
DRONE ROOF INSPECTION INCLUDED
STANDARD REPORT TURNAROUND - 3 DAYS
Level 2 surveys from £425 · Level 3 surveys from £475 · Reports within 3 days
INDEPENDENT PROPERTY SURVEYS IN DOVER, KENT
YOUR DOVER PROPERTY SURVEYOR
Local insight.
Construction knowledge.
No jargon.
Buying a home is a major commitment. A professional property survey helps you understand its condition before you become responsible for repairs.
BuildPerception provides independent home surveys throughout Dover and the surrounding East Kent area.
Every inspection is carried out by Alan Edmunds, an RICS surveyor, Chartered Builder and RPSA member with more than 25 years’ experience in residential property and construction.
That combination matters. Your report does not simply list visible symptoms. It explains the likely causes, significance and practical next steps, helping you make a confident and properly informed decision.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURVEY
Surveys shaped around the property.
Not sure which you need? Send us the property details and we will recommend the most proportionate option.
MOST POPULAR
Level 2 Home Survey
FROM £425
A clear, focused assessment for a conventional home that appears to be in reasonable condition. We identify significant defects, urgent repairs and matters that may require further investigation before purchase.
BEST FOR Modern or traditionally built homes with no obvious major alterations.
MOST DETAILED
Level 3 Building Survey
FROM £475
Our most comprehensive inspection, providing detailed advice about defects, likely causes and appropriate next steps. This is normally the better choice when buying an older, altered, listed or unusual property.
BEST FOR Period homes, listed buildings, renovations and properties in poor condition.
TARGETED ADVICE
Specific Defect Survey
FROM £250
A focused professional investigation into a particular concern, such as damp, cracking, structural movement, water ingress, timber deterioration or spray-foam insulation.
BEST FOR One known concern in a home you own or are considering buying.
SURVEYING HOMES ACROSS DOVER
Coastal exposure and varied construction require context
Dover’s coastal location means some properties experience significant exposure to wind-driven rain and salt-laden air.
These conditions can accelerate deterioration to roof coverings, chimneys, render, masonry, external joinery and metal components.
Where conditions and airspace restrictions allow, a drone roof inspection is included as standard. This provides a clearer view of roofs, chimneys and other high-level details that may be difficult to assess from ground level.
| Depending upon the property and survey level, our inspection considers: |
|---|
| ✓ Dampness and water penetration |
| ✓ Timber decay and signs of infestation |
| ✓ Roof coverings, chimney stacks and high-level details |
| ✓ Structural movement and historic distortion |
| ✓ Solid-wall and timber-frame construction |
| ✓ Inappropriate modern materials or repairs |
| ✓ Drainage, ground levels and ventilation |
| ✓ Extensions, conversions and previous alterations |
| ✓ Maintenance priorities and likely future expenditure |
OLDER BUILDINGS AND ALTERATIONS
Traditional construction needs to be understood
Older properties in Dover may contain solid masonry walls, timber roof structures, lime-based materials and details that have been altered over several generations.
Later extensions, removed chimney breasts, replacement windows and impermeable finishes can sometimes create problems that were not present in the original building.
Understanding how traditional buildings manage moisture and movement is essential. A visible symptom such as dampness or cracking should be considered alongside the building’s construction, ventilation, drainage and previous repairs.
LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS
Dover contains listed buildings and several areas of architectural and historic interest.
This does not make these properties unsuitable to buy, but previous alterations and repairs may require closer consideration.
A building survey is not a legal or planning-compliance audit. However, where visible alterations appear significant or potentially unsuitable, we can highlight them so your solicitor can investigate planning permissions, listed-building consents and building-control records.
| A more useful inspection |
|---|
| ✓ Drone views of roofs and high-level details |
| ✓ Modern damp-assessment equipment |
| ✓ Clear photographs throughout the report |
| ✓ Likely causes—not just visible symptoms |
| ✓ Priorities and practical next steps |
| ✓ Optional estimated repair costs |
YOUR SURVEYOR
One experienced professional, from inspection to report.
“I don’t just identify a defect. I use my construction experience to assess why it has happened, how serious it may be and what you can do next.”
Alan Edmunds
MCIOB · ASSOCRICS · MRPSA · CAA APPROVED DRONE PILOT
Every survey is completed in-house, giving you a consistent and personal service. Your report is written for the decision you need to make, with practical explanations rather than unnecessary technical language.
SIMPLE FROM QUOTE TO REPORT
Three steps to a clearer decision.
01
Tell us about the home
Use the instant quote form and provide the property address and basic details.
02
We inspect it thoroughly
Your survey is completed in person, with a drone roof inspection where the property, weather and airspace restrictions allow.
03
Receive a clear report
You receive practical findings, photographs and recommended next steps within three days as standard.
Which survey is right for a property in Dover?
A Level 2 Home Survey is generally suitable for a conventional property in reasonable condition. A Level 3 Building Survey is normally more appropriate for an older, listed, substantially altered or visibly neglected home. Sandwich contains many historic and traditionally constructed properties, so the building’s age and construction are especially important when selecting the survey level.
Can you survey historic or listed buildings?
Yes. Alan’s background as a Chartered Builder is particularly valuable when assessing traditional construction, historic alterations and the interaction between old and modern materials. For an especially old, listed or extensively altered property, we will normally recommend a Level 3 Building Survey.
Does the survey check planning permission or listed-building consent?
We can identify visible alterations that warrant further investigation, but a survey does not confirm their legal status. Your solicitor should check the relevant planning, listed-building and building-control documentation with Dover District Council.
Do you include a drone roof inspection?
Yes. Where the weather, airspace and property allow, a drone roof inspection is included as standard.
This can provide a much clearer view of roof coverings, chimneys and other high-level details than an inspection from ground level alone.
How quickly will I receive the report?
Our standard service aims to issue the report within three days of the inspection. An optional 24-hour fast-track service may also be available when timing is critical.
Does the survey include a flood-risk assessment?
No. Environmental searches and specialist flood-risk assessments are separate from a building survey. We assess the visible condition of the property, including relevant signs of water penetration, drainage problems or previous flooding, and recommend further enquiries where necessary.
Can you provide repair-cost estimates?
Indicative repair-cost estimates are available as an optional addition. These can help you understand likely expenditure, plan future work and support discussions about the purchase price.
What parts of Dover do you cover?
We survey properties throughout Dover and the surrounding area, including the town centre, St Radigunds, River, Buckland, Maxton, Aycliffe, Whitfield, Guston, Temple Ewell and nearby villages.
BUYING IN DOVER?
UNDERSTAND THE BUILDING BEFORE YOU COMMIT
Get a no-obligation quote for an independent property survey in Dover today.
Get a clear, independent view of the property before you become responsible for its repairs.
Independent RICS property surveys in Dover and across East Kent.