Service register · 11 instructions
Start with the question. Then choose the instrument.
Not every property needs a full building survey. Not every crack needs an engineer. The first job is defining what you actually need to know.
Read the register ↓RICS Home Survey Standard
Three levels.
One honest choice.
The right report is the least expensive level that can answer the questions raised by the property. Every level here is survey-only, without valuation.
Unsure? Send the address. You will be told if a cheaper level genuinely does the job.
Complete register
Every service,
in working order.
Home surveys
Understand the whole property before you commit.
Home Survey Level 1
A concise condition report for conventional properties in reasonable condition, with traffic light ratings for each element.
Home Survey Level 2
The most popular survey for standard residential properties — condition ratings, maintenance advice and matters to raise before exchange. Survey only, without valuation.
Home Survey Level 3
The most detailed home survey — ideal for older, larger or altered properties, with repair options, consequences and advice for legal advisers.
Focused investigation
Diagnose one symptom with the right instrument and evidence.
Damp and timber surveys
Independent, PCA-qualified investigation of damp, mould and timber decay — with no ties to remediation contractors.
Subsidence assessment
Causation-focused subsidence assessment built on extensive complex claims experience, for insurers, policyholders or purchasers.
Defects investigation
Diagnosis of specific building defects — from cracking to water penetration — with cause-focused analysis and clear written recommendations.
Snagging surveys
Detailed inspection of new-build homes before or shortly after completion, with a comprehensive defects schedule for developer rectification.
Drone surveys
CAA-registered aerial inspection of roofs and facades, with high-resolution documentation for reports and claims.
Consultancy
Independent thinking for claims, repair decisions and complex buildings.
Insurance claims consultancy
Independent expert support for policyholders — reinstatement cost assessments, claim validation, Ombudsman-ready technical evidence and post-repair inspection.
Advice sessions
Straightforward professional advice without a formal report — a call or visit when you need an honest steer, not a survey.
Building consultancy
Independent opinion on building matters — remediation specifications, pre-purchase advice for complex properties and second opinions on reports.
Capture + documentation
When a record matters as much as the opinion.
- 01
Thermal imaging
Infrared patterns used as supporting evidence where heat loss, cold bridging or concealed moisture is relevant.
- 02
Invasive access
Targeted opening-up, including access hatches, where agreed and genuinely necessary to answer the question.
- 03
360° condition capture
An immersive, dated condition record for claims, pre-works evidence and remote review.
- 04
Measured plans
On-site measurements translated into clear plans and sketch layouts.
- 05
Aerial documentation
High-level stills and video for roofs, facades, sites and progress records.
Before instruction
The practical questions.
Clear scope, fixed fee and no pressure to buy a larger report than the building needs.
How much does a survey cost?
Fees depend on the property — size, age, complexity and location all matter — so every instruction is quoted individually. Send the address and a few details and you will normally receive a fixed quote the same working day.
Which survey level do I need?
Level 1 suits modern conventional homes in good condition; Level 2 suits standard properties in reasonable condition; Level 3 suits older, larger, altered or problematic buildings. Describe the property and you will get a straight recommendation — including being told if a cheaper level is genuinely enough.
Do your surveys include a valuation?
No. This practice provides survey-only reports at every level, including the Level 2 survey-only format. A mortgage lender commissions its own valuation for lending purposes.
How quickly can you inspect and report?
Inspection availability is typically within one to two weeks, subject to access. Reports normally follow within three to seven working days depending on level. If you have an exchange deadline, say so when enquiring.
Are you regulated and insured?
Yes. Mills Building Consultancy is RICS-regulated, practises under the RICS Rules of Conduct and holds professional indemnity insurance.
Next instruction · MBC
Tell us the address. Tell us what is worrying you.
You will receive a fixed quote and a straight recommendation, normally within one working day.
Start an enquiry →