Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and whether you’re purchasing a stone-built cottage in the Ribble Valley, a modern semi in Blackburn, or a period property in West Yorkshire, knowing exactly what you’re buying matters. That’s where a professional, independent RICS survey comes in.
At Gawthorpe & Co Surveyors, we’re proud to be a local, independent practice offering RICS-regulated surveys across a wide area of Lancashire and West Yorkshire. Below, we’ve put together a guide to the areas we cover and the services we offer, so you know exactly what to expect when you instruct us.
Areas We Cover
We’re based in Clitheroe, right at the heart of the Ribble Valley, which means we know the local housing stock – from traditional stone-built farmhouses to Victorian terraces. Our coverage area includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley — our home turf, covering everything from village cottages to rural conversions
- Blackburn and Darwen — a mix of Victorian terraces, semis, and newer developments
- Burnley, Colne, and Nelson — including many older, stone-built properties that benefit from a detailed Level 3 survey
- Preston — from city-centre apartments to suburban family homes
- Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales fringe — period and rural properties across the border into West Yorkshire
- Bacup, Rawtenstall, and the Rossendale Valley
- Barnoldswick, Earby, and the wider Craven area
- Giggleswick, Settle, and the surrounding villages
Wherever you’re buying across Lancashire, the Ribble Valley, or West Yorkshire, there’s a good chance we already know the area – and if you’re ever unsure whether we cover your postcode, just get in touch and we’ll let you know.
Our Survey Services
Not every property needs the same level of survey. Choosing the right one depends on the age, condition, and construction of the property you’re buying. Here’s a breakdown of what we offer:
RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report
Our most popular survey, and the right choice for standard residential properties in reasonable condition – typically built after 1930, of conventional construction, and not significantly extended or altered. It gives you a clear, jargon-free overview of the property’s condition, flagging any problems that could affect its value.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
Our most comprehensive report, designed for older, unusual, or altered properties – think properties over 50 years old, non-standard construction, or homes that have been significantly extended. If you’re buying a period property anywhere across the Ribble Valley or the wider Yorkshire Dales fringe, this is very often the survey we’d recommend.
Snagging Surveys
Bought a new build? A snagging survey is an independent inspection carried out before or after you move in, identifying defects and unfinished work so they can be put right by the developer — at no cost to you.
Specific Defect Surveys
Sometimes you don’t need a full survey – you just need expert eyes on one particular issue, such as a crack, a damp patch, or a structural concern. A Specific Defect Survey gives you focused, expert advice on that one area, at a fraction of the cost of a full survey.
Drone Surveys
For roofs, chimneys, and other hard-to-reach areas, we use a drone to capture close-up, high-resolution footage – without the cost, time, or safety concerns of scaffolding. It’s a faster, safer way to get a thorough look at parts of a property that would otherwise go unchecked.
Why Choose an Independent, RICS-Regulated Surveyor?
Unlike a mortgage valuation – which is carried out for your lender’s benefit and is often done from a desk without ever visiting the property – our surveys are carried out in person, on-site, getting into loft spaces and every accessible area of the property. You’ll receive a clear, easy-to-read, property-specific report designed to help you make a fully informed decision, and if we do find issues, they can often give you grounds to renegotiate the purchase price.
As an independent practice, we’re not tied to a large national firm – every survey is carried out personally, with the same level of care and attention to detail, whether it’s a £150,000 terrace or a £750,000 country house.
Get a Free Quote
If you’re buying a property anywhere across the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, or West Yorkshire, get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. We’re always happy to talk through which survey is right for your specific property.