Richard Russell Surveyors

Richard Russell Surveyors are a modern, responsive and approachable independent firm of RICS qualified residential property surveyors based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Survey Spotlight: Tewkesbury 🏡A recent instruction saw us undertake a Level 3 Building Survey and Reinstatement Cost Ass...
27/05/2026

Survey Spotlight: Tewkesbury 🏡

A recent instruction saw us undertake a Level 3 Building Survey and Reinstatement Cost Assessment on a stunning detached 17th-century thatched home full of history and character.

Constructed with historic timber frame walls, the property showcases traditional methods of construction rarely found in modern homes. As a Listed Building situated within a Conservation Area, careful consideration is essential when assessing condition, maintenance and future repair requirements.

The property’s traditional thatched roof adds to its charm, but also brings additional considerations. Thatched roofs typically carry a higher fire risk than conventional coverings and can attract increased insurance premiums, making a Reinstatement Cost Assessment (RCA) particularly important for ensuring appropriate insurance cover is in place.

Historic properties like this require a detailed and experienced approach, helping clients better understand both the unique character and responsibilities that come with owning a period home.

“Many thanks for making this part of the buying process so seamless…” Thank you to Mr Brown for the lovely feedback, and...
25/05/2026

“Many thanks for making this part of the buying process so seamless…”

Thank you to Mr Brown for the lovely feedback, and well done to Abi for her thoroughness as always.

From the first enquiry through to the final report, our focus is always on providing clear communication and expert advice our clients can rely on.

We’re pleased we could support another homebuyer with an efficient booking process, a detailed survey and helpful guidance throughout.

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, so providing a smooth and reassuring service is always our goal.

Survey Spotlight: Kenilworth 🏡We recently carried out a Level 2 Survey on a 1960s three-storey semi-detached property in...
22/05/2026

Survey Spotlight: Kenilworth 🏡

We recently carried out a Level 2 Survey on a 1960s three-storey semi-detached property in Kenilworth. The home had been extended with a single-storey rear addition and a loft conversion.

Following a detailed pre-survey call, the client opted to include a drone inspection. This allowed us to take a closer look at key risk areas, including the concrete sectional gutters, rear extension flat roof, and dormer flat roof - all elements where issues can often go unnoticed from ground level.

Flat roofs, in particular, are known to have a limited lifespan, and the property’s concrete sectional gutters are a common concern in homes of this era. Over time, these systems can be prone to movement and leakage, especially where joints begin to open or sections settle.

Our detailed report, combined with a post-survey consultation, ensured the client fully understood the condition of the property and could make informed decisions moving forward.

We focus on just one property per day, giving our surveyors the time to carry out thorough inspections, hold meaningful pre- and post-survey discussions, and deliver reports within two-three working days.

Last week, Ricky and James had a fantastic day supporting the  Clay Shoot 2026 at the iconic  Shooting Grounds.It was a ...
21/05/2026

Last week, Ricky and James had a fantastic day supporting the Clay Shoot 2026 at the iconic Shooting Grounds.

It was a brilliant event raising money for the incredible work carried out by Get A-Head Charity, bringing together teams for a day of competition, networking and fundraising in a great setting.

We’re proud to say the team finished as runners-up on the day - missing out on top spot by just one shot! Special mention also goes to James, who not only won the welly-wanging competition but apparently broke the Holland & Holland record in the process!

A huge thank you to the organisers and everyone involved for putting on such a successful event and helping raise vital funds for an important cause.

Need a professional property valuation?At Richard Russell Surveyors, we provide a wide range of RICS-compliant valuation...
20/05/2026

Need a professional property valuation?

At Richard Russell Surveyors, we provide a wide range of RICS-compliant valuations to support different property needs, including:

🏡 Help to Buy Valuation – Required by Homes England when selling your Help to Buy home or repaying the government loan

🏡 Shared Ownership Valuation – Valuations for staircasing or selling a Shared Ownership home

🏡 Matrimonial Valuation – Independent and neutral valuations for separation or divorce

🏡 Capital Gains Tax Valuation – A market valuation, either current or retrospective, to calculate CGT liability on property sales

🏡 Probate & Inheritance Tax Valuation – Formal valuations for estate administration and HMRC inheritance tax purposes

🏡 Right to Buy Valuation – Open market valuations for Right to Buy purchases

All our valuations are prepared with care, clarity, and professional insight - helping you move forward with confidence.

Survey Spotlight: Buckingham 🏡 A little further afield than our usual patch, but well worth the journey for this fascina...
18/05/2026

Survey Spotlight: Buckingham 🏡

A little further afield than our usual patch, but well worth the journey for this fascinating and characterful property believed to date back to around 1750.

Originally constructed as a historic rectory, this substantial detached home has evolved over centuries, with numerous alterations and extensions creating a truly unique and complex property.

From the original random rubble stone core to later dressed stone additions and 19th-century remodelling, the building tells a story through every phase of its construction.

Our team recently carried out a Level 3 Building Survey, drone inspection and RICS valuation on the property, which also includes:

🏠 Detached annexe converted from a former agricultural building
🚗 Car port
🎾 Tennis court
🏊 Outdoor swimming pool
🐴 Stable block
🌳 Approximately 10 acres of formal gardens, pasture and amenity land

Properties of this scale, age and complexity require detailed investigation, and our survey helped provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition, construction and future considerations for the client.

At Richard Russell Surveyors, we don’t just hand you a report and leave you to figure it out. We take the time to talk t...
14/05/2026

At Richard Russell Surveyors, we don’t just hand you a report and leave you to figure it out. We take the time to talk things through before and after your survey – here’s why:

✨ Pre-survey call – gives us a chance to understand your concerns, plans, and priorities, so we can focus on what matters most to you.

✨ Post-survey call – lets us walk you through the findings in plain English, explain any technical terms, and answer your questions directly.

The benefit? You’ll come away with a report that’s not only thorough, but also clear, relevant, and easy to act on. It means you can make informed decisions with confidence – whether that’s moving ahead, negotiating, or planning future works.

Survey Spotlight: Shirley 🏡We recently completed a Level 2 Home Survey on this early–mid 1990s semi-detached, three-bedr...
13/05/2026

Survey Spotlight: Shirley 🏡

We recently completed a Level 2 Home Survey on this early–mid 1990s semi-detached, three-bedroom property in Shirley.

Alongside the survey, the client also opted for an RICS Valuation and a drone inspection. This combination provided a fuller picture of the property’s condition and market position, while also allowing closer assessment of roof areas that are not easily visible from ground level.

By combining the Level 2 Survey, valuation, and drone inspection, the client was able to move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind regarding both condition and value.

This week we’re highlighting an issue we’re regularly coming across in the home surveys we’re conducting across Leamingt...
12/05/2026

This week we’re highlighting an issue we’re regularly coming across in the home surveys we’re conducting across Leamington, Solihull, Rugby and Cheltenham - mould forming within roof voids.

We’re increasingly seeing this in relatively modern homes - often those built within the last 10–15 years. These roofs typically use breathable membranes, designed to let moisture escape without the need for traditional ventilation.

However, in practice, we’re often finding:

⭐Mould on the underside of the membrane
⭐Linings installed very tightly, with little or no drape
⭐Limited or no additional ventilation

This is because, even with breathable membranes, moisture can still build up - particularly where airflow is limited. If the membrane is installed too tightly, it reduces the ability for air to circulate and moisture to disperse.

In these instances, we usually recommend clients:

⭐Treat any mould growth
⭐Introduce localised ventilation, such as felt lap vents
⭐Consider additional ventilation where needed, for example tile or gable vents

Although the issue relates to the linings, replacing them would usually mean removing the roof coverings. On newer homes, this is rarely proportionate, so the focus tends to be on improving ventilation instead.

The takeaway? Breathable membranes can work well, but they’re not a complete substitute for good ventilation.

A useful reminder that newer construction methods don’t replace the need for good installation and airflow.

Survey Spotlight: Near Rugby 🏡We recently carried out a Level 3 Building Survey on a semi-detached 1700s period home in ...
30/04/2026

Survey Spotlight: Near Rugby 🏡

We recently carried out a Level 3 Building Survey on a semi-detached 1700s period home in a village just outside Rugby.

Like many properties of this age, it has evolved over time, including a historic rear extension and possible accommodation above the garage.

A standout feature is the traditional stone slate roof alongside six chimney stacks. These elements are highly exposed, making them more susceptible to weathering and long-term deterioration, so regular maintenance is key to reducing decay and moisture ingress.

In buildings of this era, chimney stacks are also unlikely to include a damp proof course (DPC). Even where flashings are in good condition, some intermittent internal dampness can still occur due to the original construction methods and exposure to the elements.

With multiple chimney stacks, a traditional roof covering, and later alterations, there were several junctions requiring close inspection. These were clearly highlighted in the report, giving the client a clear understanding of the property’s condition and where ongoing monitoring will be important.

Clients often ask what type of survey they actually need when buying a property.The answer depends on the home itself - ...
27/04/2026

Clients often ask what type of survey they actually need when buying a property.

The answer depends on the home itself - its age, condition and how it's been built or altered over time. While some properties are straightforward, others require a more detailed assessment.

That’s why with traditional homes we'll only offer a Level 3 Building Survey.

We’ve explained the reasoning behind that approach in a blog on our website - link in bio 🔗

Address

11 Dormer Place, Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa
CV325AA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

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