Trend & Thomas is an Independent company of Chartered Surveyors based in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. From our strong single office base, we cover a wide area in respect of surveys, valuations and other general professional work encompassing much of South Hertfordshire, Middlesex, South Bucks and west, north west and north London districts.
	We undertake independent work on behalf of private clients and are favoured to be panel valuers to a considerable number of major market lenders including:

• Alliance and Leicester

• Bank of Ireland

• Barclays/Woolwich

• Bristol & West

• Cheltenham & Gloucester

• NatWest Bank

• Northern Rock

to name but a few. See full panel listing

Valuations and surveys completed in the following postcode districts:

North London N1 - N21
North West London NW1 - NW11
West London W1 - W14

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex areas include the following:

Enfield EN1 - EN11
Harrow HA0 - HA9
Hemel Hempstead HP1 - HP17
Hounslow TW1 - TW10
Luton LU1 - LU6
St. Albans AL1 - AL10

Our surveying staff also undertake a variety of general professional work including rent review negotiations, commercial surveys and valuations, schedules of condition, probate valuations, investment sales and valuations and a variety of other associated work.

Why do I need my own survey?

Before you proceed to a legal commitment, a standard consideration in the UK is to request a qualified surveyor to inspect the property you are intending to purchase. We can advise, if required, on the price being paid or complications either in respect of the building and what action should be taken. Commissioning your own survey is a sensible course of action, and, in some cases, the surveyor's report may even enable you to renegotiate the purchase price.

Isn't a valuation mortgage report sufficient?

The Consumers' Association "Which?" magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders both recommend that it is still advisable, even after having a valuation undertaken by your mortgage lender, to have a private survey for your own benefit. A mortgage valuation report is prepared for the lender, not for you, the borrower. You cannot rely on it to answer the questions which concern your personal interests in respect of the property.

What choice of surveys do Trend & Thomas offer?
Building Survey (formerly called a Structural Survey)

A building survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition as at the date of inspection. It is likely to be needed if a property is, for example, of unusual construction, is dilapidated or has been extensively altered or, indeed, or pre 1930s construction. This report includes any technical information which the surveyor feels is required on the construction and materials used as well as details on those defects found both internally and externally throughout the inspection. Please see Standard Terms of Engagement

Homebuyers Survey and Valuation (the Homebuyers Service)

In contrast to a building survey this Homebuyers Report is in a standard format in that it is designed specifically as an economy service . It therefore differs from a building survey in two major respects. It is intended only for particular types of property - houses, flats and bungalows which are a) conventional in type of construction and b) apparently in reasonable condition. It focuses on essential defects and problems which are urgent and significant and which have an effect on the value of the property. It also includes further valuation information. A Homebuyers Report, unlike a building survey, provides not only a survey but also a valuation as in integral part of the service. Please see Standard Terms of Engagement

Home Condition Report

This Scheme is proposed by the Government to be appended to a Home Owner Seller's Pack when a property is marketed from approximately 2005- 2006. Trend & Thomas will receive accreditation for the completion of these Reports and indeed Tim Hill, FRICS, has been chosen to pilot this Scheme for SAVA and is presently completing this task.

Valuations

A valuation is usually required by your mortgage provider. In some instances, you will receive a copy of the valuation report although a number of lenders do now not release this. A valuation inspection is designed to confirm to your lending source whether or not the property represents suitable security for the mortgage you require. It is based on a limited inspection and will not give an extensive list of defects. It should in no way be regarded as a survey report on the structure of your future home.

Valuations are also undertaken for probate, insurance and a variety of other purposes and Trend & Thomas are able to provide this range to our clients.

Request a Valuation/Survey Quotation

Tel:  01923 775450 Fax: 01923 773140

14 Church Street, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1DD

• Building surveys

• Home Buyers Reports

• Residential and commercial valuations

• Probate valuations

• Site acquisition and disposal

• Land and new homes. Site assembly and acquisition

• Leasehold reform act valuations

• Landlord and tenant matters

• Block management

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