Buying a property? Make sure you know what you’re taking on.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make. A professional survey can identify defects, maintenance requirements and potential costs before you commit to the purchase.
Our aim is to help you buy the property with your eyes open, not put you off unnecessarily.
More than a standard survey report
| Our Approach | How We Help |
|---|---|
| 1. Talk to us before the survey Understand your concerns and plans |
Before inspecting the property, we take the time to understand what you are looking for, any concerns you have and what you are planning for the property. |
| 2. Understand what really matters Clear advice, not just a list of defects |
We explain issues in context, helping you understand what requires attention now, what can wait and what may not be a concern. |
| 3. Talk it through afterwards Support beyond the report |
Once your survey is complete, you can discuss the findings with your surveyor and ask questions about the recommendations and next steps. |
| 4. Make confident property decisions Practical advice you can rely on |
Our aim is to help you understand the property, budget for future work and make informed decisions with confidence. |
Our Services
RICS Level 1 Survey (Condition Report)
This is a basic level of survey, suitable for conventional residential properties built within the last 30 years.
RICS Level 2 Survey (HomeBuyer Report)
This is more detailed and suitable for residential properties built within the last 100 years.
RICS Level 3 Survey (Building Survey)
This is much more comprehensive, with more specific detail and suitable for all types of residential property.
Historic Building Surveys
We are the only company in this area that offers this additional level of survey. This is the best choice for old properties, including stone, timber-framed and thatched properties as well as for listed buildings.
Homeowners’ Survey
We also offer Homeowners’ Surveys for people who want to know the condition of their own property to help with maintenance and avoid problems as well as Homeowners’ Pre-Sale Surveys for people who are looking to market their property and want to avoid issues that might come to light and cause delays and concerns.
Defects Diagnosis Reports
If you are concerned about an issue with your own property, such as dampness or disrepair, we can provide a tailor made report giving you advice as to what needs to be done.
Party Wall Agreements
If you are proposing works to your property that may affect a neighbour or if you are a neighbour and have been served with a Party Wall Notice we can advise you and act as your appointed surveyor.
Commercial Building Surveys
We also carry out comprehensive surveys of commercial buildings, from shops and offices to industrial units.
Schedules of Condition
If you are taking a lease on a commercial building, we can help make sure you and the landlord are aware of its condition before you start.
Gowers Surveyors is led by Paul Gowers, a Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Building Engineer with over 25 years’ experience providing independent surveying advice to residential and commercial property owners across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas.
With extensive knowledge of local properties, from historic buildings and period homes to modern developments, Paul combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of the challenges property owners face. His detailed approach helps clients make informed decisions when buying, maintaining or planning work on their properties.
Paul is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), a Chartered Building Engineer, Fellow of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (FCABE) and a RICS Registered Valuer, ensuring every survey is delivered with a high level of professionalism and expertise.
A Practical and Pragmatic Approach to Surveying and Building Diagnosis
Specialists in Historic Building Surveys
Paul Gowers specialises in Historic Building Surveys. If you are thinking of purchasing an old house, listed building or period property, our comprehensive Survey Report will provide all the advice you need to make an informed and confident decision. We will explain how an old building works, what you can and can’t do to a listed building, how your house needs to ‘breathe’ and why it probably doesn’t need a damp proof course.
This report is designed to help you buy a period property, fully informed, eyes open and knowing what you are taking on. We will talk it through with you before and after the survey, help put everything into context so as not to scare you off unnecessarily and recommend appropriate action before you buy and after you move in.
Client Testimonials
Areas We Cover
We cover a wide range of areas and have years of knowledge of building & development in the surrounding towns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Will you tell me whether a defect is genuinely serious, or just normal for an older property?
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A survey is about understanding a property in context, not simply listing every issue found. With experience across traditional, historic and modern properties, we explain whether defects are likely to be a genuine concern, expected for the age and type of building, or something that requires further attention.
Where appropriate, we will highlight the urgency of repairs and help you understand what needs addressing now and what can be monitored over time.
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If my survey finds problems, does that mean I should pull out of the purchase?
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Can I speak to my surveyor after I receive the report?
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Can a survey help me renegotiate the purchase price?
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How do you know whether cracks or movement are something to worry about?
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I’m buying a house built before 1919. Is a standard Building Survey enough?
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Can I tell you about specific concerns before you inspect the property?
Interested in our services?
Request a free no obligation quote today


