Surveys & Valuations

Smith & Garratt survey and value land and property ... we measure, we assess.

Case Studies

Invasive Surveys

Smith & Garratt survey buildings. The subjects of our surveys are usually buildings that are occupied, where we cannot open-up fabric to see what lies beneath surfaces. Sometimes we drill 10mm holes and use an 8mm borescope to peer inside the fabric. This can be useful, for example, to inspect wall ties within a cavity … Read more

Thermographic Imagery

Smith & Garratt have a range of tools for investigating buildings. Our thermal imaging camera provides a quick, non-invasive method of assessing thermal performance, incomplete insulation, cold bridging, damp, electrical overheating and other defects. To be able to see defects clearly, we need differences in temperature, or contrast. We may, for example, ask for heating … Read more

Measured Surveys

Smith & Garratt survey buildings. The greatest number are condition surveys, but we also measure and draw. The majority are measured traditionally, using tapes and laser distance measurers. For complex buildings we use a Total Station. For detailed 3D work we use a digital scanner. Smith & Garratt will transfer data from drawings on to … Read more

Surveys of Non-Residential Buildings

Smith & Garratt survey buildings. The greatest number are home surveys, but we survey other buildings too – for example bridges, churches, chapels, barns, mills, towers, pavilions, piers and quays, bridges, a lifeboat station and a racecourse grandstand. Image Gallery Related News John Carr’s Grandstand Feb 21, 2019 Noted Yorkshire architect, John Carr (1723–1807), is … Read more

Building Defects

Smith & Garratt survey buildings. We understand the fabric of buildings, we diagnose defects, we undertake building pathology. Here are examples of some things we see and write about. Fungi Defective chimney flashings – resulted in dry rot (Serpula Lacrymans)18 months later. Ink-caps (Coprinus Domesticus), sometimes known as ‘plaster mushrooms’. Although not destructive like dry-rot, … Read more

Adam Bridge

A dilapidated single-arch bridge crosses the Swardon Burn in the grounds of Marchmont Estate. Known as the Adam Bridge, it was probably, in fact, designed by George Paterson around 1759 and was constructed of ashlar sandstone blocks to a classical design including pilasters, string courses and a decorative balustrade. It is listed, Category B. Inadequate … Read more

...What Our Clients Have to Say

Level 3 Survey

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for the professional survey. Living abroad makes this type of quality report invaluable for us to ascertain a decision in regards to a property purchase. After reading your report we came to the swift conclusion that this dwelling would not suit our needs and we feel has saved us considerable money, time and effort in the process. We have no hesitation in recommending Smith & Garratt to other potential clients and should the occasion arise for us to use your services again we know we are in good hands.” - Mr & Mrs G, Cayman Islands

Level 3 Survey

“Many thanks for a quite simply superb and detailed survey. We could not ask for a better one.” - RS, Cumbria

Investigations of Causes of Damp in Listed Houses

“Thanks for your report. I appreciate the time you took in preparing it and also your expert knowledge which is evident throughout. We are going to do the things you suggest, I hope, and I would be pleased to call on you for further advice and guidance in due course.” - GW, Stranraer

Investigations of Causes of Damp in Listed Houses

“You gave such clear and sane advice, Hugh, and I just wanted to say how much I appreciate it.” - RL, Berwickshire