Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Surveyors in Nottingham
Established in 1985, we provide independent and objective surveying services with extensive expertise in residential and commercial property matters. Our team combines decades of experience in diverse construction types, including period properties, timber frame, and traditional buildings. John Brailsford, the founder, began his career in the early 1980s working for firms of chartered surveyors and estate agents, evolving into a specialist in expert witness reports and defect diagnosis. Over the years, we have expanded our team to include experienced chartered building surveyors, enabling us to offer a broader range of services while maintaining our commitment to residential expertise. Our services span residential valuations, building surveys, party wall advice, and commercial property management, supported by accreditations from RICS and the Academy of Experts.We serve clients across the East Midlands, prioritising transparency, technical excellence, and client-focused solutions. Our work includes landmark cases in the High Court and tailored advice for private clients, ensuring peace of mind for property investments. With a focus on period properties and conservation areas, we provide detailed defect analysis and restoration guidance. Our teams combined experience in construction management and dispute resolution ensures comprehensive support for both residential and commercial clients. We remain dedicated to delivering prompt, efficient, and technically rigorous services, underpinned by a deep understanding of property law and building pathology.
Services
Residential Surveys
Commercial Property Surveys
Residential Valuations
Party Wall Advice
Expert Witness Reports
Building Defect Diagnosis
Period Property Surveys
Probate Valuations
Boundary Disputes
Construction Management
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial surveying.
- Our team includes RICS-accredited chartered building surveyors and expert witnesses.
- We specialise in period property surveys and conservation area expertise.
- We provide detailed defect diagnosis and restoration advice for historic buildings.
- Our services are supported by a proven track record in court-appointed expert reports.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Academy of Experts
- Chartered Surveyor
- Accredited Valuer
- Chartered Building Engineer
What people say
Level of service impressive
Expertise invaluable
Prompt and efficient
Clear advice
Highly recommend services
Services
Residential Surveys
We conduct comprehensive residential property surveys, including full structural and HomeBuyer reports. Our surveys identify defects, repair needs, and maintenance requirements for houses, bungalows, and flats. Tailored advice ensures clients understand property conditions before purchase or investment.
Commercial Property Surveys
Our commercial surveys assess office blocks, industrial estates, and retail schemes. We provide condition reports, schedules of condition, and defect analysis to support leasing, acquisition, or refurbishment decisions. Expert guidance helps clients manage costs and legal obligations.
Expert Witness Reports
We prepare CPR 35-compliant expert witness reports for litigation involving valuations, building defects, or disputes. With court-tested experience, including High Court cases, we deliver impartial analysis and evidence to support legal proceedings.
Period Property Surveys
Specialist surveys for pre-1600 to Edwardian properties, focusing on structural integrity and conservation needs. We advise on repair methods, legal constraints, and maintenance for listed buildings and conservation areas across the East Midlands.
Residential Valuations
We offer Red Book-compliant valuations for probate, matrimonial, capital gains tax, and open market purposes. Our valuers assess residential properties within 25 miles of Nottingham, providing accurate and legally defensible valuations for private and institutional clients.
People
John Brailsford
Director
Established the practice in 1985 with expertise in period properties and expert witness work. Holds RICS and Academy of Experts accreditations. Specialises in building defects and court-commissioned reports.
Claire Newlove-Hill
Director
Chartered surveyor with specialist knowledge in residential and commercial property surveys. Experienced in historic buildings and conservation. Joined John Brailsford Ltd to expand service offerings in the East Midlands.
Geoff Daniel
Chartered Building Surveyor
26 years' experience in residential and commercial surveys. Expert in defect diagnosis and construction management. Joined the team to focus on grassroots surveying and client-focused solutions.
Questions
What areas do you cover for property surveys?
We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire for residential and commercial surveys.
Do you specialise in historic or period property surveys?
Yes, we specialise in pre-1600 to Edwardian properties, offering defect analysis and conservation advice for listed buildings.
Can you provide expert witness services for property disputes?
Yes, we prepare CPR 35-compliant expert reports and have court experience, including High Court cases.
What types of residential valuations do you offer?
We provide Red Book, probate, matrimonial, and capital gains tax valuations within 25 miles of Nottingham.
Do you handle party wall agreements and disputes?
Yes, we act as appointed surveyors under the Party Wall Act 1996, preparing notices, agreements, and awards.
