There are a number of different types of survey and you need to know which one is best for you.

The comprehensive Level 3 Survey provides you with the a very thorough and detailed inspection and report. It will tell you what you need to do straight away and give advice and timescales about future maintenance and repairs. It can also, if you want, provide an assessment of value, based on its current condition, as well as an estimate of the likely costs of repairs, to help you buy at the right price, fully informed about what you will need to spend.

The most comprehensive Historic Building Survey gives you all this and more and is suitable when you are buying a very old property with solid external walls, timber framed structures, thatched roofs etc. as well as if you are building a listed building.

These types of survey will be carried out by Paul Gowers, who is a Building Engineer as well as a Chartered Surveyor and can provide expert advice on the structural condition of the property. He is also an expert on older properties and dampness and can offer pragmatic and practical advice on how to manage and resolve issues of dampness, usually without having to resort to drastic and expensive repair measures.

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Client Testimonials

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Simon Gledhill
6 November 2025
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Absolutely phenomenal! Paul completed a level 3 historic building survey on a large barn conversion for me. I honestly don't think I have ever been more impressed by any proffessional in any field! I was told by the estate agent that he has a reputation for providing next level detail... and that proved to be correct! His knowledge and wisdom are extraordinary. The report (supplied both in pdf and very impressive bound hardcover book) was 132 pages. It included very relevant advice about how to care for the building, adjusted to the specific context. But 75% of the content was describing the condition of the building and what work was necessary to rectify defects. The report was easy to read and written in plain English and with photos to illustrate. Both before and after the survey, I spoke at length with Paul on the phone - he was very patient with all my silly questions! We haven't yet decided if we are going to progress with this purchase, but I can certainly say that if we pursue another house instead, I won't use anyone other than Paul to survey it!
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Mark Long
7 January 2025
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If you are looking for an excellent, knowledgeable and helpful surveyor I wouldn't look any further! I researched the local market and Paul's name came up a number of times; I then spoke to his office (Catherine who is also great) and arranged a pre-survey meeting. Form that point on it has been seamless. I've bought 15+ houses and Paul is by far the best and most comprehensive surveyor I have used. You get what you pay for - I bought a grade II listed house and that's his sweet spot, so if you want to know a great deal about the house, what works are needed (and ideas on costs & recommendations) and also how to care for it afterwards, Paul is an excellent choice. Highly recommended.
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Estella Todisco
6 September 2024
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I can’t thank Paul Gowers enough for the work he did on a party wall dispute. He was professional, responsive and personable.
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Ben Green
24 May 2023
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Having used Paul's services for a survey on our upcoming listed building purchase I can assure you that you will get the most thorough, professional and helpful service that you could wish for. The report tallied over 100 pages covering all aspects of the house, walls, frames, windows, roof space, drainage, outbuildings, render, roof tiles, water tanks, electrics, insulation, listed building consent, health and safety and much more. Not only that but Paul's report also told us how to best maintain the house going forwards, using what materials and how often things need doing. This was most definitely worth every penny and has allowed us to make an informed decision on the purchase going forwards. A+ rating from me!
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James Marron
19 May 2023
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I could not recommend Paul Gowers highly enough. Excellent service and a very comprehensive, clear report. An extremely knowledgeable and helpful professional.
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Brian Scull
15 September 2021
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I have just had a Survey completed by Gowers of Stamford. I have to say that the team there are superb. From the first contact with Catherine who was courteous, professional and helpful and who also arranged everything. To the surveyor Paul who was marvellous, the report was clear and well presented and easy to understand. Paul was extremely helpful and prepared to spend time discussing all the sections and any issues i had.He was very professional and a pleasure to deal with. I don’t normally do revues but felt compelled on this occasion because they deserve enormous praise and i would thoroughly recommend them.
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Cameron Bauldry
7 July 2021
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I needed a building survey doing at short notice after red flags were raised once receiving searches and the sellers paperwork back. Unfortunately Gowers and everyone else I checked with were all booked up for months however Paul took time out of his busy day to speak to me, listen to my situation and provide me with some fantastic advice which I very much appreciate. He is very knowledgeable and the advice given has helped me in the next steps of my house purchase. Thank you again.
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Neil Crees
18 March 2021
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The value of using Paul, a local well known professional, was huge. I received immediate personal feedback allowing me to take timely action to avoid what could have been an expensive mistake.
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Sam Paul
10 December 2019
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We engaged Gowers to carry out a building survey for an old residential property with multiple issues. Paul Gowers was excellent in his response time to our questions and the level of professional reporting. The service we received was reassuring for us and we would certainly use Gowers again.
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Mandy Ingram
6 June 2018
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We recently used Gowers Surveyors for a building project involving the Party Wall Act. It was applicable on both boundaries and Paul acted as Agreed Surveyor on one side and Building Owner Surveyor on the other. The build itself was fairly straight forward, but the Party Wall process was definitely not... Paul is the consummate professional. Knowledgeable, reliable, calm and level headed he always made himself available whether in person or at the end of a phone or email to ourselves and our contractors. The project lasted 8 months and he continued to deliver the highest level of professionalism and advice throughout. Cannot recommend him highly enough!

I don’t want a full survey, but would like a thorough account of whether the property is sound.  The property isn’t old and seems okay.

The Level 2 Survey will tell you about any significant or urgent matters concerning every part of the property. It will also give a valuation to let you know if you are paying too much, so you know whether or not to proceed and at what price.

I don’t want to pay for a survey. I just want to know it hasn’t got any serious problems.

The Level 1 Survey gives a brief account of each part of the property based on a surveyor’s inspection. It does not give repair advice or a valuation but will give you peace of mind that you are not buying something that will cost you a lot of money in the near future.

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