Question 1

Who will actually carry out my inspection?

Accepted Answer

Instructions are led by BSc Jaspal Rai MRICS, an RICS Chartered Building Surveyor. You will know who is attending your property before the inspection takes place.

Question 2

Are you independent, or tied to a contractor?

Accepted Answer

We are wholly independent. We do not carry out building works and we are not tied to any contractor, so our findings and recommendations are not influenced by who might carry out the repairs.

Question 3

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Hall Green, Birmingham and work throughout the West Midlands, including Solihull, Coventry and Wolverhampton, and across Central England. We also accept instructions nationwide across England, Wales and Scotland.

Question 4

Do you carry professional indemnity insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As an RICS-regulated practice we hold professional indemnity insurance. We can confirm the current level of cover on request.

Question 5

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Enquiries received outside those hours are picked up the next working day.

Question 6

How do I instruct you, and what happens next?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch by phone, email or the enquiry form with brief details of the property and what you need. We will confirm the scope in writing along with our fee, and once you are happy to proceed we will arrange access and a date for the inspection.

Question 7

How are your fees worked out?

Accepted Answer

Fees depend on the type of instruction, the size and complexity of the property, and how far it is from our office. We provide a written fee quotation before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

Question 8

Will I get a fixed price before you start?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We confirm the fee and the scope of work in writing before starting. If something comes to light during the inspection that materially changes the scope, we will discuss it with you before doing any additional work.

Question 9

What access do you need on the day?

Accepted Answer

We need access to all areas relevant to the instruction, which usually means the interior, the roof space, the grounds and any outbuildings. Please tell us in advance about locked areas, tenants in occupation, alarms or pets so we can plan around them.

Question 10

Do you need to speak to the tenant or occupier?

Accepted Answer

Where a property is occupied we will arrange access through you or your agent. Giving the occupier reasonable notice makes the inspection run far more smoothly.

Question 11

Can you work to a deadline?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Deadlines matter a great deal in lease and transaction work, so tell us the date you are working to at the enquiry stage and we will confirm whether it is achievable before you instruct us.

Question 12

What will the report actually tell me?

Accepted Answer

A clear account of what was inspected, what was found, what it means in practical terms, and what we recommend you do about it. Reports are supported by photographs and written in plain language rather than technical jargon.

Question 13

Will the report include repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Where costings are part of the instruction, we set out budget figures for the works we recommend. Not every report includes costings, so if you need them, say so when you enquire and we will include them in the scope.

Question 14

How long does a report take to arrive?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround depends on the type of report and the size of the property. We agree a target date with you when you instruct us and keep you updated if anything affects it.

Question 15

Can I ask questions once I have the report?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We would rather you understood the report fully than filed it away unread, so do get in touch if anything needs explaining.

Question 16

Can the report be used in a dispute or in court?

Accepted Answer

Reports are prepared to RICS professional standards. If you need a report specifically for use in a dispute or in proceedings, tell us at the outset, as the scope and format differ from a standard advisory report.

Question 17

Do you keep our information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Client information and reports are treated as confidential and are not shared without your consent, except where we are required to do so by law or by RICS regulation.

Question 18

What is the difference between a survey and a valuation?

Accepted Answer

A survey reports on the condition and construction of a building. A valuation gives an opinion of what a property is worth. Our work is building consultancy, so we advise on condition, defects, repairs and building-related risk rather than value.

Question 19

I have cracking in a wall. Is it serious?

Accepted Answer

Cracking has many causes, from harmless shrinkage through to structural movement, and the pattern, width and location all matter. A defect analysis establishes the actual cause before any money is spent on repairs.

Question 20

I have damp. Do I need a damp-proof course?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Damp is commonly misdiagnosed, and rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation have very different causes and remedies. An independent investigation identifies which you are dealing with before treatment is specified.

Question 21

Do you inspect roofs, and do you use drones?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Roofs are inspected safely from ground and roof level as appropriate, and aerial inspection is used where a roof cannot otherwise be seen properly.

Question 22

Can you inspect a property I am buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A pre-purchase inspection tells you what condition the building is really in and what it is likely to cost you, while you can still act on it.

Question 23

Do you inspect flats and apartment blocks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We inspect individual flats as well as common parts and whole blocks, including work for landlords, management companies and leaseholders.

Question 24

My landlord has sent me a dilapidations schedule. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Do not agree the figure before it has been checked. We review the schedule against the lease and the actual condition of the property, and negotiate on your behalf. Claims are frequently overstated.

Question 25

Should I have a schedule of condition before I sign a lease?

Accepted Answer

It is one of the most effective ways of limiting future liability. A schedule of condition annexed to the lease records the state of the property at the start of the term, so you are not held responsible for defects that were already there.

Question 26

Can you act for both sides in a dilapidations claim?

Accepted Answer

No. We act for one party in any given matter, whether landlord or tenant, so that our advice is unambiguous and free of conflict.

Question 27

My neighbour has served a party wall notice. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Do not ignore it, as there are statutory time limits for responding. We can advise on your position and act as your surveyor under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Question 28

Do I need a party wall surveyor for my own works?

Accepted Answer

You may, if the works involve a shared wall, excavation near a neighbouring building, or building at a boundary line. It is worth checking before work starts, as notices must be served in advance.

Question 29

Who pays the party wall surveyor's fees?

Accepted Answer

In most cases the building owner carrying out the works pays the reasonable fees of both surveyors, though it depends on the circumstances of the matter.

Question 30

Can you manage a project as well as advise on it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide contract administration, project management and construction management, from tender through to completion and final account.

Question 31

Do you help with planning applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare drawings and supporting material for planning and building-regulations applications, and can advise on the likely route for a scheme before you commit to it.

Question 32

Can you tell me whether a scheme stacks up before I buy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Feasibility reviews and acquisition advice look at what a building can realistically accommodate, what it is likely to cost, and what the risks are, before you are committed.

Question 33

Do you work with architects and other consultants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly coordinate design and consultant teams and work alongside architects, engineers and other specialists on development projects.

Question 34

What type of clients does AXIOS Building Consultants work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with homeowners, property buyers, landlords, tenants, developers, commercial clients, and property professionals requiring clear, professional building consultancy advice.

Question 35

I am not sure which service I need. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are unsure which service is appropriate, you can contact us with details of your property, project, or concern and we will guide you towards the most suitable next step.

Question 36

Can I request a quote online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can request a quote using the enquiry form, by calling 07801 697967 or 0121 714 8713, or by emailing admin@axiosgroup.co.uk.

Question 37

Do you deal with both residential and commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AXIOS Building Consultants provides services for both residential and commercial property matters.

Question 38

Is AXIOS Building Consultants RICS chartered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AXIOS Building Consultants are RICS Chartered Surveyors, led by BSc Jaspal Rai MRICS, giving clients added confidence in the professional standards applied to every instruction.

Question 39

What if the service I need is not listed?

Accepted Answer

If the service you require is not listed, please get in contact with AXIOS Building Consultants. We provide a wider range of building consultancy services and can advise whether we are able to assist.

Question 40

What is a schedule of condition and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A schedule of condition is a detailed, photographic record of a property's existing condition at a point in time. It is typically prepared before a lease begins, before neighbouring works, or before a property changes hands, to protect all parties against later disputes.

Question 41

How do dilapidations claims work at the end of a lease?

Accepted Answer

At lease end, a landlord may serve a schedule of dilapidations setting out breaches of repairing and reinstatement obligations. We advise both landlords and tenants on liabilities, costs, and a fair, practical resolution.

Question 42

What does a defect analysis involve?

Accepted Answer

We inspect the affected areas, assess the likely causes of issues such as cracking, damp, or movement, and provide a clear written report with practical, prioritised recommendations and next steps.

Question 43

Do I need a party wall surveyor?

Accepted Answer

If you are planning works near a shared boundary or party wall, you may have obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act. We advise building and adjoining owners on notices, schedules of condition, and the correct procedure.

Question 44

How quickly can you carry out an inspection or report?

Accepted Answer

Timescales depend on the property and instruction, but we aim to respond promptly and agree a clear timeframe with you at the outset. For urgent matters, please call 07801 697967 or 0121 714 8713.

About AXIOS

Instructing Us

Reports & Findings

Surveys & Inspections

Leases & Neighbours

Projects & Development

Frequently Asked Questions

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