JWA Surveyors

07/09/2026

👀 Would you have spotted this on a viewing?

This is from a recent survey where part of the chimney breast had been removed, leaving the masonry above completely unsupported.

From the rooms below, there was very little to give it away. It was only once I got properly into the loft that the full extent of it became clear.

This is exactly why having a survey is important.

You can spend plenty of time looking around a property, but there are areas you simply won’t see or know to check. Sometimes the issues we find are minor maintenance items… and sometimes they look like this. 😬

Much better to know about it before exchange than after you’ve got the keys. 🏡

28/08/2026

⭐️ 25 Five Star Reviews ⭐️

A small milestone for JWA Surveyors this week.

We've now reached 25 five star Google reviews and I wanted to say a genuine thank you to every client who has trusted me to carry out their survey and taken the time to leave feedback afterwards.

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make, so it means a great deal when clients feel confident recommending my services to others.

As a small independent surveying practice, every review, recommendation and referral helps the business continue to grow.

Thank you for your trust and support.

Here's to the next 25.

21/08/2026

🏡 A common question I’m asked: “When should I book my house survey?”

The short answer? Usually once your offer has been accepted ✅

But there are a few things worth thinking about before you rush to book it in.

📋 Should you wait for the mortgage valuation?
🔍 What if the chain isn’t complete?
⏰ Do you need to wait for searches?
🏠 And how late is too late to have the survey done?

I’ve put together a new guide explaining the best time to arrange your survey and why giving yourself enough time after the survey can be just as important as the inspection itself.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.jwasurveyors.co.uk/post/when-to-book-house-survey

💬 If you’ve had an offer accepted and you’re unsure when to arrange your survey, feel free to get in touch.

A common question I am asked is when to book a house survey after an offer has been accepted. I explain when to arrange it, whether to wait for your mortgage valuation or searches, and why leaving it too late can cause problems.

18/08/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Really pleased to receive another fantastic review following a recent Level 3 Building Survey.

A detailed report is important, but just as important is making sure the client actually understands what the findings mean.

That is why I take the time to explain the key issues clearly, put defects into context, and answer follow-up questions where needed. The aim is not simply to produce a long report, but to give buyers the information and confidence they need.

Thank you to the client for taking the time to leave such kind feedback.

📋 Detailed Level 3 Building Surveys
⏱️ Reports issued within 24-48 hours
✅ Ongoing support after the survey

29/07/2026

Opening a survey and seeing several red Condition Rating 3 boxes can make the property you were excited about suddenly look like a disaster.

But the number of red ratings rarely tells the whole story.

One underlying defect can affect several parts of the report, and not every red rating carries the same level of risk. What matters is why the rating has been given, how serious the issue is and what you should do next.

In my latest blog, I explain:

🔴 What Condition Rating 3 actually means
🔴 Why several red ratings do not necessarily mean you should pull out
🔴 Which findings deserve the most attention
🔴 When to obtain quotations or further advice
🔴 Whether the survey findings could justify renegotiating

A good survey should help you understand the property - not leave you frightened by a page of red boxes.

Read the full article here: https://www.jwasurveyors.co.uk/post/house-survey-red-flags-condition-rating-3

Received your house survey and worried by all the red Condition Rating 3 boxes? Here is what those ratings really mean and how to decide which findings matter before you buy.

21/07/2026

You know you’re surveying in Ely when this appears on the drone screen. 👀

Ely Cathedral, standing proud above the rooftops and visible for miles across the Fens.

A great view from today’s inspection and definitely one of the better backdrops I have had while checking a roof.

20/07/2026

A good view across Hitchin while carrying out an inspection today. 🏡

One of the things I enjoy about surveying locally is the variety of properties you come across, often within just a few streets of each other. Different ages, construction methods, alterations and maintenance histories all bring their own considerations.

No two inspections are quite the same, which is why the advice should always be specific to the property rather than taken from a standard template.

14/07/2026

🚀 We've been working quietly behind the scenes on something new...

Over the past few months, we've been designing and building our own secure client portal from the ground up, created entirely by JWA Surveyors with one goal in mind: making the survey process clearer, simpler and more transparent for our clients. 🔐

Soon, JWA clients will be able to:

📍 Track survey progress in real time
📄 Access key documents securely
📅 View upcoming appointments
📢 Receive important updates throughout their case

As surveyors, we know that buying a home can sometimes feel like a waiting game. That's why we've developed a system that keeps clients informed and up to date every step of the way. 🏡

This isn't an off the shelf solution. It's a portal designed around the way we work and the experience we want our clients to have. ✨

👀 Launching soon...

JWA Surveyors
✨ Clear Advice. Confidence In Your Move.

09/07/2026

🏡 Buying a house in Cambourne?

Newer homes can still come with things worth checking before exchange.

Cambourne is a popular place to buy, especially for families looking for modern housing, green space and good access to Cambridge and St Neots.

But a modern home is not automatically problem-free.

Estate charges, management company arrangements, extensions, garage conversions, drainage, ventilation, roof detailing, settlement cracks and missing paperwork can all affect what you are buying.

I’ve put together a practical guide for anyone buying in Cambourne, covering some of the key things to think about before exchange and when a Level 2 or Level 3 Survey may be suitable.

A survey is not about trying to put you off a property. It is about helping you understand the home properly before you commit.

Read the guide here:

https://www.jwasurveyors.co.uk/post/buying-a-house-in-cambourne

Independent RICS Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys across Cambourne, Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas.

A practical guide to modern homes, estate charges, extensions, drainage, ventilation and choosing the right survey in Cambourne.

08/07/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Buying an older property can feel daunting, especially when you are trying to understand what is routine, what needs attention, and what could affect your decision before moving forward.

This review sums up exactly what I aim to provide at JWA Surveyors: a thorough inspection, clear explanations, detailed reporting, and support both before and after the report is issued.

It is never about alarming buyers. It is about helping you understand the property properly, putting the findings into context, and giving you the confidence to make decisions.

A huge thank you to the client for taking the time to leave such kind feedback.

📋 Detailed, easy-to-understand reports
📞 Same-day call after inspection
📸 Drone photos as standard
✅ Ongoing support and practical advice