Frequently Asked Questions
Who are MJD Residential Surveying?
MJD Residential Surveying is a UK-based residential surveying practice providing independent property surveys for homebuyers and homeowners. We offer clear, practical advice to help you understand a property’s condition before you commit to buying or renovating.
What does a residential surveyor do?
A residential surveyor inspects a property to assess its condition, identify defects, and highlight risks that could affect value, safety, or future repair costs. A survey helps buyers make informed decisions before purchasing a home.
What is a RICS survey?
A RICS survey is a property inspection carried out in line with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) standards. RICS surveys follow strict guidelines, ensuring reports are professional, independent, and easy to understand.
What qualifications do your surveyors hold?
Both of our directors and surveying team hold RICS membership, with our lead surveyor Max also holding a Level 6 Diploma in Residential Surveying.
How do I know which type of survey I need?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) classes a HomeBuyer Report as a Level 2 survey, which is most appropriate for modern homes of conventional construction that are in a reasonable state of repair. For older properties, buildings that require (or have undergone) major alterations or refurbishment, or those built with non-standard methods and materials, a detailed Building Survey (Level 3) is recommended.
If you are unsure which survey is the best fit for your property purchase, you can view our at-a-glance comparison guide here
Do you have sample surveys which I can view?
We have sample surveys of both of Level 2 and Level 3 reports which can be viewed via the links below
What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?
Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey – Suitable for most conventional properties built after 1900 and in reasonable condition.
Level 3 Building Survey – Recommended for older, larger, altered, or non-standard properties and those requiring renovation.
A Level 3 survey provides more detailed analysis and advice on repairs and maintenance.
Which property survey do I need?
The correct survey depends on:
Property age
Construction type
Overall condition
Whether alterations or extensions are present
If you’re unsure, we can advise on the most appropriate survey before you book.
Do I need a survey if I already have a mortgage valuation?
Yes, we recommend that you do. A mortgage valuation is carried out for the lender and does not provide a detailed inspection of the property. A residential survey is for your benefit and identifies defects, risks, and future repair costs.
How much does a residential property survey cost?
The cost of a residential survey depends on:
Property size
Property age and construction
Survey level required
We provide clear, fixed quotes with no hidden fees. Contact us for an accurate and bespoke price for your property tailored to your needs.
Do you use a drone to survey roofs and chimneys?
Whilst our surveyors don’t currently use drones as part of their inspections, they do utilise a 10m camera pole in order to take in depth photographs of any chimneys or roofs at the property. Example photos can be viewed in sections D1 (Chimney Stacks) and D2 (Roof Coverings) in the above sample reports.
Do your prices include VAT?
All of our quoted pricing includes VAT, with no hidden charges or last minute fees.
How do I book a residential survey?
Booking is simple. Contact MJD Residential Surveying via our website or phone, and we’ll guide you through the process, recommend the right survey, and arrange a convenient inspection date.
Where can I view a copy of your complaints handling procedure?
Our consumer complaints handling policy can be viewed here, or our business complaints handling policy here.
As a company we pride ourselves on providing a professional, individual service for each of our clients. If you do feel that there is an issue which you would like us to look into, please don’t hesitate to get in contact either directly with your surveyor or with our admin team who would be more than happy to look into this for you.
How long does a property survey take?
Most residential surveys take between 1 and 4 hours on site, depending on the survey level and property size. Reports are typically delivered within a 4-5 working days, clearly written and easy to understand.
Will the survey highlight urgent or expensive issues?
Yes. Our reports clearly identify:
Urgent defects
Safety concerns
Potentially costly repairs
Ongoing maintenance issues
We use a clear rating system so you can quickly understand what needs attention now and what can wait.
Do you survey older or period properties?
Yes. We regularly survey Victorian, Edwardian, and other period homes, as well as properties of non-standard construction. These buildings often require specialist knowledge, which is why a detailed survey is strongly recommended.
Can I speak to the surveyor after receiving my report?
Absolutely. We encourage clients to contact us after reading their report. We’re happy to explain findings, discuss priorities, and answer any questions so you can make informed decisions.
Will the survey help me renegotiate the purchase price?
Many buyers use survey findings to renegotiate or request repairs. While we don’t negotiate on your behalf, our clear, professional reports give you the evidence needed to support informed discussions with sellers or agents.
What areas do MJD Residential Surveying cover?
MJD Residential Surveying provides residential property surveys across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds and Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. We regularly inspect properties in nearby towns and villages and are happy to confirm availability for your location.