OBSURV Building Surveyors

OBSURV Building Surveyors: residential surveys in Newport and surrounding areas

OBSURV Building Surveyors is an independent building surveyor operating from Newport and covering Cardiff, Bristol and the surrounding areas. The company presents itself as a member of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) and the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers, and states that it is fully insured and provides independent advice with no links to estate agents or lenders.

Survey and inspection services

OBSURV's service catalogue focuses on residential surveys and specialist inspections. The company describes each service with a clear approach geared towards helping the buyer make decisions:

• Level 2 Home Survey: a report highlighting the key issues with the property to help you decide before you buy.
• Level 3 Building Survey: a detailed inspection for older, altered or more complex properties, with an assessment of condition and potential costs.
• Snagging Survey: identification of defects in new-build homes before or after completion.
• Single Defect Report: focused advice on a specific issue, such as damp, cracking or structural concerns.
• Damp Survey: independent assessment of damp and timber issues, without any sales bias.
• Drone Roof Inspection: roof inspections using a drone where access is limited.

The company also offers an interactive digital report as the delivery format for its work.

Methodology and approach to work

OBSURV states that it carries out a small number of surveys each week so that more time can be spent on each inspection. The client deals directly with the surveyor who produces the report, and the company emphasises its independence from estate agents and third parties. Reports are written in clear, jargon-free language, and the company states that its experience in buying, selling and developing property allows it to offer practical advice.

The work process described by the company consists of four steps: contact to book the survey, the survey carried out on the agreed date, delivery of the report within five days, and a 30-minute follow-up call included at no extra cost.

Recent projects

The website shows a selection of surveys carried out that illustrates the type of properties and common findings. Examples include Level 2 surveys on period properties, semi-detached houses, detached houses and top-floor flats, with issues such as blocked gutters, chimney defects, moss build-up in valley gutters, lack of weep vents, weathered external render, slipped or missing roof tiles and cracked glazing. Level 3 surveys are also documented on Victorian houses and 1930s valleys properties, with issues of penetrating damp, damaged render and moss affecting rainwater goods. Drone inspections are presented as a tool for detecting hidden defects in roofs not visible from the ground, and snagging surveys are exemplified by a new-build home in which defects were identified in roofing, brickwork and plumbing installation before the warranty expired.

Coverage and accreditations

The company states that it covers Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and the surrounding areas, and presents itself as a regulated and trusted surveyor for homeowners, buyers and developers across the UK. Its membership of the RPSA and the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers is highlighted as a guarantee of professional standards.

Location and contact

Phone: 01633 404114 · Email: info@ob-surv.co.uk