A thorough, plain-English condition report before you commit to buying — prepared by an MCIOB-qualified building surveyor.
A property can look perfectly presentable and still have significant defects hidden from view — roof timbers affected by rot or beetle, inadequate insulation, damp penetration masked by decoration, or structural movement that isn't immediately obvious.
A building survey identifies these issues before you exchange contracts — giving you the information to renegotiate the purchase price, budget for remedial works, or walk away if the problems are too significant.
D. Heggarty Surveying's pre-purchase building surveys are prepared by Declan Heggarty personally — an MCIOB-qualified surveyor with extensive residential new build and refurbishment experience across Northern Ireland.
Your mortgage lender's valuation is for their benefit, not yours — it confirms the property is adequate security for the loan, not that it is free of defects. A building survey is the only report that works in your interest.
Pre-purchase building surveys are suitable for any residential property — period cottages, post-war bungalows, farmhouses, modern estates. Particularly recommended for properties over 25 years old or those with obvious maintenance requirements.
Roof timbers and internal roof space inspected where accessible. External inspection is carried out from ground level using binoculars and high-resolution photography — covering pitched and flat roofs, flashings, guttering and downpipes.
Masonry condition, pointing, window and door frames assessed from ground level using binoculars and high-resolution photography where necessary — checking for damp penetration, movement and deterioration. Stone, brick and block construction all assessed on their own terms.
Moisture meter readings taken throughout — identifying rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation, with plain-English explanations of causes and consequences for each area affected.
Solid and suspended floors checked for damp, movement and condition. Ceilings assessed for cracking, staining and plasterwork condition.
Electrical consumer unit, heating system type and condition, hot water, ventilation and extraction — sockets tested with a KEWCHECK 103 as standard. Services are not pressure tested.
Rainwater drainage, soakaways, septic tanks where present, boundaries and outbuildings — including drainage routes away from the building and any ground-level issues contributing to damp.
No two properties are the same — and no two survey reports should be either. Every report is written specifically for the property inspected, not generated from a template or reduced to a traffic-light rating system.
You receive a plain-English narrative that explains what was found, why it matters, and what you should do about it. Defects are put in context — their likely cause, how they may develop, and what they mean for your purchase decision.
The report closes with a clear recommendations section, separating items that need immediate attention from those worth planning for over time — giving you a practical basis for negotiation, budgeting, or walking away if necessary.
You shouldn't need a construction background to understand your survey. The report is written to be read by the person who commissioned it — clear, direct and free of unnecessary jargon.
Whether you use the findings to renegotiate the price, budget for remedial works, or decide the property isn't right for you — the report gives you the information to make that call with confidence.
Contact us with the property address. We agree the fee, confirm the instruction and arrange access with the estate agent or vendor — usually within 5–7 working days.
Declan carries out a thorough inspection of the property — typically 2–4 hours depending on size and complexity. The inspection covers all accessible areas.
The condition survey report is prepared with captioned photographs, a condition summary table and written narrative for each element inspected.
The report is issued by email in PDF format, typically within 5 working days of the inspection. Declan is available to talk through the findings at no additional charge.
Building survey fees depend on property size, age and complexity. Fees for a typical residential property in Northern Ireland range from £400–£700. Contact us for a specific quotation.
A mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender's benefit — it confirms the property is adequate security for the loan. A building survey is prepared in your interest and provides a detailed assessment of the property's condition, identifying defects, risks and maintenance priorities.
New builds are generally not surveyed in the same way as older properties, as they come with a builder's warranty and a snagging list process. Building surveys are most useful for properties over 10–15 years old, and are particularly recommended for older, extended or poorly maintained properties.
The on-site inspection typically takes 2–4 hours depending on the size and condition of the property. The written report is usually issued within 3–5 working days of the inspection.
Yes. D. Heggarty Surveying carries out pre-purchase building surveys across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Down, as well as the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
Call or email with the property address and we'll confirm a fee and availability straight away.