McKinlays Residential Building Surveyors

Do not use this company. Very poor survey, not completed as the door to a bedroom was locked and he couldn't get into the garage. Said he'd return to compete outstanding areas for a fee, which we were happy to pay, then never got back to us despite numerous calls and messages left. Still unfinished months later, almost meaning our house purchase fell through. Subsequently found there isn't even a lock on the door in question, just have to turn the handle the entire way then push. Also the garage door is accessible, just a bit lop-sided. Throughout he was very difficult to get hold of and unresponsive. No offer of talking us through the survey and certainly no visit to the property to discuss, as other reviews suggest. Steer well clear
Mar 3rd, 2022

A very polite man until you pay and then you hear nothing from him. I don't think I have EVER used a company where the lack of communication is so poor that you feel the business has done you over and conned you out of your money. Numerous voice messages, endless emails, multiple online request forms completed and nothing, absolutely nothing. My first survey date was given, I had to contact the estate agent to enquire whether he had made contact with them to collect the key, they confirmed he had and then one shoddy email supposedly from "Admin" stating Phil Cadwell was unable to attend due to an accident. The email started with "as you may be aware", I had no idea he hadn't attended as there was not contact from him to advise me so. Second survey date arranged and again I had to call the estate agent to establish this. Contacted the estate again to see whether Phil Cadwell had attended and was informed he had collected the key to carry out the survey. Phil Caldwell states on his website that he allows the buyers to attend the survey to walk around the property with him so you can ask questions whilst he's there, well if you can get hold of him to arrange this this may be beneficial, I'd have liked to have done this but due to the non communication it couldn't be arranged. Surveyors report arrived today and overall it wasn't too bad but there were some mistakes. We are purchasing a Dorma style bungalow and his report asks us to liaise with our solicitor to establish whether planning permission was given for the loft conversion and yet right at the beginning his comments state "Dorma style bungalow" but like I say overall not a bad report overall. If you cope with no communication, the endless chasing and leaving messages and the fear he's done a runner with your money then I would highly recommend Phil Cadwell as your surveyor otherwise I'd pay that little extra and go with a surveyor that can at least return your calls and emails. A scary experience for me and unfortunately I cannot recommend McKinley's as a surveyor I'm afraid.
Apr 7th, 2022

We have had two surveys in the last two years and theyve been comprehensive and very well priced. Nothing is to much trouble to check and we had a great in depth discussion after both surveys
Mar 16th, 2020

Excellent service! Met us at property and spent 90 mins discussing things identified and how to rectify them. Comprehensive report too
May 22nd, 2017