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Tony Swainston Building Surveyor

5.0

66 Reviews

Opening Hours
Today - 07:00–21:00
  • Monday 07:00–21:00
  • Tuesday 07:00–21:00
  • Wednesday 07:00–21:00
  • Thursday 07:00–21:00
  • Friday 07:00–21:00
  • Saturday 07:00–21:00
  • Sunday 07:00–21:00

About

My name is Tony Swainston. I am a qualified Building Surveyor in Basingstoke, a father to 3 girls, and set up my own practice in 2005. I manage to balance this responsibility with my other job of chief school run taxi driver!

I have more than 35 years’ experience. I have undertaken work as a Technical Assessor to trainee candidates and a site auditor checking upon other surveyors for compliance.

I provide Building Surveys and Specific Defect reports (eg. Damp investigations). My reports are written in an easy to understand format and likely include drone photographs of the property clearly identifying any visual defects.

I cover West London, the Home Counties, and surrounding areas. However, all areas are considered, and I have carried out work from Newcastle to Cornwall.

I also offer my clients the chance to join me for the last half an hour of the survey to discuss any defects or health and safety issues that I have identified, or to discuss any costs of improvement work. 07957 870 440

What we do

  • Builders

    • Building services
  • Surveyors

    • Building Surveyors
    • Damp proofing surveyors
    • Party wall surveyor
    • Timber preservation surveyors
    • Water proofing surveyors
  • More Services

    • defect reports
    • full building and home condition surveys

Customer reviews

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5.0
66 reviews
Customer Service
5.0
Quality
5.0
Value
5.0
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Helpful, thorough and reliable
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Tony conducted two surveys for us in quick succession as we had to make decisions about how to move forward. He was really easy to deal with, followed up for us with tricky agents and kept us in the loop at all times. His surveys were very thorough and made us feel completely informed about all aspects of the houses we were looking at. It was a great comfort to us as first time buyers to have such a friendly surveyor who was able to help guide us through the various issues we would need to contend with.
Sarah Fairbairn Posted on 15/08/2018 , work completed 15/08/2018
Which? Consumer
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I used Tony as my home surveyor. For a property I was going to buy. I was going to spend, a lot of mine, hard earned money, and did not want, to take any chances. I had cheaper quotes, but went with him. In return I got very professional service. He rang the estate agents, on my behalf, arranged a suitable day, and I got my full report within two weeks of appointing him. What I really liked was that, I had a chance to meet him, at the property, I was buying, so that he could point out, if anything that was wrong. I did not take up that chance, but he rang me, from the property, to say, that all was ok, and I could speak to him after I received my report. The report I received, with photos was just what I needed. I would recommend him, any time. Thank you Tony.
Which? Local Review , 284195 Posted on 20/01/2015 , work completed 20/01/2015
Which? Consumer
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I used Tony's surveying service and I can thoroughly reccomend it. Tony is highly knowledgable but explains thigs in a way that a non expert such as myself can clearly understand. As others have said he has a great, approachable manner. His survey was thorough and detailed and provided plenty of advice that went beyond what was just in the survey. I'd definately use Tony again for another purchase
Which? Local Review , 2687092 Posted on 20/01/2015 , work completed 20/01/2015
Which? Consumer
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Tony completed a Home Condition Survey on a 1 bedroom flat for us and did a fantastic job. He was very professional and the report was extremely thorough. We met him at the end of the survey which we found particularly useful as he could point things out and discuss things live. We would certainly recommend!
Which? Local Review , 61176 Posted on 20/01/2015 , work completed 20/01/2015
Which? Consumer
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We have recently used Tony to carry out a Home Conditions survey on a property we are buying. We chose him after reading the reviews on which local. I can say all the good comments are totally justified. Contact was faultless and the service was impressive. No stone was umturned. Look no further if you need a surveyor.
Which? Local Review , 677519 Posted on 20/01/2015 , work completed 20/01/2015
Which? Consumer
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We have used Tony three times in 9 months to conduct a Home Condition Survey on properties we wanted to purchase (that's the property market for you!) and every time he has been efficient, helpful and thorough. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him.
Which? Local Review , 330094 Posted on 20/01/2015 , work completed 20/01/2015
Very thorough survey
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Tony's report detailed a very thorough survey, and was presented in readily-understood terms, with excellent photographs to clearly illustrate the defects found. As a result I shall undertake more research before deciding whether or not to proceed with the proposed purchase, and will hope that he is available to survey any alternative property that I consider buying.
Customer in Buckinghamshire Posted on 22/07/2019 , work completed 01/07/2019
Easy to work with, fast, excellent work
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Tony has helped me greatly with my property searches. He always responds to emails and phone calls with lots of detailed information and with great advice. I love the report that he has produced. The photos taken with a drone are fantastic and there is an abundance of useful information in the report which will help me with my renovation project. I can rest assured that every aspect of the house has been meticulously detailed by a highly knowledgeable professional. Tony enjoys his work and will go the extra mile for you. He is a pleasure to work with.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 09/12/2020 , work completed 08/12/2020
Outstanding Surveyor
Customer Service
Quality
Value
My wife and I were extremely lucky finding a surveyor like Tony. He has carried out three SAVA Home Condition Survey for me for three different properties and I've recommended him to some friends of mine. In all cases, with no exception, Tony worked to the highest standard and his advice was invaluable. For the first survey I instructed Tony, he literally save my wife and me from buying a literally nightmare property, which on the surface seemed a good property. Surprisingly (and shockingly) two bank's surveyors gave the green light to the property with no objections at all, but, thankfully Tony pointed out that the property had multiple serious issues and even didn't meet with building regulations, so, he advice us to think carefully if we really wanted to buy that property. His knowledge about construction, building, regulations, and all relates matters are literally huge, and that is unsurprisingly reflected on the highest quality of his job, his advice and his reports. My wife and I don't buy any property if Tony doesn't survey it. His survey is the only valid green light for my wife and myself.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 25/10/2020 , work completed 21/09/2020
Incredibly useful
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We engaged Tony to survey our roof which we were being told needed major work. We learned so much from Tony during and following his visit which has made us much more confident about proceeding and selecting the right contractor. He’s very friendly and certainly goes the extra mile in terms of service and follow-up. Highly recommend Tony. Money very well spent.
Customer in Oxfordshire Posted on 21/08/2021 , work completed 17/08/2021
Damp and leak report
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I contacted Tony regarding an ongoing issue with a leak and damp which we could not identify where the issue was coming from in the house. Tony replied promptly to my query and gave me option's of how he would be conducting the survey/report and the prices he charges. On the day of the survey, Tony gave us detailed verbal feedback on his findings. We also later received a written recommendation report of his findings of the causes of our concerns we had with the damp and leakage of water in the house and how to fix the problems. Tony is very personable and he explained our issues in a way that we could understand (no jargon). We would recommend him to our friends and family.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 26/02/2023 , work completed 23/02/2023
Excellent, through survey
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 21/11/2023 , work completed 19/09/2023
The Independent Advice We So Desperately Needed
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Customer in Somerset Posted on 29/02/2024 , work completed 10/11/2023
Incredible Job
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 27/08/2024 , work completed 11/07/2024
A Geek in Building structure and devil in detail on certain aspects
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Home Condition Survey: External elements including: ======================= Chimney stacks Roof coverings Rain water pipes Main walls Windows Outside doors All other wood Outside decoration Any other outside detail Internal elements including: ======================= Roof structure Ceilings Inside walls Floors Fireplaces & chimney breasts Built in fittings Inside woodwork Bathroom fittings Dampness Any other inside detail Services including: Electricity Gas / Oil Water Heating Drainage
Which? Trusted Traders Consumer Posted on 03/04/2018 , work completed 03/04/2018
Recommended
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Tony carried out a full survey prior to purchase on our proposed new house, he gave us a full written report which was easily understood as well as verbally explaining any concerns he felt we should be aware of.
Which? Trusted Traders Consumer Posted on 30/11/2017 , work completed 30/11/2017
Which? Consumer
Customer Service
Quality
Value
"I was asked to find a Building Surveyor by a family member. Thought I'd use Which Local for the 1st time. I come across Tony Swainston who's reviews were good to read. The pressure was now on
Which? Local Review , 146240 Posted on 20/01/2015 , work completed 20/01/2015
Which? Consumer
Customer Service
Quality
Value
Tony's survey was very knowledgeable and helpful in assessing the faults in our proposed purchase and he was quick and easy to business with. I recommend Tony very highly.
Which? Local Review , 242021 Posted on 20/01/2015 , work completed 20/01/2015
Very helpful and informative
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We wanted a Specific Defect Report on our house. Tony came round and was very clear in his explanations and shared his comprehensive knowledge of both causes and ways to fix defects. We felt the fee was a bit expensive but worth it.
Customer in Buckinghamshire Posted on 21/01/2019 , work completed 14/01/2019
Informative, detailed, friendly and hugely helpful
Customer Service
Quality
Value
I appointed Tony for a 2 hour verbal/walkthrough survey. This was primarily to assess work I'd had done to my roof, which I suspected was sub-standard. Indeed, after Tony's inspection, he produced a substantial list of problems. Even though the written report that came with this service was intended more as an informal summary, it was sufficiently detailed and comprehensive to show the relevant trade association - who are now helping me pursue a refund. For that purpose alone, Tony's visit was well worth the reasonable price he charged. But beyond this, Tony was also able to provide insight on a number of other niggles I'd been concerned about in my property. Indeed, he also identified a potentially dangerous garden wall issue that I wasn't aware of - a risk that can now be averted. Further still, Tony correctly gauged the level of details I was able to take on board during his visit. So not only were specific problems discussed, but he offered invaluable tips on how I should approach the maintenance of my period property - allowing me to look at things from a more holistic and better informed standpoint. From tips for correct building materials, to specific boiler models and even book recommendations; I feel Tony imparted a vast amount of useful information in a short space of time. He is friendly, unambiguous and clearly very knowledgable... an affable expert who'd be top of my list if I ever need a surveyor again. Very easy to recommend.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 30/07/2021 , work completed 16/07/2021
Best in the business!
Customer Service
Quality
Value
As first time buyers, my partner and I discovered Tony through TrustedTraders. From initial contact to completing our survey, Tony was extremely professional. He has a wealth of knowledge and provides exceptional after care post survey (easy to contact and very approachable). Tony provided a thorough and detailed survey; clearly highlighting any defects with the property, which was very beneficial to us. We would recommend Tony to anyone requiring a survey report & would definitely use his services again. Thank you so much, Tony!
Customer in Hampshire Posted on 31/07/2023 , work completed 01/04/2023
A Very Helpful Surveyor
I sent Tony an unsolicited email after finding his details on Which Trusted Trader. I was trying to get some advice regarding a neighbour's proposed building project that could affect my home. Tony replied the next day with a very helpful email, giving me good advice - and without any financial reward. Would certainly recommend him and would use him in future, should I need a surveyor's services.
Customer in Hertfordshire Posted on 06/07/2022 (Reviewer did not use service)
Very thorough and professional
Customer Service
Quality
Value
We engaged Tony to survey a property that we are aiming to purchase. We have had issues with our previous property and as such, wanted a thorough survey. Tony undertook this for us, spending several hours onsite. This included a detailed face to face meeting during the last stage, where he explained his findings. He then provided an extensive written report. Neither myself nor my wife have specialist building knowledge and Tony explained each point in plain language, as well as in more technical terms in the report. He was extremely thorough and comes across as someone who knows their work very well, and who takes pride in its quality. He was also very personable, responsive to our queries, and generally easy to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending him.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 05/09/2022 , work completed 16/08/2022
Detailed and helpful advice
Customer Service
Quality
Value
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.
Customer in Hampshire Posted on 18/11/2024 , work completed 09/11/2024
First Class Service
Customer Service
Quality
Value
My partner and I contacted Tony to carry out a Home Buyers Survey. He was extremely helpful and informative. His final Survey report was detailed and comprehensive. Tony's support regarding answering our questions and concerns was invaluable and reassuring. Would highly recommend.
Customer in Greater London Posted on 31/08/2025 , work completed 17/08/2025