CORNWALL, THROUGH AND THROUGH
Understand the home you’re buying, with clear advice from a local Chartered Building Surveyor.
Independent advice. Personal service. Across Cornwall.
Adam L Sara BA PgD MRICS MRPSATHE RIGHT SURVEY FOR YOUR HOME
Every home is different. The right survey depends on its age, construction and condition, and what you plan to do with it.
A clear assessment for conventional homes in reasonable condition, without extensive alterations or unusual construction.
A more detailed inspection and report for older, altered, unusual or complex homes, properties in poor condition, or major renovation plans.
Both surveys are visual inspections of accessible areas. The inspection and report scope are agreed before you book.
A LITTLE HELP CHOOSING
Tell us a little about the property for a starting point. Adam can confirm the right level when you get in touch.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM OUR SURVEYS
A survey brings the condition of your home into focus. These photographs show some of the details we look at during an inspection.
Looking at visible roof coverings, chimneys and their junctions helps us assess weathering and maintenance needs.
Where access allows, the roof space provides a closer view of the structure, insulation and signs of deterioration.
Meter readings can support the inspection. We interpret them alongside the building materials and other observations.
A CLOSER LOOK, FROM THE GROUND
We use a telescopic pole camera to view high-level external aspects during inspections, wherever conditions allow a clear view. It helps bring roof edges, chimneys and other details into view.
FROM COASTAL COTTAGES TO FAMILY HOMESYOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT SURVEYOR
Local knowledge, with a personal approach.
ALS Surveyors is an independent Chartered Building Surveying practice based in Redruth. Cornish born and bred, we bring experience of local housing and construction to surveys across the county.
Our aim is simple: explain what we find in language you understand, so you can make an informed decision about your home.
Speak with Adam ↗LOCAL BUILDING KNOWLEDGE
Historic materials and past land use can shape what a buyer should check. These are possibilities to investigate where relevant, not problems present in every home.
Some older Cornish concrete blocks were made with locally available mine or quarry waste. Certain aggregates can deteriorate, but appearance alone cannot confirm the material or its classification. Where the building history or inspection raises a question, specialist sampling and testing may be advised.
Cornwall Council’s Mundic guide ↗
Past mining can leave shafts, shallow workings and other features that may matter to ground stability. Property searches and historic records help build the picture; records may be incomplete. If a search or site evidence raises a concern, a specialist mining assessment may be appropriate.
Cornwall metalliferous mining search ↗
Older pitch-fibre pipework can deform or blister over time. Most of a drain run is hidden underground, so a house survey cannot confirm its full condition. If the material is suspected or a problem is indicated, a specialist CCTV drain inspection can check the pipework.
Sava guide to pitch-fibre drains ↗Wind-driven rain and exposed coastal conditions can place extra demands on roofs, chimneys, gutters, pointing, external finishes and timber joinery. We also consider damp and ventilation, timber decay or insect activity, cracking and movement, older materials that may contain asbestos, and private drainage where present. In older stone buildings, compatible repair materials matter. We explain what is visible, what remains uncertain and when specialist checks may help.
See how findings are explained ↗A home survey is a visual inspection of accessible areas. It does not replace specialist sampling, a mining search or a CCTV drain survey where one is needed.
INSIDE A LEVEL 3 REPORT
A Level 3 report explains what was inspected, what was found, why it matters and what to do next. These anonymised close-ups are from previous ALS surveys; each report is specific to the home inspected.
For example, visible timber decay and worn finishes are recorded alongside the window’s condition and operation. Recommendations explain whether repair or replacement should be considered.
Water staining or damaged plaster is considered with nearby roofs, rainwater goods, walls, floors and ventilation. A meter reading alone does not establish the cause.
The report considers the crack’s pattern and location alongside the wider building. It explains when routine repair or monitoring is suitable and when further investigation is recommended.
Visible timber condition and signs of possible historic insect activity are described. Concealed areas remain unconfirmed, and the report identifies when a specialist check may be appropriate.
Some materials in older or altered homes may contain asbestos, but appearance alone cannot confirm this. The report can advise testing before disturbance or refurbishment.
HSE: where asbestos may be found ↗AN EXAMPLE OF THE REPORT FORMAT
Each recommendation is tied to the finding, with a condition or priority rating and a suggested timeframe where appropriate.
We describe materials, apparent age, condition and maintenance. Expected service life is discussed where it can reasonably be assessed; it is not a guarantee.
Condition ratings help show which elements need attention. Relevant risks to people or the grounds, urgency and further investigations are also made clear.
We note visible security and escape-route concerns and record restricted or inaccessible areas. Services are not tested; this is not a dedicated security audit.
Where visible, we comment on insulation, heating, lighting and ventilation, and identify possible improvements. Traditional fabric needs a compatible approach.
Historic England: traditional buildings and energy efficiency ↗We note visible historic features and refer relevant questions to your legal adviser or a conservation professional. The local authority can confirm whether proposed changes need listed building consent.
Historic England: listed building consent ↗These are selected photographs from previous ALS inspections, presented without client or address details. They illustrate how findings may be shown; they are not findings about another property.
FEEDBACK FROM HOME MOVERS
Read feedback on the platforms where customers have shared their experience. Ratings can change over time.
90 reviews on Google
“Fast, professional service. Highly recommended.”Read Google reviews ↗
16 customer reviews
“Professional, thorough and efficient. Would recommend.”Read Reallymoving reviews ↗
See current recommendations and feedback on the ALS Surveyors Facebook page.
Read Facebook recommendations ↗Google rating and review count shown by the Google reviews panel on the existing ALS website when checked on 7 October 2026. Reallymoving rating and review count checked on 7 October 2026. Facebook opens the ALS Surveyors page.
FROM FIRST CALL TO YOUR REPORT
Share the property address or listing, your plans and any concerns. We’ll discuss the appropriate survey and provide a quote.
We inspect the accessible parts of the property and assess its condition within the agreed scope of your survey.
Your report explains the condition, concerns and recommended next steps. You can discuss the findings with us.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Still unsure? A quick conversation is a good place to start.
Call Adam ↗No. A lender’s valuation is for the lender’s purposes. A home survey gives you advice about the property’s condition and issues to consider before buying.
Level 3 provides more detail, but the right service depends on the property and your plans. Level 2 can be appropriate for a conventional home in reasonable condition. We can help you choose before booking.
Usually after your offer has been accepted, and before you make a legal commitment to purchase. Tell us about your proposed timescale when you enquire, and we can discuss availability.
Older and traditionally built properties often benefit from a Level 3 survey. Send us the listing or property details so we can discuss its construction, condition and your plans.
Alongside Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, ALS Surveyors offers Level 1 Condition Surveys and project management advice. Contact Adam to discuss what you need.
The fee depends on the property’s size, construction, condition and the survey required. Share the address or listing for a quote suited to the property.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT MOVE
Send Adam the property details and what you’d like to understand. We’ll help you choose the right survey.
07564 702083 ↗Adam@alssurveyors.co.uk ↗