Prinsegate Chartered Surveyors

We are in the process of buying a late-Victorian house, so we were looking for a structural survey (RICS Level 3) to be carried out along with an evaluation. Our experience with Prinsegate CS has been great from the start. All communication was clear, swift and polite, and I would like to thank Jemma and Sarah in particular. They arranged a visit to the property liasing with the estate agent directly and they even managed to push it forward by a couple of days when they had a last minute cancellation. The survey was carried out by Laine Benn, who we cannot thank enough. She not only provided the most thorough report, highlighting all defects and potential issues that needed a specialist's assessment, but also was so nice as to go over all her findings on a follow-up phone call where she explained in simple words what we had to look out for. Her evaluation report was also very accurate and surprisingly close to the lender's surveyor's evaluation! Outstanding service. We will definitely use Prinsegate's services again in the future and recommend them to all our friends. Thank you!
Apr 29th, 2023

The initial quote and following emails stated they have available spaces same week and week after, which was the reason why I actually choose the company as I needed survey done asap. I paid 510 for level 3 survey. After this I saw on the website ( no one even informed me) that the survey they set up the date in two weeks after. When i contacted them and confronted them, they just said it might change and they will let me know. They didnt even tried to book it for sooner. Well guess what it didnt, i have waited 2 bloody weeks. On the day of the survey I had to chase them to confirm this took place. It did and again initial email stated results in 2-3 days and in email confirming I will have the result by the end of 3rd day. Well guess what I have sent them email on third day requesting update and result as thats what they said. They just suddenly said its gonna take 3-5 days. So now its the weekend, monday is bank holiday so actually if I am gonna get the report by the 5th working day thats bringing me to total of 23 days of getting my survey!! Horrible company, would not recommend at all.
Apr 22nd, 2023

Waste of time and money. Paid for the Level 3 RICS survey and was confirmed via email to take place the following week. Ten days later I hadn't received any news so contacted the company, only to find out the survey never happened on the planned date as they couldn't access the property (planning 101 failure...) and was happening on that day. Nice of somebody to pick up a phone and tell me about this problem? One of the main reasons I chose Prinsegate is because of the quick turnaround time. Mistake to pay up-front like I did. Survey was very generic but highlighted "potentially" significant defects which are then omitted from their own defect cost report (lost space not insulated correctly, problems with decaying roof timbers and roof tiles, door needing replacement to name a few). How are you supposed to use the report to negotiate the purchase price of a property when its inconsistent and lacking detail? As another reviewer has mentioned below I will be complaining to RICS and the ombudsmen about this company to get my money back as their level of customer service and report output quality was pitiful. They respond to you instantly when they want your money to book, but the minute you have a problem its tumbleweed time. So many other reputable surveyors out there who can be bothered to treat customers properly that I would use in future. Avoid. Edit after response from Prinsegate: As I have already stated, the survey was finally carried out nearly two weeks later than initially confirmed to me via email, and I received absolutely zero communication in the meantime to explain the situation. How this is considered to be "good time" I am not quite sure. The surveyor who called me to discus the survey admitted that it shouldnt have taken this long to complete. "The findings were specific to the property" - Yes the survey identified timber rot initially as a significant defect. But when I spoke to a surveyor afterwards he told me there is no problem with the timber rot as they couldnt be fully inspected. So which one is true? This plus the fact that the surveyor who called me wasn't even the same surveyor who did the survey and inspected the property is troublesome. I requested a phonecall with the actual surveyor but I have since been ignored again. I can say without doubt that I am not able to "ascertain the exact condition and associated costs" because there has been incomplete and conflicting information at every stage. My review is not harsh. It is representative of my experience with your company and your unwillingness to treat customers with respect and not provide them with contradictory information.
Apr 18th, 2023

Very professional, fast response to our enquiry, excellent communication & value for money!
Mar 10th, 2023

AVOID!!! Paid for a RICS Level 3 Survey - it was generic, lacked information and missed many defects, one of which was a serious structural issue. Report is not worth the paper it is written on. The Dir, Nicholas Prinse's response to my complaint was rude and threatening. He has said he is going to charge me 250 an hour for time spent on my complaint! Tried to bully me in to not taking things further. Avoid this company. Would give zero stars if possible. We escalated this complaint to the RICS and we were awarded our money back as the survey was not fit for purpose! Looks like lots of paid reviews have appeared on here, all copy and pastes saying the same thing? Very odd they all live in the USA? If you have had issues with this company make sure you contact the RICS. Avoid, this company is cheap for a reason.
Mar 29th, 2023