FAQ

Absolutely yes. You should always instruct a survey before committing to a purchase. Agreeing a price without knowing the property’s condition is a high-risk move. Your offer should always be ‘subject to survey.’

This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and the answer is absolutely yes. A survey can uncover defects or maintenance issues that impact the property’s value, giving you leverage to renegotiate the purchase price or request repairs before completion. Your initial offer should always be made ‘subject to survey’ to ensure you’re fully informed and protected.

Our role is to help you choose the right survey. Many people are advised to get expensive Building Surveys unnecessarily.

To make things easier, you can try our quick Survey Selector Tool or speak to us directly via phone or WhatsApp for a free consultation tailored to your property and needs.

Surveyors are bound by professional codes not to recommend specific contractors. However, we can advise you on reputable professional bodies who can direct you to qualified local specialists.

You’ll usually receive your report within 3 to 5 working days after the inspection. If you have a tight deadline, let us know, we can offer a priority service to get your report to you even faster.

No, they’re completely different. A valuation simply tells you the property’s market value, but a survey thoroughly inspects the building and uncovers any defects, risks, or costly issues. Having your own independent surveyor inspect the property is essential for understanding what you’re buying.

No. Banks and building societies only carry out a valuation, not a detailed survey. Their valuation simply assesses whether the property is sufficient security for the mortgage. Often, these valuations are undertaken via a quick visit and will not provide sufficient information about defects or repair issues that could be significant to you. It’s vital you arrange your own independent survey to fully understand the condition of the property you’re buying.

Yes. We have no affiliations with estate agents or mortgage brokers. Our independence ensures our advice and valuations remain impartial and solely focused on your best interests.

If you’re buying a property, we liaise with the seller’s agent or current owner to arrange a convenient survey date and conduct pre-inspection protocols. For valuations on your own property, we agree a suitable time directly with you.

Our surveyors do provide broad comments on these areas and flag any concerns. Detailed technical inspections/testing of services require specialists such as NICEIC (electrics) or Gas Safe registered engineers.

Yes, every survey is carried out by a professionally qualified surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and also accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

Yes, Livingstone Surveyors & Valuers is a firm fully regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). That means we’re bound by a strict code of conduct, independent oversight, and ongoing quality standards, giving you complete peace of mind.

Unlike many firms, we deliberately limit the number of appointments we take each week, so every client receives our full attention and support. You won’t just get a report by email and be left on your own, we believe in clear, personal communication at every stage. That means proactive updates before and after the survey, fast responses to your questions, and a free follow-up consultation to discuss your report in plain English. Our approach is hands-on, caring, and tailored to your needs. With deep local knowledge and genuine client care, we’re committed to making the whole process smooth, transparent, and reassuring from start to finish.