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0116 4300 272

steve@buildingsurvey.co.uk

8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday

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About Steve Butler RICS Chartered Surveyors

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Surveyors in Leicester - RICS HomeBuyers Reports, Building Surveys & Valuations

Steve Butler Surveyors are independent RICS Chartered Surveyors in Leicester.

Based at Henley Road, Leicester, LE3 9RD, our RICS Chartered Surveyors provide professional property surveys and residential valuations across Leicester and Leicestershire including Oadby, Wigston, Syston, Groby, Ansty, Markfield, and Clarendon Park, as well as across Leicestershire including Coalville, Loughborough, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Ibstock, Shepshed, Measham and Castle Donington.

With over 30 years’ experience, we carry out RICS HomeBuyer Reports (Level 2), RICS Building Surveys (Level 3), structural inspections, and specialist valuations for homebuyers, property owners, and solicitors. All advice is impartial, clear, and free from estate-agent referral bias.

Property survey and report - 1950 Leicester house 

RICS Homebuyers Survey – 1950s House in Leicester

During a recent RICS HoebuyersSurvey in Leicester, we inspected a 1950s property originally constructed using concrete panel construction, a non-traditional method that can affect mortgageability, thermal performance, and long-term maintenance.

The original panels had been replaced with brickwork. Our inspection assessed the quality of these alterations and identified several additional defects, including:

• A leaning chimney

• Cold concrete ground floors

• Missing stair handrails

These findings raised concerns relating to structural stability, energy efficiency, and occupant safety. A Level 3 RICS Building Survey was appropriate to assess risks and likely repair costs.

Residential Property Surveys & Valuations in Leicester

We provide the following RICS-regulated services in Leicester:

• RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports

• RICS Level 3 Building Surveys

• Structural surveys and defect investigations

• <Help to Buy and shared ownership valuations

• Probate, matrimonial, taxation, and insolvency valuations

• CPR 35 expert witness reports

All inspections are carried out by RICS Chartered Surveyors, and reports are written in plain English, with clear explanations and practical guidance.

Clients are welcome to attend the survey, allowing defects and concerns to be discussed directly with the surveyor on site.

Leicester Property Survey – Hidden Leaks & Structural Damage

Our Leicester surveyors recently inspected an otherwise well-maintained property that was ultimately written off by insurers due to severe structural cracking.

The cause was traced to a leaking lead water pipe in an adjacent, uninsured property. As the source lay outside the insured boundary, insurers declined to carry out repairs and instead paid the owners the full pre-damage market value.

This case highlights how hidden defects and third-party issues can have serious consequences. A detailed RICS HomeBuyer Survey or Building Survey can help identify warning signs early.

Local Leicester RICS Chartered Surveyors

Steve Butler qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1992 and has extensive experience surveying houses, flats, and residential buildings throughout Leicester and Leicestershire.

Qualifications include Chartered Surveyor status, Government Home Inspector qualification, Commercial Energy Surveyor certification, and Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

The practice is fully regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and operates independently of estate agents and mortgage lenders. No referral fees are paid or received.

RICS House Survey – 1900s Terraced Property in Leicester

RICS Survey for a 1900s Terraced House in Leicester

A recent RICS HomeBuyer Survey in Leicester identified common defects in a 1900s terraced property, including damp staining, sloping floors, roof defects, condensation-related mould, and an inefficient boiler.

Some defects were visible, while others required professional assessment to determine their cause and long-term implications. These issues can significantly affect comfort, running costs, and future maintenance.

Accessible & Responsive Leicester Surveyors

We aim to provide a straightforward and approachable service:

• Available Monday to Friday, 8:30am–6:30pm

• Direct contact with a Chartered Surveyor

• Clear advice by phone or email

• Site meetings available where appropriate

In many cases, same-day or next-day property surveys in Leicester can be arranged. 

In many cases, we can carry out same-day or next-day property surveys in Leicester.

RICS Surveyors investigation into structural movement of the 1900 terrace house

During a detailed inspection of a 1900s terrace in Leicester, our RICS surveyors identified three separate types of structural movement, each with a different cause:

• Historic movement to a former outhouse conversion due to inadequate foundations

• Historic cracking associated with an old drain run

• Thermal expansion cracking in a long masonry wall without expansion joints

As the property was located in an area known for historic limestone mining, a mining report was recommended as a precaution.

This highlights why a RICS survey is essential for correctly diagnosing structural issues, rather than assuming all cracking is caused by subsidence.

Request a Property Survey in Leicester

If you are buying or owning a property in Leicester or Leicestershire, a RICS HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey can help reduce risk and avoid unexpected repair costs.

As a private, RICS-regulated practice, we provide a personal and professional service from initial enquiry through to completion of the survey.

Our aim is to ensure clients receive clear and impartial advice to support informed decisions when buying or owning property.

To discuss your property or obtain a fixed-fee quotation, please email steve@buildingsurvey.co.uk or call 0116 4300 272.
Our independent Leicester RICS Chartered Surveyors will be pleased to advise on the most appropriate survey for your property.

Case study Level 2 residential property survey in Leicester

RICS HomeBuyer Survey in Leicester – Level 2 Report

During a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in Leicester, our RICS surveyors identified a dangerous boiler, wet rot, and wood-boring beetle activity. Poor ventilation was identified as the underlying cause of all three defects.

Issues of this nature are common in Leicester housing stock and may not be apparent during a viewing. A HomeBuyer Report helps identify these risks before exchange of contracts.

Leicester Property Survey FAQs

RICS Chartered Surveyors in Leicester

Do I need a property survey when buying a house in Leicester?

Yes. Many Leicester properties include Victorian and Edwardian terraces, 1930s semis, post-war housing, and non-traditional construction. A RICS HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey helps identify defects such as damp, structural movement, concrete construction issues, and roof defects before exchange of contracts.

Which survey is best for Leicester properties?

For conventionally built homes in reasonable condition, a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is usually suitable.
For older Leicester properties, altered buildings, timber-framed houses, concrete construction, or where defects are suspected, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is recommended.

How much does a RICS survey cost in Leicester?

Survey costs in Leicester depend on property type, age, size, and complexity. We provide fixed-fee quotations with no hidden charges. VAT may be applicable. Quotations are confirmed before instruction.

Are you independent of estate agents in Leicester?

Yes. Steve Butler Chartered Surveyors are completely independent. We do not pay or receive referral fees from Leicester estate agents, mortgage brokers, or lenders, ensuring impartial advice.

Can I attend the property survey?

Yes. Clients are welcome to attend their Leicester property survey. This allows defects and concerns to be explained on site directly by the RICS Chartered Surveyor.

Do you survey flats and leasehold properties in Leicester?

Yes. We regularly carry out RICS HomeBuyer Reports and Building Surveys on flats and leasehold properties throughout Leicester, including purpose-built blocks and converted buildings.

Do you cover areas outside Leicester city?

Yes. In addition to Leicester, we survey property across Leicestershire including Oadby, Wigston, Syston, Braunstone, Aylestone, Coalville, Loughborough, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Ibstock, and Market Harborough.

How quickly can a Leicester property survey be carried out?

In many cases, we can arrange same-day or next-day property surveys in Leicester, subject to access and property type.

Are your surveys carried out by RICS Chartered Surveyors?

Yes. All surveys are undertaken by RICS-regulated Chartered Surveyors, and reports comply fully with RICS standards and guidance.

How do I book a property survey in Leicester?

To book a Leicester property survey or obtain a fixed-fee quotation, contact us by email at steve@buildingsurvey.co.uk or call 0116 4300 272. We will advise on the most appropriate survey for your property.