Academy Remedial Surveyors Limited

I had been worried by a musty smell in the living room and was concerned that we might have damp round the chimney breast. Two builders took a look and gave conflicting reports (neither looked outside, but just ran a meter of some kind over the walls). This service, independent of any builder, is more to be relied upon, and I was reassured by the thorough inspection. The problem was identified - penetrating damp from damaged rendering on the external wall - and the report gave clear details about what should be done. The whole process went smoothly and efficiently, with helpful staff and a very quick result. A lot of unnecessary expenditure and upheaval has been saved, and I recommend this company.

The service was incredibly fast - I needed a survey that same day and within an hour an experienced surveyor was booked in. He talked me through the property, and explained that there was nothing to worry about - there was no damp anywhere in the flat! He then wrote his report that same day which arrived a few hours later and I was able to press ahead with no delay. The report was thorough and the service impressive. Thank you!

My homebuyer survey noted some possible issues with the damp proof course, and recommended a damp survey completed. I was wary of the contractors that offered a free survey with a quotation for the works. How could they objectively survey the property when they are actively looking to sell you a service? Looking on Which, I found Academy Remedial Surveyors Ltd and I liked that they were completely independent. I explained to Ray over the phone what my concerns were and he was very helpful. They were reasonably priced and completed the survey promptly and thoroughly. No issue with rising damp or the damp proof course was identified. What a relief! Money well spent for peace of mind and a survey I can trust.

My buyer's survey suggested there were a number of problems with damp which was worrying and could have involved expensive repairs and a damp course. Ray was very reassuring and identified very minor actions. His report arrived very promptly and was clear and easy to follow. During his visit/survey he was professional and polite. I am very glad I used him to provide a detailed survey. I cannot recommend him too highly

I highly recommend ARS Ltd. The service was great from the moment I contacted them. The survey was done within 3 days of first contact, and the report delivered a day and a half later. It was comprehensive and clear, and Ray was extremely helpful in discussing findings over the phone as well. All in all a first rate service. Would definitely use them on other properties.

I received a very detailed and clear report on damp in my flat from this independent specialist damp surveyor for £240+vat. The survey was done a few days after my enquiry and the report arrived a few days later. The report showed there was no rising damp. Before this a damp contractor had quoted over £5000+vat for rising damp work. So I saved £6000. The damp industry is rife with con men. So I f you suspect damp then I’d strongly recommend getting this independent surveyor to report on it before you get a remedial damp company involved.

Ray Baker enabled us to tackle our waterproofing problem with confidence. We suffered a burst pipe and consequent basement flood in early 2018. We redecorated but were dismayed to see black mould and signs of damp emerge over the next few months. Unsure who to trust, we decided we needed independent advice before speaking to waterproofing contractors with something to sell. Ray arrived at the specified time and gave the area a thorough examination and we discussed the issues. He advised us to arrange a strip-out of the area in order to properly assess. Meanwhile he provided a detailed report. After the strip-out he returned and suggested the type of work we should be looking for and the PCA website for contractors. After visits and reports from a few of these, he kindly assessed three for us, and told us which he thought offered the best solution. Ray was well informed, courteous, efficient and very reasonably priced. We would have no hesitation in using him again and in recommending him.

If you ever have a prole, that you might think is rising damp, condensation or a need for cavity wall insulation, it’s worth investing in this company before you do anything. For years we’ve had a problem with one of our walls in our house. The room where it is situated never gets warm and in the winter, we have black mould on the wall and furniture. We’ve tried various things but overall to no avail and in the winter, it costs a small fortune to keep the room warm. I was hesitant to get someone in as if you tell some tradesmen what you think the problem is, they’re only too pleased to sell you something that you don’t need and it costs a fortune. I’m so pleased i Googled my problem, and this company appeared. They are brilliant, completed a survey, gave lots of information, hints and tips as well as a good common sense approach to resolving our problem. If you think you have a material problem with your building such as damp, condensation or something you have no experience or knowledge of, call this company - I’m so glad I did. Money well spent and a comprehensive solution and action plan. Thank you to Ray and Jenny for great customer service.

We engaged them to undertake an urgent damp and timber survey as part of a mortgage application process. Following submitting the initial request on Friday afternoon, we were contacted on Saturday morning to discuss our requirements. Jenny walked us through their services and approach and sent over all the information we requested. They then made all logistical arrangements through the sellers estate agents which made things much easier for us. Ray then completed the survey and turned around the report within 24 hours and gave us a verbal report immediately following the survey. The report was clear and easy to follow and included everything we required and provided helpful general advice on maintaining the property. The report also satisfied our lenders requirements. I cannot fault the service and would happily use again and recommend.

We were instructed to arrange a damp and timber report on a property we were purchasing involving Equity Release. Finding a company was really easy, finding one which belonged to the PCA proved to be more difficult. The remaining companies offered a free survey! The house was built in 1938 so there was a good chance it had a lot of problems, but how would we know, who could we trust? Eventually we decided to pay for the survey and we are delighted we did. We rang this company on the Monday, Ray arrived to do the survey on the Wednesday morning and emailed his report to us that evening. The report was very informative and written in layman’s terms. It told us there was nothing needed doing at present (apart from one small inexpensive task) but also told us what to be aware of in the future and what and what not to do to keep it in good condition, all in all a very informative report. I would recommend anyone to have an independent survey done, it was worth every penny and the service from all involved was exemplary. I couldn’t recommend this company more highly and consider we were very lucky in our choice.