Local & Independent Surveyor for Sussex
Richard Gibbons AssocRICS MRPSA
I’m a local, independent surveyor providing Home Buyer Surveys with clear, practical advice for buyers across East, Mid and West Sussex.
When you book with me, you get personal, one‑to‑one service from start to finish. There are no call centres, no admin teams and no middlemen.
Because I’m free from corporate targets, my inspections takes as long as they need to, without the pressure of rushing to the next job. Your report is written with proper time, care and consideration, with advice tailored specifically to your property rather than a template.
My goal is simple: to give you the best service, and provide the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your purchase.
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Sussex
A Level 2 Home Buyer Survey gives you a clear, professional overview of a property’s condition before you commit. It highlights defects, explains risks and provides practical advice so you understand what needs attention.
It’s suitable for houses and flats post‑1930 in reasonable condition. Period properties or homes needing major renovation require a Level 3 survey.
I follow RPSA reporting standards, which both meet and exceed RICS Level 2 requirements. This means you receive the most detailed Home Buyer Survey available: clear, jargon‑free, supported by photos and focused on what genuinely matters.
Locations
My home buyer surveys are available in and around the following locations:
• Brighton & Hove
• Burgess Hill
• Crawley
• Eastbourne
• Haywards Heath
• Horsham
• Lewes
• Worthing
Home Survey Pricing
The exact price of a Home Buyer survey is dependent on each property and its individual characteristics, but the cost typically ranges between £550-£850
Why Choose an Independent Surveyor?
Home buyers often prefer working with an independent surveyor because the service feels more personal, more thorough and far less rushed.
I’m not driven by targets or pressured to complete multiple surveys a day. This allows me to:
• Inspect the property thoroughly
• Take as much time as is necessary
• Tailor advice to the specific property
You get a clear, practical report, and a direct line to the person doing the work. No call centres, no admin teams, no middlemen.
Local Knowledge You Can Trust
Working across East, Mid and West Sussex means I’m familiar with the construction quirks and recurring issues found throughout the county. That insight matters: understanding what’s typical for an area is essential for identifying the likely cause of a problem.
By understanding what’s normal for the area, I know what deserves closer attention. That local insight helps you see your property in context, not just in isolation.
Common problems often found include:
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Subsidence risks vary significantly across Sussex. In Brighton, issues often relate to leaking drains affecting the chalk soil, while in Horsham and Haywards Heath the shrinkable clay beneath many homes can cause seasonal movement and cracking.
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Hidden dampness can arise from bridged cavities in mid‑century Burgess Hill housing, poorly ventilated timber frames in Crawley’s post‑war stock, or incorrect render applied to Brighton’s bungaroosh walls.
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Roofing defects vary with age and construction type. Post‑war expansion areas often suffer from decaying felt, while modern estates in Burgess Hill or Horsham frequently show insufficient restraints. In older towns such as Worthing or Brighton, heavier replacement tiles are sometimes installed without strengthening the original structure, leading to sagging or bowing over time.
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Some parts of Sussex have elevated radon potential. This odourless gas carries long‑term health risks if not properly managed, and awareness of local radon zones is essential during a survey.
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Asbestos is common in post‑war housing stock across Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill. Knowing where asbestos-containing materials are typically found helps ensure they are identified safely and accurately.
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Dry rot is a particular risk in Brighton and Worthing’s older timber‑floored properties where ventilation is limited. In Crawley, many brick‑faced homes are actually timber framed with minimal ventilation provision, increasing the likelihood of decay.
Additional Services
From detailed RICS surveys to energy advice, my range of services are designed to support buyers, homeowners, and property owners at every stage of a property decision. Each is delivered with clear reporting and straightforward, reliable guidance.
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A Building Reinstatement Cost Calculation provides an accurate estimate of how much it would cost to rebuild your property in the event of total loss.
This figure is essential for ensuring your home is correctly insured and not under or over‑covered, offering valuable clarity for long‑term protection.
Many clients add this service to their Home Buyer Survey for complete peace of mind and a more rounded understanding of their property.
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While many of us want to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, there is often little guidance on which measures to follow.
An Energy Upgrade Advice Report reviews EPC recommendations, assessing what is practical and suitable for the property. It also identifies extra measures to help improve your EPC score.
This is often paired with a Level 2 Survey and is ideal for homes with lower EPC ratings and several recommendations.
What Clients Say
“From the initial contact to the completion of the inspection and final report, Richard was responsive and very efficient. He explained the process well. I highly recommend him.”
— Fiona, Google Review
“I’ve used Richard twice now, both times he’s been very professional and friendly. Can’t recommend him any higher!”
— Lindsay, Google Review
“Richard is just great; highly knowledgeable and really helpful, I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else now.”
— Barbara, Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
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Typically between 2 and 4 hours, but ultimately as long as it takes to complete a thorough inspection. I never rush an assessment, and the time on site varies depending on the size, age, and condition of the property.
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Reports are delivered within 5–7 working days. This timeframe allows me to take the necessary care when reviewing findings, cross‑checking details, and producing a clear, accurate, and well‑considered report. I don’t offer 24–48 hour turnarounds because that relies on speed and automation over quality. With BN Home Surveys, you receive a bespoke report that benefits from proper time, attention, and professional judgement.
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This is an area where BN Home Surveys truly excels. As an independent surveyor, you deal directly with me, not a call centre or admin team. If you have questions, need clarification, or want to talk through next steps, I’m available to speak with you personally.
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Yes. BN Home Surveys is a RICS‑regulated firm, and I am a member of both RICS and the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA). This means I work to the highest professional standards, follow strict regulatory requirements, and provide clear, reliable, expert reporting.
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As a local, independent surveyor I have strong knowledge of Sussex and the surrounding areas. When you book with BN Home Surveys, you deal directly with the surveyor carrying out the inspection and writing your report - not a corporate chain, not a rotating team, and not a call centre. You get personal service, local insight, and a consistent point of contact from start to finish.
Request a quote
Have a question about a property? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat and straightforward advice to help you decide your next steps.
t. 07377 826682