/
Endorsed by Which?
Academy Remedial Surveyors Limited
Opening Hours
Today - 09:00–17:00
- Monday 09:00–17:00
- Tuesday 09:00–17:00
- Wednesday 09:00–17:00
- Thursday 09:00–17:00
- Friday 09:00–17:00
- Saturday - Closed
- Sunday - Closed
About
We are Independent Damp and Timber Surveyors specialising in all matters relating to rising damp. penetrating damp, condensation, woodworm, wet rot, dry rot basement waterproofing and cavity wall tie condition.
We do NOT use call centres.
We are NOT contractors who carry out work meaning we have no financial interest in looking for work to meet sales targets.
We DO charge for surveys because that's all we do - Surveying.
Our mission and objective is to inspect, diagnose and provide opinion of problems reported by others or, to inspect for pre-sale purposes to determine if any problems actually exist.
We are employed by both the private and commercial sector however the largest proportion of our work is for Homebuyers after receiving the Homebuyers Building Survey report which normally recommends a damp and timber survey even only as a precaution.
Existing homeowners also find our services invaluable.
What we do
Damp proofing and timber preservation services
- Condensation and humidification control
Surveyors
- Damp proofing surveyors
- Timber preservation surveyors
- Water proofing surveyors
More Services
- legal report for landlord and tenant disputes
- surveys
- survey
My work
Customer reviews
Why you can trust these reviews
All reviews are verified as being genuine and a true customer of this trader.
How can we be so sure?
100% of the reviews we publish have been through our stringent moderation process.
4.9
120 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
by 98% of customers
Sort by
Excellent!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Easy and efficient. I contacted Academy Remedial Surveyors about a long-standing serious problem that previous surveyors failed to resolve or give adequate and honest explanations of. Ray has been a breath of fresh-air. Efficient, friendly, experienced and explaining things to me in plain-English on what is not a straight-forward issue. He has given me a comprehensive report and followed up with a phone call to discuss things. His recommendations seem to be the most cost-effective and efficient proposals. Time will tell but for the first time, I feel hopeful that the issue will finally be resolved.
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
Great service
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Everything was really straightforward from start to finish. Jenny provided a quote, arranged payment and booked the timber and damp survey extremely quickly. Ray carried out the survey and was brilliant. He gave us helpful context and reassured us that the property was in good condition and didn't need any work doing. Using an independent surveyor gives extra reassurance that no work is being recommended unnecessarily. The survey was provided within a few days and clearly explained all the findings.
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
First Class
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We’d been struggling for years to work out what had been causing the damp and mould in our flat.. Ray did a very comprehensive survey and gave us a very clear report with recommendations. Subsequently he advised as we m’implémenter his recommendations . Throughly recommended
Customer in Medway
, work completed
Recommended
Suggested only one solution, which is one we had already tried and had failed
Customer Service
Quality
Value
The surveyor attended our property as requested. I gave him a history of the problem (water ingress from the area around the outside chimney) and described some of the actions we have taken to try to remedy the issue (new chimney cowl, flaunching redone, outside wall repointed). I then left him alone to conduct his physical examination, which seemed cursory considering the brief time he spent on it (he was under no time pressure from us and could have spent as long as he liked on it). His subsequent report offered only a single suggestion for a remedy - applying a water repellant to the outside wall. We have already tried this but to no avail, although he didn't know this as I had failed to mention it (he hadn't asked either). When I asked via email whether he had any other ideas, all he could suggest was checking the repellant we had used (brand name Bostik, still within its guarantee period and, in any event, not the original cause of the problem). We expressed our dissatisfaction with the service as we expected a qualified surveyor whose website bears a stamp from the Property Care Association to have the necessary skills to be able to better identify where and/or how rainwater is penetrating the wall and to come up with reasonable solutions. Instead, we have been left no further forward and out of pocket. We requested a partial refund but have been denied.
Customer in Brighton and Hove
, work completed
Excellent, trusted advice
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Ray did a damp and timber inspection for us following a (wrong) issue flagged by a valuation survey. His excellent ardvice and experience disproved the false issues flagged, and indeed he held a call with the banks surveyor to talk them through why the issues raised were not an issue.
Customer in West Sussex
, work completed
Recommended
Pragmatic advice
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Academy were willing to be flexible to make sure we had a survey on the day we needed it. Ray arrived promptly and was professional and reassuring. He listened to our concerns and inspected every area that needed attention. He finished the report within a few hours as we needed it quickly in order to brief in our decorators who had started that day. It was an incredible service. He quickly answered my follow up questions. The advice seems sensible and low cost. We hope that it will result in us solving the damp problems.
Customer in Cambridgeshire
, work completed
Recommended
Excellent customer service and a completely professional and efficient company. Best of the best!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
From the moment I first made a telephone enquiry to Academy Remedial Surveyors Ltd, I knew I was in a safe pairs of hands. Every question I had was promptly answered and I felt completely at ease. The communications were truly excellent. It is so refreshing to be able to speak to polite, courteous, efficient and helpful human beings. I initially chose AR Surveyors specifically because of their ‘which’ recommended status plus the fact this company clearly advocates unbiased surveying rather than trying to make up non-existent problems in order to sell an unneeded chemical remedy. I was not at all dissatisfied. Prior to survey I was able to speak directly to the office (Jenny is fantastic) and also to my surveyor (Ray) who kindly put my mind at ease with some queries I had following an RICS building survey on a house I am trying to purchase. I highly recommend using ARS Ltd if you need specialist independent damp/property expertise. There is no hard sell to purchase any chemical remedies because they are professional surveyors, NOT damp proof salesmen! I cannot stress this point enough. Beware of any company that sells remedial products and offers a ‘free survey’. I truly cannot recommend this company high enough. A+++
Customer in Berkshire
, work completed
Recommended
Specialist Survey for property purchase
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Quick and efficient. The survey report was of high quality and prompt. We need the survey done urgently following some findings and recommendations from the Level 3 survey for our prospective property. As they mentioned in their website, they provide no remedial or construction service and this makes their survey independent and therefore has no incentive in exaggerating defects. Highly recommended.
Customer in Surrey
, work completed
Recommended
Great work, very fast
Customer Service
Quality
Value
As first-time buyers we did not have too much knowledge about what to expect with a survey on our first house. Ray and Jenny Baker made the process as easy as could be. They surveyed the property within days of requesting and the report was very thorough and easy to understand. Great communication all the way through. Will definitely be using again in the future. Thank you.
Matthew in West Sussex
, work completed
Recommended
Excellent service as usual.
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We have used Academy Remedial Surveyors in the past and the service given is exemplary. Mr. Ray Baker who did the timber and damp survey on a 500 year old cottage we are buying was superb. Very accommodating and the survey was sent to us the very next day. Cannot recommend them too highly. Five stars!!
Customer in Essex
, work completed
Recommended
Fast and detailed assessment
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I used AR Surveyors to complete a damp and timber inspection on a period property as part of my mortgage application as a first time buyer. Despite the difficulties of their being tenants in situ they promptly arranged inspection within 5 days and produced a very detailed and helpful report that was very reassuring and easy to read. The service was very good value compared to other quotes.
Laurel in Hampshire
, work completed
Recommended
Great report ahead of time!
I dealt with Ray Baker from ARS and he super helpful, a pleasure to talk with and completed our report ahead of time. The report was very detailed and exactly what I needed. What more can you ask for!
Customer in Greater London
(Reviewer did not use service)
Recommended
Highly recommended, very thorough and efficient
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I instructed AR surveyors to do a damp and timber survey of my house after a buyer's survey recommended a damp and timber survey. They turned around the entire process from booking into sending through the report in less than 5 working days. Ray was extremely helpful and polite, he turned up on time, answered all of my questions and talked me through the survey process, as well as explaining his initial findings at the time. I received the report the next day as we needed to get it to the buyer quickly. The report was very thorough and Ray was on hand to answer any questions. I will be recommending him to any of my friends and family who need a damp survey. So nice to deal with a true professional, it really took the stress out of the surveying stage of our sale.
Emma in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
Comprehensive damp survey
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Ray undertook a comprehensive damp survey on a property we are considering buying. The inspection and report were completed in a timely and efficient manner, and the whole process from first contact with Jenny to receiving the report ran smoothly. The report produced was clear and to the point, providing an estimate of cost for work highlighted and a timeframe. Of particular benefit was the opportunity to speak with Ray once we had read the report to ensure our understanding of its recommendations.
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
Highly recommended
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I found this company very efficient, approachable and thorough. The survey was carried out comprehensively and the results were with me soon after. Ray was polite, helpful and understanding. I have no hesitation in recommending this company to anyone who needs an Independent Timber Survey.
Priya in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
No nonsense and very thorough!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I live in a local authority flat, in a "notorious" Borough which has been on the news of late. I have been ignored by the said Borough's Repairs Team for quite some time. To make myself heard, I felt I should invest in an independent damp survey. This is where the wonderful Mr Baker came into the picture. He arrived at the appointed time, we had a brief discussion regarding my concerns and he got on with the job. Mr Baker is what I call a true gentleman (respectful and courteous). He talked through what he was doing at all times and made sure the areas of my concern were fully covered. He's certainly no time-waster which I valued. I received my report a week later, very thorough I might add and it truly was money well spent. I highly recommend this gentleman!
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
Damp Survey
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Mr Baker arrived promptly to assess evidence of damp at our house and thereafter to provide us with a report. He conducted his examination in an admirably pleasant, careful and business-like way, giving us a very clear commentary as he was going along on the nature of the problems and what we might consider doing about it. His report appeared a few days later, and, likewise, was very clear and helpfully set out. It provides us with a good, independent basis for getting tradesmen round in due course to remedy the problems. It has been very valuable to have advice from an expert without a financial stake in damp-proofing products. We have told him we rather wish we had commissioned him some years ago!
Fraser in Hampshire
, work completed
Recommended
Mr Baker came to the property within 4 days of my request, prompt and Professional, report done within 2 days.
Customer Service
Quality
Value
It was a pleasure to meet Mr Baker at my property, and he quickly reassured me things were not as I had been lead to believe by a builder. He explained everything in lay persons terms and we parted company with me feeling supported and able to get on with the work needed to be done without the panic I had been labouring under. So glad I invested a small amount of money for the report as it has saved me sleepless nights and unnecessary outlay. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Amanda in Brighton
, work completed
Recommended
Solid, prompt, mature advice
Customer Service
Quality
Value
From my experience I found Ray to be a thorough professional who brought to bear his deep experience to share realistic perspectives in a mature and matter of fact manner. Just what you need in damp inspection situations when your attention is spread across many aspects when looking at a property. He patiently gave answers to my questions and helped reign in anxiety from my ignorance of matters to do with damp inspections.
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
Throughly recommend ARS! Great experience.
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I contacted ARS after having a home buyers report completed, which highlighted damp issues. It mentioned getting a damp surveyor out to look at the property to see what works might need doing. All staff I have dealt with were extremely polite and helpful. Ray was an absolute legend. My knowledge on these matters is not great and after receiving the report, he responded to the few queries I had very clearly and quickly. I don't normally write reviews but I couldn't not, after such a great experience with this business.
Customer in West Berkshire
, work completed
Recommended
Professional and helpful
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Ray surveyed a property we were interested in purchasing. The final report was delivered very promptly following the inspection. It was detailed yet easy to understand for first time buyers like ourselves. When I had some follow up questions Ray responded very quickly and helpfully. Great service, I would highly recommend.
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
Overall a very good and worthwhile experience
Customer Service
Quality
Value
After Ray surveyed possible rising damp I realised that I would not need to spend a potential fortune on various chemical damp proofing options which I had obtained quotes for and that work to be done was more of a straightforward set of tasks to resolve the issues, although I have yet to find out costs involved for the remedial works as I need to obtain quotations. The survey report was detailed, giving useful technical background details and work recommendations which were easy to understand. There was also a useful photo. Ray arrived on time, having telephoned half an hour before arrival, wearing a face mask and used the sanitiser I had ready. We observed the social distancing rules during the visit. He was very amicable, efficient, knowledgeable and thorough and I feel trustworthy, which is important in these matters. He was also happy to take follow up questions I had over the phone after the survey and said I could ring again if I needed to in the future. It is a good idea to pay for an independent survey-it's money well spent, as you get an impartial diagnosis and set of recommendations there's no hidden agenda. Jenny in the office was very friendly yet professional and efficient and kept in touch re appointment times etc. Overall a very positive experience.
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended
Excellent and prompt service provided
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Academy Remedial Surveyors were quick to respond to my initial inquiry and appointment needs. Subsequently visited and provided a very detailed and clear survey report on the remedial works needed on my property. They were also able to clarify any points needed after. Highly recommended.
Amanda in East Sussex
, work completed
Recommended
Great experience
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We used Academy Remedial Surveyors to provide a report about damp on the house we were purchasing. Their communication was excellent start to finish and the work was undertaken promptly with the report following shortly after. The report was comprehensive and clear, giving us a very clear course of action on what work was required to solve the issues along with indicative costs.
Customer in Kent
, work completed
Recommended
Excellent work expeditiously perfore
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We needed a damp survey for an inside party wall for an over 100 year old terraced house. Ray Baker carried out the survey as asked and worked at the week-end to provide us with a clear and concise report. He is clearly well versed in damp problems and explaining solutions. Moreover his firm provides independent results without any ties to a contractor. We would not hesitate to use the firm again.
Customer in Greater London
, work completed
Recommended