Academy Remedial Surveyors Limited

Independent, really explained things and was clear about things that needed doing. Expert knowledge clear and came across.

Two years ago we had four separate damp problems in the walls of our basement flat. We didn't trust damp companies to remedy it without costly surveys and unnecessary additional work, so we booked ARS. Gary was booked in within the week. He diagnosed the causes and gave us a detailed written report and telephone back-up so our trusted builder - not himself a damp specialist - knew how to treat it, and what materials to use. So when we recently found damp in the wooden floor of our rental property, we booked Gary to advise. Same experience: Gary did a detailed investigation, told us what remedial works are - and aren't - needed, and answered our questions. He also examined the exterior walls, upstairs rooms, and the attic. His report arrived a day later, with photographs, information and advice, and will definitely save us money... One thought: as we knew the problem was in the floor this time, and we were between tenants, we were able to take up the laminate floor and some floorboards to allow Gary a proper look underneath. This proved invaluable.

We used Academy several years ago and their service then was everything and more than we expected so, being in the process of moving again into an older property we instructed Ray to carry out a pre-purchase damp and timber survey for us on the house we are buying now. Ray inspected the property last week and we received the written report the next working day, the inclusions were clear, definitive and very informative together with reassuring. We didn't instruct a RICS building survey, just a Lenders valuation inspection was carried out, actually we even feel we saved money on this because Rays report referred to the building as a whole, inside and out over and above what we thought a damp and timber survey covered, he identified roofing defects which thanks to him we now know we need to get fixed and enabled us to renegotiate the purchase price. After first ringing them the instruction process was so quick and simple, Jenny sent us an e-mail confirming the cost of the survey and it requested some further information, estate agents details etc for access, once returned they arranged everything, we didn't need to do anything else, they made everything so easy. If anybody needs the services of Academy don't think twice about instructing them, it really is no surprise they have so many 5 star reviews on this site and if you look praise all over the internet as a whole.

Ray did excellent work for me, he was really efficient and carried out the required survey within 2 days of me contacting him. His report was thorough but easy to digest and understand. The report put my mind at ease regarding a potential damp issue in the flat I'm purchasing and I felt that could trust the recommendations in Ray's report as he was independent. I would highly recommend this company's services.

I can only echo every other positive review for this company. Fantastic overall service, exceptionally efficient, knowledgeable, professional, courteous and excellent communications. Only company to answer the phone after 5pm on a Friday. Formally instructed Monday. Survey undertaken on Wednesday. Report received on Thursday. I would not hesitate to recommend Academy Remedial Surveyors.

Efficient, knowledgeable, professional, what more could you ask for? Elaine and Jenny were quick to respond to both emails and phone calls. The survey was carried out by Gary, who was knowledgeable and friendly and really seemed to care about my house. His detailed and informative report was received the day after his visit, with clear recommendations of the work needing to be done – and importantly – what didn't need to be done as well. I would not hesitate to recommend Academy Remedial Surveyors for their excellent service.

I found Academy Remedial Surveyors to be good! It's hard to compare having never had a similar service in the past, but the office communication was clear, efficient and straightforward, the surveyor that visited was prompt, informative and I felt he knew what he was doing. His report was sent over to me on the same day and although I (like many, I'm sure!) dread reading these things, it was detailed yet easy to digest and understand as a layman. I'd definitely pass their contact details to anyone who needed something similar.

We contacted Academy Remedial Surveyors during the sale of our home, because our buyer's mortgage lender demanded a damp and timber survey to be carried out. Not only did Ray offer to come within 48 hours of my call, but we received his full damp and timber report within 24 hours of his visit. It was this efficiency we needed to take the stress out of our house sale. We were more than happy to pay for his services because we felt confident that Ray was providing professional, independent advice - and unlike some apparently 'free surveys' offered by contractors, he wasn't trying to convince us our home needed a costly damp proofing course. We'd highly recommend Ray Baker and Academy Remedial Surveyors to anyone who wants an honest, unbiased damp and timber report on their home.

Ray Baker's survey was a great help to us after the purchase of our property. We were aware there were some damp issues but had received conflicting (and costly!) advice from damp treatment contractors. Ray's independent eye was invaluable to us in accurately identifying what the problems were and how they should best be remedied. Needless to see, these were much cheaper and more practical than the other quotes received. Ray was professional, helpful and friendly. He happily answered all my amateur questions and was more than happy to deal with follow up queries. I would very much recommend his services. Homeowner in Pinner, Middlesex

I had surveys undertaken by 2 damp proof companies to try to resolve mould & moisture issues within my tenanted flat. Quotes ranged between £5,000 and £6,500 to put dpc's in several walls. I was suspicious as they had not reached the same conclusions as to which walls needed treating and I wasn't sure where to go from there. Luckily someone recommended Academy to me. Ray Baker undertook a survey and gave a detailed report as to what was causing the problems and what steps to take to resolve them. Ray was more than happy to discuss anything on the phone too. He reached the conclusion that a dpc was not necessary and that the problems were caused by lack of airflow. He recommended a ventilation system and stronger fans in the kitchen and bathroom. A couple of hundred pounds spent on the Academy survey saved me thousands! A really friendly and efficient service too. I highly recommend them and would certainly use them again.