Cotswolds home surveys, from a surveyor who lives here.
We’re a family-run, RICS-regulated firm based in Stow-on-the-Wold. We do one survey a day, write in plain English, and send helpful guides that explain your next steps once your report is complete. Call our Cotswolds line on 01451 828107.
One survey a day · A call after every inspection · Report in 4–5 working days · Next-steps guides with every report · Fixed fee, no surprises
Where we survey in the Cotswolds
Towns and villages we cover
Around Stow-on-the-Wold (our home patch): Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper and Lower Oddington, Broadwell, Maugersbury, Upper and Lower Swell, Upper and Lower Slaughter, Longborough, Donnington, Icomb, Adlestrop, Evenlode, Bledington, Naunton
Moreton-in-Marsh and the north: Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Hill, Blockley, Batsford, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Snowshill, Stanton
Chipping Norton and Kingham: Chipping Norton, Churchill, Kingham, Chadlington, Charlbury, Enstone, Great Tew
Bourton and the Rissingtons: Bourton-on-the-Water, Great and Little Rissington, Wyck Rissington, Upper Rissington, Clapton-on-the-Hill, Sherborne, Windrush
Burford and Wychwood: Burford, Fulbrook, Taynton, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Milton-under-Wychwood, Asthall
Winchcombe and the Guitings: Winchcombe, Guiting Power, Temple Guiting, Ford
Northleach and the south Cotswolds: Northleach, Bibury, Coln St Aldwyns, Fairford, Lechlade, Cirencester, Tetbury, Painswick
Your local surveyor
I’m Max Daniel AssocRICS. I live in the Cotswolds and survey homes here every week. I inspect every house as if my own family were buying it, then I call you to talk it through before the report arrives.
Cotswold stone, lime mortar and stone slate roofs behave differently from modern materials. We know these buildings, and we explain what is normal for an older stone home and what needs attention. We use a 9-metre pole camera and, weather permitting, a drone to see roofs, chimneys and leadwork that can’t be reached safely.
The right survey for a Cotswold home
Cotswold stone homes, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas need our most detailed inspection. That’s why we recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey for them.
For older, altered, period or more complex properties. Our most detailed inspection, explaining defects, likely causes and what to do next.
RICS Level 3Level 3 Building Survey
Cotswold homes we know
Stone, lime and roofs
Cotswold stone and lime: old stone walls need to breathe. Cement pointing, modern renders and high ground levels trap damp, so we look closely at how each wall has been treated. Read our guide to lime and cement
Stone slate and thatch roofs: we check for slipped slates, worn thatch, ridges and leadwork, using our 9-metre pole camera and, weather permitting, a drone to see what can’t be reached safely. For thatched roofs, ask when the roof was last re-thatched by a Master Thatcher, what maintenance cycle it is on and how long is left on any watertight guarantee, then have a Master Thatcher inspect it before you exchange contracts. Read our guide to Cotswold roof slates
Listed homes, conservation areas and conversions
Listed homes and conservation areas: we flag where repairs or changes may need consent, so you can plan and budget before you commit. Read our guide to buying a listed home
Barn conversions and extensions: we look at how old and new parts are joined, and what to check on the paperwork.
We don’t hand you a report and disappear.
The call and your report
The call: we ring you after the inspection to talk through what we found, before the report arrives.
Your report, explained: plain English, photos, and what each rating really means for you.
Your next-steps guides
Once your report is complete, we send helpful guides that explain your next steps: what to get quoted, what to ask your solicitor and what to raise with the seller.
Questions for your solicitor, your mortgage lender or the seller? Just call us. We’re always a phone call away until you have the keys.
What every RICS survey requires — and what MJD adds
Every RICS surveyor must meet the Home Survey Standard. At MJD, we use that as our professional foundation, then add more time, communication and personal care around your survey.
Choosing the right survey
RICS Home Survey Standard
Explain the available survey levels and advise where the proposed service is unsuitable.
The MJD Standard ✓
Cotswold stone, listed and conservation-area homes get a Level 3, our most detailed survey.
Time at the property
RICS Home Survey Standard
Carry out an inspection appropriate to the agreed survey level.
The MJD Standard ✓
One survey a day. We deliberately limit our bookings to protect the time needed to look properly.
After the inspection
RICS Home Survey Standard
Provide appropriate client liaison and offer to discuss the report findings after delivery.
The MJD Standard ✓
Every client gets a phone call after the inspection, then helpful guides with the report that explain your next steps — and we’re always a phone call away until you have the keys.
What Cotswold homebuyers say
★★★★★
“We had a Level 3 survey from Max for an older property. Max took the time to call me and go through all the points in detail. I had follow up questions which were answered immediately and clearly. Great value for money compared to other surveyors, included costings as well.”
Emma · Level 3 Building Survey
★★★★★
“Great company to deal with, very detailed survey and helpful follow up call with the surveyor.”
Verified Trustpilot review, March 2026
★★★★★
“We had a level 3 rics survey undertaken. The report was extremely thorough and we had an on the day update via phone from the surveyor too. Additional questions could be asked via email or phone and responses were very prompt. Excellent value for money.”
Nicola · Level 3 Building Survey
★★★★★ Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot
Cotswolds FAQs
Why do you recommend a Level 3 survey for Cotswold homes?
Stone walls, lime mortar, stone slate roofs, listed status and conservation area rules all need a closer look. A Level 3 is our most detailed survey and explains causes, repairs and what to do next.
What happens after I get my report?
We send helpful guides that explain your next steps — what to get quoted, what to ask your solicitor and what to raise with the seller. If anything’s unclear, just call us.
Does weathered stone mean big repair bills?
Not always. Some weathering is normal for a 200-year-old wall. We explain what’s normal, what needs watching and what needs fixing.
The house is listed. What changes?
Some repairs and alterations need listed building consent. We flag these so you can plan and budget.
Can you inspect a thatched roof?
We inspect what we can safely see, including with our 9-metre pole camera and, weather permitting, a drone. Before you commit to buy, ask the seller when the roof was last re-thatched by a Master Thatcher, what maintenance cycle it is on and how long is left on any watertight guarantee. Then have a Master Thatcher inspect it before you exchange contracts.
How quickly can you survey in the Cotswolds?
We’re based in Stow-on-the-Wold and book surveys in quickly. Your report follows in 4–5 working days.
What happens if the sale falls through before the survey?
If the seller or agent cancels, you’re not charged. Your fee goes towards a future survey or a partial refund.
Ready to understand the house behind the viewing?
Found a Cotswold home? Tell us about it and we’ll recommend the right survey. Or call our Cotswolds line on 01451 828107.