Richard Russell Surveyors

Richard Russell Surveyors www.richardrussellsurveyors.co.uk

Richard Russell Surveyors are a modern, responsive and approachable independent firm of RICS qualified residential property surveyors based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Survey Spotlight: Stockton 🏡From historic cottages to modern family homes, we carry out surveys on properties of every a...
31/07/2026

Survey Spotlight: Stockton 🏡

From historic cottages to modern family homes, we carry out surveys on properties of every age and style.

A recent survey took us to Stockton, a Warwickshire village whose name is thought to mean "a fenced enclosure". The village also has a rich industrial heritage, having long been associated with the manufacture of lime and cement thanks to the surrounding blue lias clay.

On this occasion, we inspected a modern four-bedroom detached home, built in 2019, carrying out a Level 2 Survey, RICS Valuation, and a drone inspection.

It's a common misconception that newer properties don't need surveying. While modern homes are less likely to have age-related defects, they can still have issues ranging from poor workmanship and drainage concerns to roofing defects or incomplete finishes that aren't always obvious during a viewing.

A professional survey provides an independent assessment of the property's condition, helping buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected surprises after moving in.

No matter whether a property is centuries old or only a few years old, every home can benefit from a thorough inspection before purchase.

Last month it was Japanese Knotweed... this month it's bamboo! 🌿Spotted by James on a recent inspection in Dickens Heath...
29/07/2026

Last month it was Japanese Knotweed... this month it's bamboo! 🌿

Spotted by James on a recent inspection in Dickens Heath was running bamboo, which appeared to have spread from the neighbouring property.

Bamboo might look attractive in the garden, but some species - particularly running bamboo - can become a real problem if left unmanaged. Its underground rhizomes can spread surprisingly quickly, allowing it to pop up well beyond where it was originally planted.

When growing close to a property, it can:

🌿Damage fences, paths and patios.
🌿Spread into neighbouring gardens, leading to disputes.
🌿Be difficult and costly to remove once established.
🌿Require ongoing management to prevent further spread.

Unlike Japanese knotweed, bamboo isn't generally a mortgage or lending issue, but it can still be an important maintenance consideration for homeowners and prospective buyers.

It's another example of why a thorough building survey doesn't just look at the building itself - it also considers the surrounding site and anything that could affect the property's condition or future maintenance.

Survey Spotlight: Solihull 🏡Sometimes, it's the issues you can't see during a viewing that matter most.We recently carri...
27/07/2026

Survey Spotlight: Solihull 🏡

Sometimes, it's the issues you can't see during a viewing that matter most.

We recently carried out a Level 2 Home Survey, complete with a drone inspection, on a 1970's three-bedroom semi-detached home in Solihull.

The drone inspection provided a much clearer view of the roof than would be possible from ground level, revealing damaged roof tiles, eroded mortar pointing to the roof verges, and significant moss growth.

Excessive moss can retain moisture, accelerating the deterioration of roofing materials over time, while damaged tiles and deteriorated mortar can increase the risk of water ingress if left unaddressed. It's a great example of why adding a drone inspection can provide valuable insight into areas that are otherwise difficult to assess.

The survey also identified standing water on the flat roof of the rear extension. Ponding water can significantly reduce the lifespan of a flat roof and increase the likelihood of future leaks if not remedied.

These are exactly the kinds of defects that are easily missed during a viewing but can become costly once you've moved in. A professional home survey helps you understand the true condition of a property before you commit, allowing you to budget for repairs, negotiate with confidence, and avoid unexpected surprises.

"This survey was by far the best one I have ever had done."Thank you, Faye - receiving feedback like this is always rewa...
24/07/2026

"This survey was by far the best one I have ever had done."

Thank you, Faye - receiving feedback like this is always rewarding and means a great deal to our team.

Listed and period properties require a careful, experienced approach, particularly when renovation work is planned. We take the time to carry out a thorough inspection, explain our findings clearly, and ensure our clients understand the condition of the property before they commit.

Reviews like this reflect the approach we strive to bring to every survey: providing detailed reports, expert guidance and greater peace of mind throughout the property-buying process.

If you're buying an older or listed property and would like expert, independent advice, our team is here to help.

Survey Spotlight: Leamington Spa 🏡Leamington Spa is renowned for its beautiful period homes, each with its own character...
22/07/2026

Survey Spotlight: Leamington Spa 🏡

Leamington Spa is renowned for its beautiful period homes, each with its own character - and its own maintenance considerations.

For this Level 3 Building Survey, we inspected a 1920s detached property that retained many of its original features, including a slate roof with rolled lead hips and ridge detailing.

While these original materials add to the property's charm, it's important to remember that roofs of this age were built before modern roofing membranes became standard. Without this secondary layer of protection, their long-term performance can be affected, making regular maintenance even more important.

Older properties can make wonderful homes, but understanding their condition before you buy is essential.

A Level 3 Building Survey provides the detailed information you need to help you understand what you're taking on before you fully commit.

We were recently instructed to carry out an Insurance Reinstatement Cost Assessment (RCA) on a substantial Grade II list...
20/07/2026

We were recently instructed to carry out an Insurance Reinstatement Cost Assessment (RCA) on a substantial Grade II listed former farmhouse near Southam.

Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with significant alterations, additions and rebuilding during the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a fascinating property to inspect.

The client had already had their building survey completed and was close to exchanging contracts when they were unexpectedly told they also needed a Reinstatement Cost Assessment for insurance purposes.

With exchange fast approaching, time was of the essence. We were luckily able to fit the inspection into our diary that same week and provide the report they needed, helping to keep their purchase on track.

If there's a chance you'll need an RCA, arranging it alongside your survey can help avoid delays, additional appointments and unnecessary stress later in the buying process.

If you're unsure whether you need one, we're always happy to advise.

A Loft with Some Unwanted Residents ... 🐝Spotted by Abi on a recent survey – what we think might be one of the largest w...
17/07/2026

A Loft with Some Unwanted Residents ... 🐝

Spotted by Abi on a recent survey – what we think might be one of the largest wasps' nests we've come across!

Finding a wasps' nest in a loft isn't uncommon, especially during the warmer months, but it's certainly not something to ignore.

For potential buyers, a wasps' nest can mean:

🐝 Restricted access to the loft until it's been safely removed.
🏠 The need for professional pest control before carrying out any maintenance or further inspections.
🔍 It can also prevent parts of the roof structure and insulation from being fully inspected while the nest is active.

The good news? In most cases, once the nest has been professionally treated and removed, it's not a long-term issue. However, it's always worth identifying it early so you know exactly what you're taking on before completing your purchase.

It's all part of what a thorough building survey is designed to uncover!

Survey Spotlight: Cheltenham🏡We recently carried out a Level 3 Building Survey with Drone Inspection on this impressive ...
15/07/2026

Survey Spotlight: Cheltenham🏡

We recently carried out a Level 3 Building Survey with Drone Inspection on this impressive Regency-style mid-terrace property in Cheltenham, originally built circa 1820 and extended in 2001.

As is often the case with properties of this age, the main concerns related to the roof and chimney stack, where a lack of maintenance had led to defects requiring attention. We also identified inadequate felt flashings to the extension roof, which are prone to leakage and should be replaced with more durable lead flashings.

The survey also highlighted significant issues with the rendered external walls. Widespread cracking, flaking paint and areas where the render had detached from the underlying structure were noted. These defects can trap moisture within traditional solid walls, increasing the risk of dampness, timber decay and further deterioration over time.

Period properties can be wonderful homes, but they require the right maintenance and understanding of traditional construction methods. A detailed survey helps buyers identify potential issues early and plan for future repairs and upkeep.

Thinking of selling your home? A Vendor's Survey could save you time, money, and stress! 🏡We recently carried out a Leve...
13/07/2026

Thinking of selling your home? A Vendor's Survey could save you time, money, and stress! 🏡

We recently carried out a Level 3 Building Survey, complete with a drone inspection and valuation, for a vendor on a property near Banbury.

We're starting to see more homeowners choosing to have a survey before putting their property on the market, and it's easy to see why.

A Vendor's Survey helps uncover any hidden defects or potential issues before your home is listed, giving you a clearer picture of its condition. That means you can set a more realistic asking price, deal with any problems early if you choose to, and reduce the risk of unexpected surprises during the sale process.

Whether you're buying or selling, having the right information from the outset helps everyone make informed decisions.

Thinking of selling? We'd be happy to discuss whether a Vendor's Survey is right for you.

An example of what not to do when you have a missing brick... 🧱As surveyors, we come across some unusual things, but thi...
10/07/2026

An example of what not to do when you have a missing brick... 🧱

As surveyors, we come across some unusual things, but this one was definitely memorable - a missing brick that had been "repaired" with a piece of wood!

While it might seem like a quick fix, timber isn't a suitable replacement for brickwork. It doesn't provide the same strength, durability, or weather resistance, and over time it can absorb moisture, rot, and allow damp to pe*****te the wall.

It's a great example of why a professional building survey is so valuable. Seemingly minor repairs can sometimes point to larger maintenance issues or previous DIY fixes that deserve a closer look.

Our job is to identify these kinds of defects, explain what they mean, and help our clients make informed decisions before committing to a property.

What's the strangest repair you've ever seen?

Address

11 Dormer Place, Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa
CV325AA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

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