Tony Swainston Building Surveyor

Tony attended our property this week to advise on some issues with damp we are having. He was super efficient from start to end and explained the processes thoroughly so we could decide on the most suitable option. Tony arrived in time and was very friendly and made me feel quite at ease. He encouraged me to take notes and ask questions and his report followed by email very quickly. The advice to remedy the issues identified was balanced and not solely based on ‘best practice’, there was plenty of practical and realistic advice that we can action. I am so glad we sought Tony’s advice and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him. I feel we have a clear direction that whilst won’t be cheap, should be effective and sort the issues out properly in the long run. Thank you Tony!

I recently commissioned Tony's services based on other feedback on this site; we have condensation issues in our house (in the roof space and around window frames) and wanted advice on how to resolve it and to ensure that nothing more sinister was happening (such as faulty cavity wall insulation). Tony's communication was prompt and very helpful, and I joined him for much of his visit, making notes of his excellent advice and feedback. After his investigations of the house, we sat down to discuss his findings, which was immensely helpful and interesting (Tony is a lovely man, who has the fantastic ability to tailor his advice to your level of understanding). Tony also flagged a few issues with our house that weren't related to my initial query, which was really helpful (namely that our trusses in the loft hadn't been windbraced, which was a risk for 'racking' [falling over], and that our patio did not leave two bricks ['courses'] between the patio and damp proof coursing). This advice came from his expertise of surveying and helpfulness, at no point did he try to suggest/secure extra work for himself/other tradespeople. Following his visit, Tony provided an excellent summary report, outlining the lifestyle changes that would help with reducing moisture in the house, then providing helpful advice of physical measures that could be taken if these didn't work, how to look for/choose a tradesperson. I'm so pleased I chose Tony's services, and would definitely use him again.

I called Tony in to investigate the issue of condensation forming in the loft in cold weather. He arrived punctually and started by inspecting the loft space, I was encouraged to take notes throughout the survey. When he finished we sat down and Tony explained what he had found, he also explained how condensation can occur in a house. He then detailed the likely causes and the possible remedies. Tony has provided us with an email report which details changes and actions that we can make to solve our problem also, should we need it a method to choose a good contractor. We were very happy with the service Tony provided and if the need ever arises, we wouldn't hesitate to use Tony again.

After I outlined the problem (damp in the house), Tony explained what the various causes might be and was thorough and unhurried in his inspection of the property. He went through a number of remedial options, and suggested what could be done in the short, medium and longer term, all done in a clear and fully understandable way. Soon after his visit, he e-mailed a comprehensive description of his findings and suggested remedies, with advice about suitable products and and how to find reliable tradesmen. Costs and visiting times were agreed on first contact. Tony was prompt, polite and gentle, and his advice and help were above and beyond what I had anticipated.

We asked Tony to undertake a Specific Defect survey regarding damp and condensation at our home. Tony spent 3 hours with us and carried out a comprehensive survey of the house and roof. During his visit he gave us clear and detailed information and advice to help fix the problems, and this was then laid out fully in a follow-up email. We found Tony to be very pleasant, approachable and knowledgeable, and his expertise has already proved invaluable regarding lifestyle issues affecting our home. He has also given us a clear way forward to carry out a number of works to improve the property. We feel the survey fees were money very well spent and we have no hesitation in recommending Tony's services.

Tony was so kind and helpful from start to finish. He helped us immensely with organising the survey as soon as possible, and gave us an in-depth report of his findings. He went above and beyond with the time he spent explaining things to us, and made us feel very comfortable with the whole process, especially as we are first time buyers. I would recommend Tony to everyone I know. If you choose Tony, you are in the best hands. Buying a property can be stressful but he lightened the load by taking such good care of us. Thank you Tony.

Laid low by the number of cold calls from builders offering their services, mostly unrelated, when it became known we had spray foam insulation in the loft, we decided to pay for independent advice from an experienced surveyor, Tony Swainston. The result exceeded our expectations. He came, spent more than three hours going round the house - a converted chapel - and discussing his findings and he then produced a lengthy report detailing what he had found and possible remedies. It covered not only the insulation question (it has to be removed) but the heating insulation and drainage, without pushing for any particular technology or company. After the number and pressure of firms pressing their services, it was a real relief to have independent advice and well worth his fee.

Tony carried out surveys on two properties for my husband and I. He was very thorough and meticulous. He used a drone to reach and photograph those difficult to reach places. The photos were clear and percise. Tony met us at the properties to clarify and point out the areas for consideration. I loved that we could speak to him at anytime for further clariffication and his traffic light system gave a quick view of prioritising the issues raised. Tony is a warm friendly, helpful and knowledge professional. We felt confident in his ability. The reports were easy for a layperson to follow and we highly recommend him. We used him twice and consider it was money well spent.