Independent residential property advice
Clear, practical building surveys for home buyers and property owners across Gloucestershire and the surrounding area.
Proud Associate Member of CABE and Member of the RPSA. Reports are produced in accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standard using Skyline Survey Software.
Survey services
Survey recommendations should be based on the age, condition, construction and complexity of the property, not simply its purchase price.
Suitable for many conventionally built homes that appear to be in reasonable condition. The report highlights significant defects, risks and repairs requiring attention.
Recommended for older, altered, extended, unusual or visibly defective properties, and where a more detailed analysis of construction and repairs is required.
Focused advice on a particular concern, such as cracking, roof defects, movement, timber decay or alterations to the building.
A detailed inspection of new-build and recently completed homes to identify defects, poor workmanship, incomplete items and issues requiring attention from the developer.
A focused investigation into dampness, mould, condensation and moisture-related defects, with practical advice based on the likely source rather than meter readings alone.
High-level visual inspection of roofs, chimneys, parapets, gutters and other areas that cannot be safely or clearly viewed from ground level.
Infrared imaging can help identify patterns consistent with heat loss, cold bridging, missing insulation, air leakage and concealed moisture, when conditions are suitable.
Level 2 or Level 3?
The correct survey level depends on the property's age, construction, condition, alterations and complexity. It should not be selected simply because one report is cheaper or more detailed. Provide the property information and I will recommend the most appropriate option for the building you are considering.
Focused and proportionate
A Level 2 Home Survey is intended for many conventionally constructed houses, bungalows and flats that appear to be in a reasonable condition and have not been extensively altered. It provides a clear overview of the property's condition, identifying significant defects, areas of concern and matters that may affect your decision to proceed with the purchase.
This survey is commonly suitable for standard properties of traditional construction that are reasonably maintained, readily accessible and not showing widespread or complex defects. It can provide an excellent balance of detail and cost where a more extensive analysis is not justified.
The inspection is visual and non-destructive. Concealed areas are not opened up, furniture and fitted finishes are not removed, and services are not formally tested. A Level 2 report is not intended to provide exhaustive construction analysis, detailed repair specifications or a schedule of every minor defect.
A market valuation is not included. This helps keep costs and overheads low so that a detailed professional survey can be offered at a competitive price. A reinstatement cost assessment for buildings-insurance purposes can be added for a small additional fee. This is an estimate of rebuilding cost and is not a market valuation.
Most comprehensive
A Level 3 Building Survey is the most detailed form of pre-purchase building survey offered on the website. It is designed for properties where a deeper understanding of the construction, condition, defects and likely repair implications is required. The report goes beyond identifying a problem by discussing its probable cause, potential consequences and the most appropriate next steps.
A Level 3 survey is normally recommended for older, large, extended, converted, listed, unusually constructed or poorly maintained properties. It is also appropriate where substantial renovation is planned, visible defects are present, or you simply need a more detailed understanding of the building before committing to the purchase.
Although significantly more detailed, the survey remains primarily visual and non-destructive unless separate opening-up work has been expressly agreed. It does not include formal testing of services, structural calculations, laboratory analysis or a contractor's specification and quotation. Where these are needed, the report will identify the appropriate further investigation.
A market valuation is not included. This helps keep costs and overheads low so that a highly detailed professional survey can be offered at a competitive price. A reinstatement cost assessment for buildings-insurance purposes can be added for a small additional fee. This estimates the likely rebuilding cost rather than the property's market value or agreed purchase price.
Not sure which one you need?
I will consider the property's age, type, apparent condition, alterations and online sales particulars before suggesting the most suitable survey and providing a bespoke quotation and proposed inspection date.
Why choose us
A survey should help you understand the building, prioritise repairs and make an informed decision. Our reports are written to be clear, measured and practical.
Gary Bates is registered as an Associate Member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, reflecting a commitment to professional competence, ethical practice and continuing development within the built environment.
View CABE certificate →Professional membership of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
Member of the Residential Property Surveyors Association.
Technical issues are translated into understandable, practical advice.
Defects are placed in context without unnecessary alarm or vague wording.
Discuss key findings after the inspection and ask questions about the report.
By keeping business overheads as low as reasonably possible, we can offer highly detailed, professional surveys at a fair and competitive cost without compromising the quality of the inspection or report.
G&L Residential Building Surveys UK Ltd carries public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the surveying services provided. Evidence of cover can be made available on request.
Understanding of traditional stone, brick and modern residential construction.
How it works
Provide the address, property type, asking price and any particular concerns.
We recommend the appropriate service and confirm the fee and likely timescale.
A careful visual inspection is completed, subject to access and survey limitations.
No upfront deposit is required. Reports are normally completed within 3–5 working days of the inspection. Once ready, an invoice is issued and, following payment, the completed PDF report is normally emailed the same day.
Independent reviews
Visit our My Local Services profile to view independent customer feedback about G&L Residential Building Surveys UK Ltd. Clients who have used our services can also leave a review to help future home buyers choose with confidence.
Areas covered
Typical coverage includes Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Forest of Dean and nearby parts of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Bristol and Oxfordshire.
Replace this list with your exact working area and travel policy.
Frequently asked questions
A Level 2 survey may suit a conventional property in reasonable condition. A Level 3 survey is generally more appropriate for older, altered, unusual or visibly defective buildings. We can recommend the appropriate option after reviewing the property details.
No. Level 2 and Level 3 reports do not include a market valuation of the property. By not providing market valuations, I can keep professional costs, administration and business overheads to a minimum and continue offering detailed surveys at a highly competitive price. If required, I can provide a reinstatement cost assessment for buildings-insurance purposes for a small additional fee. This estimates the likely cost of rebuilding the property and should not be confused with its market value or purchase price.
As the report is detailed and prepared specifically for the property, it is normally completed within 3–5 working days following the inspection. This may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the property and current workload.
We deliberately keep our business overheads as low as reasonably possible. This allows us to offer a highly detailed, professional survey at a fair and competitive cost, while still giving each property the time, care and attention needed for a thorough inspection and report.
Yes. G&L Residential Building Surveys UK Ltd carries public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the services provided. These policies help protect both the client and the business in connection with the surveying work undertaken. Evidence of current cover can be provided on request.
No upfront deposit is required. Once the survey report is complete and ready for release, an invoice will be sent to you. Following payment, the completed report will normally be emailed to you the same day. Reports are supplied electronically in PDF format only; a paper copy is not provided.
Yes. A post-survey discussion can be arranged to explain the principal findings and answer reasonable questions arising from the report.
Roof spaces are inspected where safe and reasonable access is available. Restrictions such as stored belongings, limited hatch size, low headroom or unsafe surfaces will be recorded.
Bespoke quotation and survey date
Provide as much information as you can and we will assess the property, recommend the most appropriate survey, prepare a bespoke quotation and advise you of the earliest suitable inspection date. Any proposed date will remain subject to access being agreed with the estate agent, vendor or occupier.