JWA Surveyors

08/10/2026

🔍 “Further investigation recommended.”

You’ve paid for a house survey, read the report and now something needs another check. It’s understandable to wonder why.

It doesn’t automatically mean there’s a serious defect, or that you need to pay for another full survey. Sometimes a particular issue needs specialist testing or a closer look before it can be properly understood.

For me, a recommendation should make four things clear: what needs checking, why it matters, who should do it and when. It shouldn’t leave you wondering what you’re supposed to do next.

In my latest blog, I explain what further investigation actually means, the types of checks that might be recommended and which questions to ask before committing to the purchase.

🏠 The aim is to help you make an informed decision, not leave you worrying about every possibility.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.jwasurveyors.co.uk/post/further-investigation-house-survey

Your survey recommends further investigation, but why? Learn what it means, who should investigate and when the answer may be needed before exchange.

05/10/2026

🌡️ This is exactly why I carry a thermal imaging camera on surveys.

The mould was clearly visible, but the thermal image gave some useful additional information.

What it can show is a difference in surface temperature. In this case, the area around the ceiling and external wall junction was noticeably colder than the surrounding surfaces.

What it cannot do on its own is prove the cause.

A colder area could be linked to several things, including reduced insulation, thermal bridging, air leakage or moisture related cooling. That is why thermal imaging should always be considered alongside the visual inspection, moisture readings where appropriate, the construction of the property and the conditions at the time.

In this case, the colder surface temperatures were in the same area as the mould growth, which helps explain why that part of the room may be more vulnerable to condensation.

The thermal image does not provide the diagnosis.

It provides another piece of evidence.

04/10/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the things I always try to do is make the survey process feel straightforward. If a client has concerns about a property, I want them to be able to ask the question and get a clear answer without being buried in jargon.

In this case, there were concerns around the chimney, so I was able to get the drone up, inspect it properly and talk through what the footage showed and what repairs were likely to be needed.

That kind of follow-up is a big part of the service for me. The survey does not just end when the inspection is finished or the report is sent.

A huge thank you to the client for taking the time to leave such a kind review. 🙌

23/09/2026

🟠 Condition Rating 2 on a house survey – should you be worried?

Seeing lots of amber ratings on a survey can look alarming at first, but a Condition Rating 2 doesn’t necessarily mean there is a serious problem.

In my latest blog, I explain:

🏠 What a Condition Rating 2 actually means
🔧 The difference between routine maintenance and something more significant
📋 Why you shouldn’t judge a survey by simply counting the amber boxes
💬 What you should do next if you’re unsure about a finding

The important thing is always the detail behind the rating and how the findings fit together across the property.

If you’re buying a home and trying to make sense of your survey, this should help give you a clearer picture.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.jwasurveyors.co.uk/post/condition-rating-2-house-survey

What does Condition Rating 2 mean on a RICS Home Survey? Learn what amber ratings tell you, when to act and when a rating is simply part of normal maintenance.

07/09/2026

👀 Would you have spotted this on a viewing?

This is from a recent survey where part of the chimney breast had been removed, leaving the masonry above completely unsupported.

From the rooms below, there was very little to give it away. It was only once I got properly into the loft that the full extent of it became clear.

This is exactly why having a survey is important.

You can spend plenty of time looking around a property, but there are areas you simply won’t see or know to check. Sometimes the issues we find are minor maintenance items… and sometimes they look like this. 😬

Much better to know about it before exchange than after you’ve got the keys. 🏡

28/08/2026

⭐️ 25 Five Star Reviews ⭐️

A small milestone for JWA Surveyors this week.

We've now reached 25 five star Google reviews and I wanted to say a genuine thank you to every client who has trusted me to carry out their survey and taken the time to leave feedback afterwards.

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make, so it means a great deal when clients feel confident recommending my services to others.

As a small independent surveying practice, every review, recommendation and referral helps the business continue to grow.

Thank you for your trust and support.

Here's to the next 25.

21/08/2026

🏡 A common question I’m asked: “When should I book my house survey?”

The short answer? Usually once your offer has been accepted ✅

But there are a few things worth thinking about before you rush to book it in.

📋 Should you wait for the mortgage valuation?
🔍 What if the chain isn’t complete?
⏰ Do you need to wait for searches?
🏠 And how late is too late to have the survey done?

I’ve put together a new guide explaining the best time to arrange your survey and why giving yourself enough time after the survey can be just as important as the inspection itself.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.jwasurveyors.co.uk/post/when-to-book-house-survey

💬 If you’ve had an offer accepted and you’re unsure when to arrange your survey, feel free to get in touch.

A common question I am asked is when to book a house survey after an offer has been accepted. I explain when to arrange it, whether to wait for your mortgage valuation or searches, and why leaving it too late can cause problems.

18/08/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Really pleased to receive another fantastic review following a recent Level 3 Building Survey.

A detailed report is important, but just as important is making sure the client actually understands what the findings mean.

That is why I take the time to explain the key issues clearly, put defects into context, and answer follow-up questions where needed. The aim is not simply to produce a long report, but to give buyers the information and confidence they need.

Thank you to the client for taking the time to leave such kind feedback.

📋 Detailed Level 3 Building Surveys
⏱️ Reports issued within 24-48 hours
✅ Ongoing support after the survey

29/07/2026

Opening a survey and seeing several red Condition Rating 3 boxes can make the property you were excited about suddenly look like a disaster.

But the number of red ratings rarely tells the whole story.

One underlying defect can affect several parts of the report, and not every red rating carries the same level of risk. What matters is why the rating has been given, how serious the issue is and what you should do next.

In my latest blog, I explain:

🔴 What Condition Rating 3 actually means
🔴 Why several red ratings do not necessarily mean you should pull out
🔴 Which findings deserve the most attention
🔴 When to obtain quotations or further advice
🔴 Whether the survey findings could justify renegotiating

A good survey should help you understand the property - not leave you frightened by a page of red boxes.

Read the full article here: https://www.jwasurveyors.co.uk/post/house-survey-red-flags-condition-rating-3

Received your house survey and worried by all the red Condition Rating 3 boxes? Here is what those ratings really mean and how to decide which findings matter before you buy.

21/07/2026

You know you’re surveying in Ely when this appears on the drone screen. 👀

Ely Cathedral, standing proud above the rooftops and visible for miles across the Fens.

A great view from today’s inspection and definitely one of the better backdrops I have had while checking a roof.