HOME - Atlantic and May Chartered Surveyors

WHO WE ARE

ABOUT ATLANTIC AND MAY

Welcome to Atlantic & May Chartered Surveyors

We provide professional, independent RICS Home Surveys across St Albans, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make. Our job is to give you a clear, honest assessment of its condition, helping you understand any defects, future maintenance requirements and potential risks before you commit.

We specialise in RICS Level 2 Home Surveys, delivering detailed, easy-to-understand reports with a fast turnaround. Our reports are designed to give you practical advice rather than technical jargon, allowing you to make confident, informed decisions.

As experienced Chartered Surveyors, we pride ourselves on providing a personal, responsive service from start to finish. Every property is inspected thoroughly, with careful attention to the issues that matter most to buyers, homeowners, landlords and investors.

Whether you're purchasing your first home, expanding your property portfolio or simply seeking expert advice, you can rely on Atlantic & May for professional guidance, honest reporting and exceptional service.

If you're looking for a trusted Chartered Surveyor in St Albans or anywhere across Hertfordshire, we'd be delighted to help. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements and arrange your RICS Home Survey.

RICS HOME SURVEY

Why do you need an RICS Home Survey? Because forewarned is forearmed. Choosing the right survey will help highlight any serious problems and advise you of the specific risks before you commit to the process of buying or selling a property. RICS has three different levels of survey. These can only be conducted by an RICS qualified surveyor. Reliable and cost effective, these reports carry the full weight of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – the industry’s most respected authority on surveying.

WHAT TYPES OF SURVEY ARE THERE?

Home Survey Level 1

On average between £300 - £400

This is the most basic type of RICS home survey and is designed for conventional properties that appear to be in good condition.

It provides an overview of the property's overall condition, helping buyers identify any obvious issues before proceeding with a purchase.

During the inspection, the surveyor will assess the main elements of the property that are readily accessible. This includes the roof, walls, windows, doors, floors, ceilings, chimneys and visible structural features.

The survey also considers the condition of external areas such as the garden, boundaries, paths and any permanent outbuildings.

The report uses a simple traffic-light rating system to highlight the condition of each element. Green indicates no significant issues, amber identifies areas that may require attention or maintenance, and red highlights defects that need urgent investigation or repair.

It does NOT include advice on repairs, estimated costs or detailed technical analysis. The surveyor will not lift floor coverings, move furniture or inspect hidden parts of the property, and services such as gas, electricity and plumbing are not tested.

Ideal for modern homes that have been well maintained, a Level 1 Survey provides valuable reassurance and helps buyers understand the property's general condition before exchanging contracts.

Home Survey Level 2

On average between £400 - £600

Formerly known as the RICS HomeBuyer Report, is the most popular survey for home buyers. It is suitable for conventional properties that are in a reasonable condition and provides a more detailed assessment than a Level 1 Survey.

We will carry out a thorough visual inspection of all readily accessible parts of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, chimneys, loft space (where accessible) and external features. Visible signs of structural movement, damp, timber decay, insulation, ventilation and general wear and tear will also be assessed.

The report uses a simple traffic-light condition rating system to help you quickly understand the significance of any defects. Green indicates no significant concerns, amber highlights issues that should be repaired or monitored, and red identifies defects that require urgent attention or further investigation.

Unlike a Level 1 Survey, a Level 2 Survey provides practical advice on the nature of any problems found, the potential consequences if they are left unresolved, and recommendations for repairs or further specialist investigations where appropriate.

The survey does not include intrusive investigations, testing of services such as gas, electricity or plumbing, or cost estimates for repairs. Furniture is not moved, and concealed areas cannot be inspected.

A Level 2 Survey is an excellent choice for most modern and traditional homes built using conventional construction methods. It gives buyers the confidence to proceed with their purchase, renegotiate if significant defects are identified, or budget for future maintenance with a clear understanding of the property's condition.

Home Survey Level 3

Starting from £900

A Level 3 Survey is the most comprehensive inspection offered by RICS and is recommended for older, larger or more complex properties, as well as homes that have been extensively altered or are in poor condition.

It provides an in-depth assessment of the property's construction, condition and any defects that could affect its value or future maintenance.

Your surveyor will carry out a detailed visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, including the roof structure, loft space, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, foundations (where visible), drainage, outbuildings and external areas. Particular attention is given to signs of structural movement, damp, timber decay, roof defects, insulation, ventilation and any evidence of previous alterations or poor-quality workmanship.

Unlike a Level 2 Survey, a Level 3 Survey explains the likely cause of defects, the potential consequences if they are not addressed, and the most appropriate repair options. The report also prioritises repairs, helping you understand which issues require immediate attention and which can be planned as part of future maintenance.

Where necessary, your surveyor may recommend further specialist investigations if hidden defects are suspected. While the survey is thorough, it remains non-invasive, meaning furniture is not moved, floor coverings are not lifted and services such as gas, electricity and plumbing are not tested.

A Level 3 Survey is ideal for period properties, listed buildings, properties with non-standard construction, or any home where you want the highest level of detail before committing to your purchase. It provides the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected repair costs after completion.

WHAT WE DO

SERVICES

Atlantic & May Chartered Surveyors provide fast, reliable and competitively priced RICS surveying services across St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden and the surrounding areas of Hertfordshire.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving house or investing in property, we deliver clear, professional advice with a fast turnaround and a personal service you can rely on.

Our core services include:

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (without valuation) – Our most popular survey
RICS Red Book Valuations
Drone Roof Surveys

As a firm regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and a member of the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS), you can have complete confidence that your survey is carried out by qualified professionals who:

Follow the latest RICS Red Book valuation standards.
Deliver independent, accurate and impartial advice.
Are committed to the highest levels of professionalism, transparency and client care.
Have extensive knowledge of the local property markets in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden and the surrounding Hertfordshire area.

When you choose Atlantic & May, you're choosing local expertise, trusted advice and a surveying service designed to help you make informed property decisions with confidence.