Tony Swainston Building Surveyor

Tony carried out a Home Condition Survey for us on a property in Basingstoke. Right from the start he was both professional and friendly, explaining clearly the different kinds of survey so that we could make the right choice. He wasn't the cheapest quote we had, but compared with the survey our purchasers had on our flat, Tony really gave value for money. He offered the chance to walk round the property with him for the last half-hour of his survey; as we live a long way off, this wasn't practicable, but he made an excellent video instead, pointing out in clear layman's terms all the things that would go in his report. The report was also excellent, crystal clear and well laid out according to an industry standard template. He has also been happy to discuss any matters arising both before and since sending out the report. Who could ask for anything more?

Tony Swainston provided a full survey on a house that needs some work. When he had finished examining the house, he spent two hours with us going through what he had found. We found this part of his service invaluable. Tony clearly knew his trade and provided many specific detailed pieces of advice which will be extremely helpful. He picked up defects but was equally clear about aspects of the house that did not need work (where, I suspect, some surveyors would be unduly cautious). His professionalism shone through.

I appointed Tony for a 2 hour verbal/walkthrough survey. This was primarily to assess work I'd had done to my roof, which I suspected was sub-standard. Indeed, after Tony's inspection, he produced a substantial list of problems. Even though the written report that came with this service was intended more as an informal summary, it was sufficiently detailed and comprehensive to show the relevant trade association - who are now helping me pursue a refund. For that purpose alone, Tony's visit was well worth the reasonable price he charged. But beyond this, Tony was also able to provide insight on a number of other niggles I'd been concerned about in my property. Indeed, he also identified a potentially dangerous garden wall issue that I wasn't aware of - a risk that can now be averted. Further still, Tony correctly gauged the level of details I was able to take on board during his visit. So not only were specific problems discussed, but he offered invaluable tips on how I should approach the maintenance of my period property - allowing me to look at things from a more holistic and better informed standpoint. From tips for correct building materials, to specific boiler models and even book recommendations; I feel Tony imparted a vast amount of useful information in a short space of time. He is friendly, unambiguous and clearly very knowledgable... an affable expert who'd be top of my list if I ever need a surveyor again. Very easy to recommend.

We engaged Tony to survey our roof which we were being told needed major work. We learned so much from Tony during and following his visit which has made us much more confident about proceeding and selecting the right contractor. He’s very friendly and certainly goes the extra mile in terms of service and follow-up. Highly recommend Tony. Money very well spent.

I sent Tony an unsolicited email after finding his details on Which Trusted Trader. I was trying to get some advice regarding a neighbour's proposed building project that could affect my home. Tony replied the next day with a very helpful email, giving me good advice - and without any financial reward. Would certainly recommend him and would use him in future, should I need a surveyor's services.

I recently engaged Tony for a home survey on a couple of Victorian flats. They are primarily bought as an investment. Tony is very detailed and his points on planning regulations, safety and future problems for both the building and the internal fittings and fixtures are very helpful. A lot of sound advice, some technical and some practical. From the reports I learned a lot and I would definitely engage Tony again in the future. It was a pity I could not join him for a walk round the properties, hopefully on my next purchase.

Tony completed a survey for us on a home we are purchasing. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. I was really impressed with the lengths that he went to to help us, nothing was too much trouble. The advice that he gave us was invaluable. He explained technical terms in an easy to understand way and the information he gave us on our new home was really useful. I have never had a survey on a house I have bought before but I would not buy a house again without consulting Tony first.

We engaged Tony to survey a property that we are aiming to purchase. We have had issues with our previous property and as such, wanted a thorough survey. Tony undertook this for us, spending several hours onsite. This included a detailed face to face meeting during the last stage, where he explained his findings. He then provided an extensive written report. Neither myself nor my wife have specialist building knowledge and Tony explained each point in plain language, as well as in more technical terms in the report. He was extremely thorough and comes across as someone who knows their work very well, and who takes pride in its quality. He was also very personable, responsive to our queries, and generally easy to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending him.

I contacted Tony regarding an ongoing issue with a leak and damp which we could not identify where the issue was coming from in the house. Tony replied promptly to my query and gave me option's of how he would be conducting the survey/report and the prices he charges. On the day of the survey, Tony gave us detailed verbal feedback on his findings. We also later received a written recommendation report of his findings of the causes of our concerns we had with the damp and leakage of water in the house and how to fix the problems. Tony is very personable and he explained our issues in a way that we could understand (no jargon). We would recommend him to our friends and family.

I contacted Tony as a new buyer after concerns about the cracks and a leaky attic room window. Tony responded promptly and after sending the relevant information he required we set a date for the inspection. Tony arrived on time and I was put at ease by his professional but personable attitude. I walked around my home with Tony who explained everything in simple detail even drawing little diagrams for me to fully grasp the information. What I did like was that he was able to point out other defects that I hadn’t even noticed, including fire safety information and what was required to change our single bedroom window hinge to open as per building spec regulations for fire safety. Tony also looked at our attic room and came to the same conclusion as a builder as to why the window might be leaking. I expected a short synopsis for the report because we opted for the cheaper survey, however the email was very detailed and I know that if I had any addition questions, I could contact Tony. I would recommend Tony to family and friends and would use him again myself.

As first time buyers, my partner and I discovered Tony through TrustedTraders. From initial contact to completing our survey, Tony was extremely professional. He has a wealth of knowledge and provides exceptional after care post survey (easy to contact and very approachable). Tony provided a thorough and detailed survey; clearly highlighting any defects with the property, which was very beneficial to us. We would recommend Tony to anyone requiring a survey report & would definitely use his services again. Thank you so much, Tony!

We chose Tony because of his excellent reviews on Which? and particularly because he offers the opportunity to join him at the end of his survey to talk through what he found. We were greatly impressed with his whole service. He was very knowledgeable. At the meeting he took the time to answer all our questions. Afterwards he answered questions we raised following receipt of his written report and indicated we could always contact him in the future with any further questions. We would 100% recommend him.

Tony carried out surveys on two properties for my husband and I. He was very thorough and meticulous. He used a drone to reach and photograph those difficult to reach places. The photos were clear and percise. Tony met us at the properties to clarify and point out the areas for consideration. I loved that we could speak to him at anytime for further clariffication and his traffic light system gave a quick view of prioritising the issues raised. Tony is a warm friendly, helpful and knowledge professional. We felt confident in his ability. The reports were easy for a layperson to follow and we highly recommend him. We used him twice and consider it was money well spent.

Tony, conducted a home buyer survey report on the 13th November 2023, Tony was extremely professional to deal with, agreed the price, arranged access with the agents and conducted the review as planned, his detailed report came through quickly. He followed this up with a call to highlight the main points following the survey. I would definitely recommend Tony based on our first hand experience.

Laid low by the number of cold calls from builders offering their services, mostly unrelated, when it became known we had spray foam insulation in the loft, we decided to pay for independent advice from an experienced surveyor, Tony Swainston. The result exceeded our expectations. He came, spent more than three hours going round the house - a converted chapel - and discussing his findings and he then produced a lengthy report detailing what he had found and possible remedies. It covered not only the insulation question (it has to be removed) but the heating insulation and drainage, without pushing for any particular technology or company. After the number and pressure of firms pressing their services, it was a real relief to have independent advice and well worth his fee.

Tony treats your survey like one he is doing for himself and his family - which won us over. He did two surveys for us and being as detailed as he - very clearly communicated all the pros and cons of the properties. We were looking at properties which would need renovation so this was super important for us. Not only did he explain all his points in details alongwith rough potential costs to fix/ improve but was very open to any questions we may have. His expertise clearly came through! Was also very prompt and clear in all his communication Pre & Post survey - latter is super helpful when one is navigating questions fielded at one by other tradesmen or may have some general queues. We would recommend strongly if you want “peace of mind “in terms of taking the right decision about a property Thanks so much for everything

Tony was so kind and helpful from start to finish. He helped us immensely with organising the survey as soon as possible, and gave us an in-depth report of his findings. He went above and beyond with the time he spent explaining things to us, and made us feel very comfortable with the whole process, especially as we are first time buyers. I would recommend Tony to everyone I know. If you choose Tony, you are in the best hands. Buying a property can be stressful but he lightened the load by taking such good care of us. Thank you Tony.

We asked Tony to undertake a Specific Defect survey regarding damp and condensation at our home. Tony spent 3 hours with us and carried out a comprehensive survey of the house and roof. During his visit he gave us clear and detailed information and advice to help fix the problems, and this was then laid out fully in a follow-up email. We found Tony to be very pleasant, approachable and knowledgeable, and his expertise has already proved invaluable regarding lifestyle issues affecting our home. He has also given us a clear way forward to carry out a number of works to improve the property. We feel the survey fees were money very well spent and we have no hesitation in recommending Tony's services.

After I outlined the problem (damp in the house), Tony explained what the various causes might be and was thorough and unhurried in his inspection of the property. He went through a number of remedial options, and suggested what could be done in the short, medium and longer term, all done in a clear and fully understandable way. Soon after his visit, he e-mailed a comprehensive description of his findings and suggested remedies, with advice about suitable products and and how to find reliable tradesmen. Costs and visiting times were agreed on first contact. Tony was prompt, polite and gentle, and his advice and help were above and beyond what I had anticipated.

I called Tony in to investigate the issue of condensation forming in the loft in cold weather. He arrived punctually and started by inspecting the loft space, I was encouraged to take notes throughout the survey. When he finished we sat down and Tony explained what he had found, he also explained how condensation can occur in a house. He then detailed the likely causes and the possible remedies. Tony has provided us with an email report which details changes and actions that we can make to solve our problem also, should we need it a method to choose a good contractor. We were very happy with the service Tony provided and if the need ever arises, we wouldn't hesitate to use Tony again.