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Academy Remedial Surveyors Limited

4.9

115 Reviews

Opening Hours
Today -
  • 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

Customer reviews

Why you can trust these reviews

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100% of the reviews we publish have been through our stringent moderation process.

4.9
115 reviews
Customer Service
4.9
Quality
4.9
Value
4.9
Sort by
Comprehensive, thorough and fast!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Ray Baker's survey report is thorough and very clear with a good amount of general information helping us to better understand the technical aspects of the building. The whole process from initial enquiry to receipt of the report was amazingly efficient. Well worth an independent review of the property. Would highly recommend.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 22/03/2019 , work completed 21/03/2019
Damp surveyor
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I have had Ray Baker visit my property on 2 occasions and he has been very helpful. Hi advice and service was very reassuring. I have no issue with recommend him and his services.
Customer in West Sussex Posted on 26/02/2019 , work completed 26/02/2019
Survey
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Excellent communication during booking, helpful and accommodating with regard to finding a suitable time. Arrived on time and emailed prior to arrival. Clear concise conversation throughout the survey, professional and knowledgeable. Would not hesitate to recommend and/or use again.
Customer in Kent Posted on 02/01/2019 , work completed 02/01/2019
Third Report
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We just received our third report from Ray. As private landlords we know that Ray will give us the correct diagnosis & required action. As usual the inspection was booked quickly, Ray arrived when he said he would, and the report was with us within 48 hours. Great service, great value. If damp is suspected, we won't do anything until we have a report from Ray.
Kevin Cobb Posted on 23/10/2018 , work completed 23/10/2018
Good job identifying cause of damp to bay window
Customer Service
Quality
Value
After a couple of years of failed attempts to resolve a damp problem with our bay window, Ray carried out a thorough inspection of the window in questions and make a series of recommendations. Having implemented the recommendations of the report the problem appears now to be resolved. We are grateful to Ray for his professional work - well worth the fee we paid.
John Stevens Posted on 23/10/2018 , work completed 23/10/2018
Informative, efficient, good value for money and friendly
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I called AR Surveyors on the Friday, the appointment was booked for the following Wednesday and I had the report by that evening. Ray was friendly, informative and efficient and provided exactly what we needed. Our buyers pulled out after two free damp surveys (taking less than 10 mins each) identified rising damp and recommended they install a chemical DPC , costing in excess of £3000. We were not convinced so asked AR Surveyors to take an impartial look. Turns out it was the type of plaster used and not rising damp at all, which a new DPC would not fix. Much cheaper to remedy as well. We needed the report quickly and Ray kindly put it to the top of his list and produced it in less than 24 hours at no additional cost. It covered everything that we needed to know and included the way to remedy the issue, the exact materials to use and an estimate of likely cost. We are extremely grateful for his care and attention and would not hesitate to use him again or recommend the firm.
emikomary Posted on 13/09/2018 , work completed 13/09/2018
Helpful and Excellent Communication
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Independent, really explained things and was clear about things that needed doing. Expert knowledge clear and came across.
howarsmith4211 Posted on 31/08/2018 , work completed 31/08/2018
Detailed investigation, valuable advice, good price
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Southsea Sailor Posted on 11/08/2018 , work completed 11/08/2018
Great Job!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
L Richardson & H White Posted on 26/07/2018 , work completed 26/07/2018
Peace of mind, highly recommended
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
RAlexandra Posted on 24/07/2018 , work completed 24/07/2018
Highly Recommended
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Steve W Posted on 20/06/2018 , work completed 20/06/2018
Very professional service
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Karen P Posted on 12/05/2018 , work completed 12/05/2018
All good!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Melody Ruiz Posted on 02/05/2018 , work completed 02/05/2018
Fast, friendly, efficient and very professional
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
OllyJ78 Posted on 25/01/2018 , work completed 25/01/2018
Wholeheartedly recommended
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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
Homeowner in Pinner Posted on 21/12/2017 , work completed 21/12/2017
Highly recommended
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
DIYuseless Posted on 20/11/2017 , work completed 20/11/2017
Efficient, professional and personable - excellent service
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Excellent customer service. Highly recommended. Mr Baker was thorough and his report easy to understand. On seeking further information on one aspect he was prepared to go the extra mile for no extra charge. Impressive service. The best value we found after shopping around too. Thanks for your help
Tobysealey Posted on 05/10/2017 , work completed 05/10/2017
Fantastic customer service, delivered quickly and with supreme rigor
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I can highly recommend Academy Remedial surveyors having had a damp and timber survey carried out by them. Academy Remedial and one of their surveyors Ray Baker, could not have been faster or more friendly in arranging and conducting the survey. Testament to their superb customer service and pride in the work they do, Ray kept in touch after the survey to ensure that what he had produced had met the standards expected. What was produced was extremely thorough and went beyond simply what was asked for, providing me with the confidence of his detailed understanding of all things damp and timber, and ultimately in the quality of the work he had done. When we encountered issues with our lenders, Ray and Jenny at Academy Remedial were incredibly supportive and worked hard to ensure we had what we needed inside two days. I will absolutely use Academy Remedial again and would recommend them to anyone else.
David H Posted on 29/09/2017 , work completed 29/09/2017
Fast, friendly, efficient
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Fantastic service in organising and delivering a Timber and Damp report in a couple of days. Any and all queries answered very quickly, and Ray was excellent throughout. Thank you very much Ray will definitely use you again!
Rochester Posted on 19/09/2017 , work completed 19/09/2017
A superb first class service
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Prior to appointing Academy Remedial Surveyors, we had been quoted over £6000 by another company who, after a quick visit, advised us to install a new damp course and replaster. But Gary Moakes from Academy Remedial, listened carefully to our history of damp, carried out a thorough survey and submitted a detailed report which informed us the works should cost about £1000 to make good. He also spotted some woodworm that the previous company had failed to see and told us how we should have it treated. All our dealings with Academy were conducted in a courteous, professional and timely manner from our initial contact right through to Mr Moakes clear and comprehensive 10-page report with an invitation to call him if anything was not clear. I am not in the habit of posting recommendations but such was the outstanding nature of the service, I have had to make an exception. I can recommend Academy Remedial superb service without qualification.
Brocklehurst Posted on 06/07/2017 , work completed 06/07/2017
Efficient service, comprehensive report, super friendly phone call!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Our Homebuyers Survey recommended a damp and timber check on the property we are hoping to purchase, and we found Academy Remedial online. The first company we had tried took days to get back to us, but Jenny Baker was super-efficient in her communication and contacted the estate agents to speedily arrange a survey. Our surveyor was Gary Moakes – he visited the property on the Tuesday morning, and sent his report through on the Wednesday afternoon. The report was not only quick to arrive, it was reassuringly detailed. Gary was also happy to chat it through, and we had a very helpful phone call where he went over the specifics of the report, and general useful advice on maintaining the property. I would HIGHLY recommend these guys!
Ms Rose Posted on 19/06/2017 , work completed 19/06/2017
Academy Award!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Ray Baker of Academy Remedial Surveyors Ltd did a survey in a complicated case where he offered highly experienced and sympathetic advice and helped us achieve a really helpful outcome - to our great relief. I cannot say how much I was surprised by, and very much appreciated, his willingness to really go above and beyond what might normally have been expected - extending to being available for comment on a Sunday... Dealings with the office were also extremely pleasant and helpful. Highly recommended.
Anne Marriott Posted on 13/06/2017 , work completed 13/06/2017
Extremely helpful and professional
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Ray did my damp and timber survey required by my mortgage company, so a quick turnaround was needed. I got verbal feedback from Ray the day after the survey was done and the report was provided a couple of days later. Ray was extremely helpful, so I would highly recommend this Company.
Collette Posted on 05/06/2017 , work completed 05/06/2017
Really helpful and informative
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Before using Ray I hired another damp specialist. This company seemed more interested in offering me the most expensive solution than actually helping me. They quoted over 5k! So I did a bit of research and discovered it is quite common for a lot of companies in this industry to immediately diagnose rising damp and flog the most expensive product they can. So I was lucky to find Ray. Speaking to me on the phone he came across as totally different. He explained how he worked and how he fought against the 'sharks'. So I got him in. Ray's solution? Over 3k LESS than the other company. On top of that he was quick with help and answering queries. I highly recommend.
Jamie, Kent Posted on 23/05/2017 , work completed 23/05/2017
Money Well Spent
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Gary was fantastic .I was overwhelmed by the amount of defects he noticed and he answered all of my queries on the day and said email or phone him if i had any further questions or concerns. Well I had a long list of questions but the next day the comprehensive report arrived and it answered all of my concerns with a full explanation and remedy so clear that i didn't have to ring him. Thanks ever so much for the excellent service and excellent report it proved so beneficial i will recommend you to everyone
Simon Troke Posted on 21/04/2017 , work completed 21/04/2017