Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Surveyors in Truro
Established in 1981, Dowling Dodd Chartered Surveyors is a respected firm of Chartered Surveyors with over four decades of expertise in Cornwall's property market. Our team combines deep local knowledge with specialist understanding of historic and vernacular construction methods, addressing region-specific challenges like Mundic Block testing and Radon Gas assessment. As an independent practice unaffiliated with financial institutions or estate agency chains, we provide impartial advice for residential and commercial clients purchasing, renovating or valuing properties ranging from coastal cottages to country estates.Our reports prioritise clarity over technical jargon while maintaining professional rigour. Committed to sustainability, we support environmental initiatives like Plant One Cornwall and Kernow Conservation. With RICS-accredited professionals including former national surveying chain managers and local market specialists, we blend national standards with regional expertise to deliver tailored property solutions.
Services
Home Surveys
Building Surveys
Property Valuations
Insurance Valuations
Schedule of Condition
Single Defect Reports
Snagging Lists
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of Cornwall property market expertise
- Independent assessments with no estate agency ties
- Specialist knowledge of Cornish construction challenges
- Clear, jargon-free professional reporting
- RICS-registered valuation and surveying experts
Associations and certifications
- RICS
What people say
Thorough and detailed reports
Excellent service standards
Detailed property explanations
First class professional service
Prompt appointment scheduling
Services
Home Surveys
Our Home Surveys provide comprehensive property condition assessments highlighting major issues. Using RICS standards, we identify structural concerns and maintenance needs to support informed purchasing decisions. Surveys cover construction methods, damp issues and region-specific problems like Mundic Block degradation, delivered in accessible reports without technical jargon.
Building Surveys
Detailed building condition evaluations include desktop research and on-site inspections. We document construction materials, identify defects and provide repair recommendations. Our surveys address Cornish-specific challenges including coastal erosion impacts and historic building preservation requirements, with photographic evidence and prioritised maintenance schedules.
Property Valuations
RICS-registered valuers provide accurate property valuations for tax, legal and transaction purposes. We consider location factors, construction quality and market trends across Cornwall's diverse property types. Valuation reports meet Red Book standards for probate, matrimonial disputes and Help to Buy scheme requirements.
Snagging Lists
We identify incomplete or substandard work in new properties through detailed snagging inspections. Our photographic reports itemise issues from decoration flaws to structural defects, helping buyers ensure developers complete works to acceptable standards before purchase completion.
Single Defect Reports
Focused investigations address specific property issues like persistent damp or roof leaks. We diagnose causes, assess severity and recommend remedial actions. Reports combine technical analysis with practical solutions for problems affecting property value and habitability.
People
Julian Crosby
Managing Director
With over 40 years in Cornish property surveying, Julian leads our team. Former national surveying chain area manager, he specialises in residential and commercial valuations. RICS fellow and Cornwall Property Professionals Association founder member, he brings extensive local market knowledge.
Paul Davison
Director
Paul has specialised in residential surveying since 1994. As director, he oversees valuation services and complex property assessments. His expertise covers Cornish construction methods and Help to Buy scheme requirements, maintaining RICS valuation accreditation.
Richard Eccleshall
Senior Surveyor
With 30+ years' experience, Richard conducts detailed building surveys and valuations. His work addresses historic property conservation and modern construction defects. Chartered Building Surveyor status reflects his technical expertise in Cornish property assessment.
Nathan Bennett-Glew
Surveyor
Qualified RICS Associate since 2023, Nathan provides surveying services across Cornwall. Transitioning from estate agency, he offers practical insights into property marketing challenges. His work covers homebuyer reports and new build snagging inspections.
Teresa McKinstry
Operations Manager
Teresa manages office operations and sustainability initiatives. With environmental qualifications, she leads our eco-friendly practices and community projects. Her role ensures efficient service delivery while maintaining client communication standards.
Questions
What survey type do I need for an older Cornish property?
For properties over 50 years old, we recommend Building Surveys to assess construction methods and identify region-specific issues like granite wall maintenance or mining-related subsidence.
Do you provide Help to Buy valuations?
Yes, we conduct RICS-compliant Help to Buy valuations for staircasing and loan repayment requirements, with surveyors experienced in government scheme documentation.
Can you inspect new build property defects?
Our snagging lists identify incomplete works and substandard finishes in new properties, typically conducted 1-2 weeks before completion to allow remedial works.
How do you handle coastal property assessments?
Our surveys consider coastal erosion risks and salt damage impacts, with specialist knowledge of construction materials suited to Cornwall's maritime climate.
What valuation services do you offer?
We provide RICS-registered valuations for probate, tax planning, matrimonial disputes and secured lending, covering residential, commercial and rural properties across Cornwall.
Do you support environmental initiatives?
We actively support Kernow Conservation and Plant One Cornwall through practical involvement and office sustainability measures, reflecting our commitment to local environmental protection.
