Tony Swainston Building Surveyor

Basingstoke

About

My name is Tony Swainston. I am a qualified Building Surveyor in Basingstoke, a father to 3 girls, and set up my own practice in 2005. I manage to balance this responsibility with my other job of chief school run taxi driver! I have more than 35 years’ experience. I have undertaken work as a Technical Assessor to trainee candidates and a site auditor checking upon other surveyors for compliance. I provide Building Surveys and Specific Defect reports (eg. Damp investigations). My reports are written in an easy to understand format and likely include drone photographs of the property clearly identifying any visual defects. I cover West London, the Home Counties, and surrounding areas. However, all areas are considered, and I have carried out work from Newcastle to Cornwall. I also offer my clients the chance to join me for the last half an hour of the survey to discuss any defects or health and safety issues that I have identified, or to discuss any costs of improvement work. 07957 870 440

Reviews

5.0out of 5
66 reviews in the public recordCross-checked across 1 source
Which Trusted66 reviews · 5.0 avg

Highlights

"Tony carried out a Home Condition Survey for us on a property in Basingstoke. Right from the start he was both professional and friendly, explaining clearly the different kinds of survey so that we could make the right choice. He wasn't the cheapest quote we had, but compared with the survey our purchasers had on our flat, Tony really gave value for money. He offered the chance to walk round the property with him for the last half-hour of his survey; as we live a long way off, this wasn't practicable, but he made an excellent video instead, pointing out in clear layman's terms all the things that would go in his report. The report was also excellent, crystal clear and well laid out according to an industry standard template. He has also been happy to discuss any matters arising both before and since sending out the report. Who could ask for anything more?"

Customer in HertfordshireWhich Trusted5.0 rating

"Tony Swainston provided a full survey on a house that needs some work. When he had finished examining the house, he spent two hours with us going through what he had found. We found this part of his service invaluable. Tony clearly knew his trade and provided many specific detailed pieces of advice which will be extremely helpful. He picked up defects but was equally clear about aspects of the house that did not need work (where, I suspect, some surveyors would be unduly cautious). His professionalism shone through."

Peter in Greater LondonWhich Trusted5.0 rating

"I appointed Tony for a 2 hour verbal/walkthrough survey. This was primarily to assess work I'd had done to my roof, which I suspected was sub-standard. Indeed, after Tony's inspection, he produced a substantial list of problems. Even though the written report that came with this service was intended more as an informal summary, it was sufficiently detailed and comprehensive to show the relevant trade association - who are now helping me pursue a refund. For that purpose alone, Tony's visit was well worth the reasonable price he charged. But beyond this, Tony was also able to provide insight on a number of other niggles I'd been concerned about in my property. Indeed, he also identified a potentially dangerous garden wall issue that I wasn't aware of - a risk that can now be averted. Further still, Tony correctly gauged the level of details I was able to take on board during his visit. So not only were specific problems discussed, but he offered invaluable tips on how I should approach the maintenance of my period property - allowing me to look at things from a more holistic and better informed standpoint. From tips for correct building materials, to specific boiler models and even book recommendations; I feel Tony imparted a vast amount of useful information in a short space of time. He is friendly, unambiguous and clearly very knowledgable... an affable expert who'd be top of my list if I ever need a surveyor again. Very easy to recommend."

Customer in Greater LondonWhich Trusted5.0 rating

Detailed reviews

Customer in Hertfordshire5.0 / 5

Tony carried out a Home Condition Survey for us on a property in Basingstoke. Right from the start he was both professional and friendly, explaining clearly the different kinds of survey so that we could make the right choice. He wasn't the cheapest quote we had, but compared with the survey our purchasers had on our flat, Tony really gave value for money. He offered the chance to walk round the property with him for the last half-hour of his survey; as we live a long way off, this wasn't practicable, but he made an excellent video instead, pointing out in clear layman's terms all the things that would go in his report. The report was also excellent, crystal clear and well laid out according to an industry standard template. He has also been happy to discuss any matters arising both before and since sending out the report. Who could ask for anything more?

Which Trusted
Peter in Greater London5.0 / 5

Tony Swainston provided a full survey on a house that needs some work. When he had finished examining the house, he spent two hours with us going through what he had found. We found this part of his service invaluable. Tony clearly knew his trade and provided many specific detailed pieces of advice which will be extremely helpful. He picked up defects but was equally clear about aspects of the house that did not need work (where, I suspect, some surveyors would be unduly cautious). His professionalism shone through.

Which Trusted
Customer in Greater London5.0 / 5

I appointed Tony for a 2 hour verbal/walkthrough survey. This was primarily to assess work I'd had done to my roof, which I suspected was sub-standard. Indeed, after Tony's inspection, he produced a substantial list of problems. Even though the written report that came with this service was intended more as an informal summary, it was sufficiently detailed and comprehensive to show the relevant trade association - who are now helping me pursue a refund. For that purpose alone, Tony's visit was well worth the reasonable price he charged. But beyond this, Tony was also able to provide insight on a number of other niggles I'd been concerned about in my property. Indeed, he also identified a potentially dangerous garden wall issue that I wasn't aware of - a risk that can now be averted. Further still, Tony correctly gauged the level of details I was able to take on board during his visit. So not only were specific problems discussed, but he offered invaluable tips on how I should approach the maintenance of my period property - allowing me to look at things from a more holistic and better informed standpoint. From tips for correct building materials, to specific boiler models and even book recommendations; I feel Tony imparted a vast amount of useful information in a short space of time. He is friendly, unambiguous and clearly very knowledgable... an affable expert who'd be top of my list if I ever need a surveyor again. Very easy to recommend.

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Customer in Oxfordshire5.0 / 5

We engaged Tony to survey our roof which we were being told needed major work. We learned so much from Tony during and following his visit which has made us much more confident about proceeding and selecting the right contractor. He’s very friendly and certainly goes the extra mile in terms of service and follow-up. Highly recommend Tony. Money very well spent.

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Customer in Hertfordshire5.0 / 5

I sent Tony an unsolicited email after finding his details on Which Trusted Trader. I was trying to get some advice regarding a neighbour's proposed building project that could affect my home. Tony replied the next day with a very helpful email, giving me good advice - and without any financial reward. Would certainly recommend him and would use him in future, should I need a surveyor's services.

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Customer in Greater London5.0 / 5

I recently engaged Tony for a home survey on a couple of Victorian flats. They are primarily bought as an investment. Tony is very detailed and his points on planning regulations, safety and future problems for both the building and the internal fittings and fixtures are very helpful. A lot of sound advice, some technical and some practical. From the reports I learned a lot and I would definitely engage Tony again in the future. It was a pity I could not join him for a walk round the properties, hopefully on my next purchase.

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Customer in Dorset5.0 / 5

Tony completed a survey for us on a home we are purchasing. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. I was really impressed with the lengths that he went to to help us, nothing was too much trouble. The advice that he gave us was invaluable. He explained technical terms in an easy to understand way and the information he gave us on our new home was really useful. I have never had a survey on a house I have bought before but I would not buy a house again without consulting Tony first.

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Customer in Greater London5.0 / 5

We engaged Tony to survey a property that we are aiming to purchase. We have had issues with our previous property and as such, wanted a thorough survey. Tony undertook this for us, spending several hours onsite. This included a detailed face to face meeting during the last stage, where he explained his findings. He then provided an extensive written report. Neither myself nor my wife have specialist building knowledge and Tony explained each point in plain language, as well as in more technical terms in the report. He was extremely thorough and comes across as someone who knows their work very well, and who takes pride in its quality. He was also very personable, responsive to our queries, and generally easy to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending him.

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