Peter Barry Surveyors Reviews 739

We paid £1,650 for an RICS Home Survey Level 3, the highest level of survey available, and the one specifically marketed as providing detailed advice on condition and hidden defects. Having recently moved in and begun renovation work, we are deeply disappointed by what the survey failed to identify or adequately communicate.

The very first thing we encountered upon moving in was a gas leak, which required emergency gas services and left us without heating for two weeks. The survey did give the gas installation a Condition Rating 3 and recommend an urgent check, but given the severity of what we found immediately on arrival, we feel the situation warranted far stronger and more specific language to ensure we fully understood the risk before purchase.

The electrical situation was similarly alarming. While the electrics were also rated Condition Rating 3, the report failed to mention that there are exposed electrical cables visibly protruding from walls throughout the property, and also running in and out of floorboards in multiple rooms. Crucially, while the floors were carpeted at the time of inspection, these cables would have been partially visible where they emerge at walls, skirting boards and floor level, something a thorough Level 3 inspection should have identified and explicitly flagged as a hazard. Beneath the flooring we also found an exposed cable accompanied by a cigarette, representing a serious fire risk that was entirely undocumented.

Upon removing the carpets, we found flooring in poor condition that the report described as "generally satisfactory." There are gaps in the first-floor boards large enough to see through to the floor below, and the staircase handrail is noticeably unstable, neither of which were flagged. The extent of poor DIY work throughout the property was also not reflected anywhere in the report.

We understand that carpets limit some aspects of inspection, and the report does acknowledge this. However, a Level 3 survey is supposed to go further than a surface visual probing, assessing risk, and flagging where urgent further investigation is needed. The report is heavily caveated throughout, with concerns consistently deflected to "further investigation". While some caveats are reasonable, the overall impression is of a document designed to limit liability rather than protecting the buyer.

We do not feel we received value for £1,650 and would strongly encourage anyone purchasing a property to seek a surveyor who communicates hazards clearly and takes active responsibility for their findings.

I’m extremely happy with the service from Peter Barry Surveyors. From start to finish, everything was handled quickly, brilliantly, and with complete professionalism. Communication was clear, the process was smooth, and the turnaround time exceeded my expectations.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient surveying service. Excellent experience all round.

Cemal Revan

I worked with Steve Hobbs at Peter Barry Surveyors. I required a retrospective red book valuation for a 3bed house. From the first conversation, I knew Steve was the right surveyor for me. I spoke to quite a few but I instinctively recognised Steve's technical acumen. I am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend Peter Barry surveyors wholeheartedly. They are technically sound, professional and helpful.

We were very pleased with our services from Peter Barry Surveyors. Callum Escott was professional and quick to respond. We would recommend this service to anyone seeking a qualified party wall surveyor.

They simplified the process and were courteous with reminders.

I recently had the pleasure of working with James Merewether and the team at Peter Barry Surveyors, and I couldn't be more impressed with their professionalism and expertise. From the very beginning, James was incredibly responsive, ensuring that all of my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. The team provided detailed and accurate surveys that were crucial to our project, and their attention to detail was second to none.
What really stood out was their clear communication and commitment to delivering top-notch service. They went above and beyond to ensure the survey was completed on time, even with tight deadlines, and I felt confident throughout the entire process.
I highly recommend James Merewether and Peter Barry Surveyors to anyone in need of reliable and professional surveying services. Their dedication and knowledge truly set them apart!

We had a good experience with Peter Barry. We needed to organize a RICS-compliant survey for our house. The surveyor arrived at the appointed time, was easy to work with, and provided the survey just about within the indicated time frame (slightly more than 5 working days, but only slightly). The survey seemed accurate and comprehensive. So, we got what we were expecting.

Amrita made the process of agreeing a party wall award with our neighbours very straightforward. Communication was very good and everything moved forward quickly.

Very efficient, swift and friendly service for help with a party wall award which has provided peace of mind.

Excellent Service
Argash Thasan was very helpful and professional from the offset, answered any concerns quickly and explained all the details of the process, highly recommend. Thank you

Callum Escott acted for me in Party Wall matters and I found him to very professional. I was pleased he was acting on my behalf. He was also very prompt on dealing with any queries I had. He also showed very good communication skills in dealing with his opposite number. He negotiated a good settlement when dealing with my neighbours surveyor. I would not hesitate to recommend him.

PBS provides much improved peace of mind when a neighbouring site is under major development. Thorough site checking, clear reporting and a total understanding of the legal issues around party wall agreements is just what you need. Highly recommended.

The survey was carried out very efficiently and the report was clear, detailed and very helpful. I’m very pleased.

Super responsive surveyor, who conducted an extremely thorough survey for us. Shaun made time to investigate a couple of pieces before committing us to the full survey, and was happy to jump on a call and talk us through how to interpret the final report as first time buyers - would definitely recommend!

This company contacted me offering their services for a party wall agreement, for a loft conversion my neighbours were proposing to undertake.
I made contact with some questions and was impressed with the way in which my queries were answered. The staff I dealt with were polite and professional. They were thorough in the preparation of the party wall agreement. Would recommend.

Very pleased with their service, thank you

We retained Peter Barry to provide a valuation of our former home. The service was very professional and efficient.

Efficient, courteous & quick turnaround from survey to report

Katie has been so very helpful woking as agreed surveyor for Party Wall Agreement keeping all sides happy. Very responsive too. I would not hesitate working with her again.

I would highly recommend using Peter Barry Surveyors especially Katie Merchant she was amazing. They would respond immediately to emails and they dealt with our matter with extreme care and attention. Thank you for all your hard work we are very grateful.