Independent AssocRICS Surveyor
RICS Home Surveys in West Sussex & Hampshire
Independent RICS Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys and focused defect reports, with direct advice from Steven Lewis AssocRICS.
Get a personalised quotation through our secure online quotation system.
Meet the Surveyor
Steven Lewis
Director & Surveyor · Wren Home Surveyors Ltd
When you instruct Wren Home Surveyors, you deal directly with me from your initial enquiry through to the completed report and verbal overview. My professional surveying knowledge is supported by many years of practical experience within the construction industry. This combination gives me a strong understanding of how residential buildings are constructed, how defects develop and what they may mean for a prospective purchaser.
I provide thorough, independent inspections and clear, practical advice, helping clients understand the property and make informed decisions before committing to their purchase.
Wren Home Surveyors Ltd is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.Our Services
Surveys tailored to the property and your needs
All surveys are carried out in accordance with RICS standards. Reports are written to inform, not to overwhelm — clear, structured, and specific to the property inspected.
Home Survey (HomeBuyer)
The standard survey for conventional properties in reasonable condition. Identifies defects, risks, and matters requiring attention, helping buyers proceed with confidence.
- Suitable for traditional construction and modern builds
- Condition ratings for each element
- Identifies urgent defects and maintenance priorities
- Clear, structured report in plain English
Building Survey
A thorough assessment of a property's construction, condition and defects. Particularly suitable for older, extended, altered, larger or visibly deteriorated homes.
- Particularly suitable for Victorian, Edwardian and inter-war properties
- Detailed assessment of all visible elements
- Advice on cause, significance and likely repair approach
- Tailored to your specific purchase concerns
Defect Reports
A focused inspection of a specific element or defect — ideal when you already own a property and have a particular concern, or need expert advice before committing to a repair.
- Damp, roof defects, wall tie failure and more
- Specific, actionable findings rather than a whole-house survey
- Useful for existing owners, landlords and vendors
- Clear written report with repair recommendations
Party Wall Services
Independent advice and surveyor services for building owners and adjoining owners where proposed works fall within the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
- Building owner and adjoining owner appointments
- Schedules of condition
- Review of notices and proposed works
- Party Wall Awards and practical guidance
Standalone Inspections
Defect reports
A defect report is a focused inspection of a specific element or building problem. Rather than a whole-house survey, it examines a single defect in detail — establishing the cause, extent and recommended course of action.
Damp & Moisture Ingress
Assessment of damp affecting walls, floors or ceilings — distinguishing rising damp from penetrating damp, condensation, or defective plumbing. Includes investigation of DPC condition, ground levels, cavity fill, and internal finishes.
Common defectRoof Defects
Inspection of pitched or flat roof coverings, structure, flashings and rainwater goods. Identifies deteriorated tiles or slates, defective lead, failed flat roof membranes, and structural movement or spread.
Common defectWall Tie Failure
Investigation of suspected cavity wall tie failure — a common defect in properties built between approximately 1920 and 1980. Identifies characteristic cracking patterns and advises on the extent of the problem and remediation options.
Period property defectBay Windows & Lintels
Focused inspection of bay window structures or suspected lintel failure — including assessment of movement, cracking, deflection and the condition of supporting elements. Common in Edwardian and inter-war housing.
Period property defectOther Defects
Don't see your specific concern listed? Get in touch to discuss. Defect reports can be tailored to almost any element or building problem — from chimney stacks and timber floors to drainage and external works.
BespokeHow It Works
A clear, straightforward process
From first contact to receiving your report, we aim to make the whole process as clear and stress-free as possible.
Get in Touch
Contact us by phone, email, or via the quotation request form. We'll discuss the property and your requirements so a tailored quotation can be prepared.
Confirm Your Booking
You'll receive our terms of engagement and payment details by email. Once signed and paid, we'll arrange a date and time for the inspection.
The Inspection
Your surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection of the property. Where weather, airspace, site conditions and safe operating requirements permit, a drone will also be used to inspect the roof and upper elevations. Following the visit, you'll receive a verbal overview of the key findings before the written report.
Your Report
A written report is normally delivered by email within three working days. A quicker turnaround may be available by prior agreement where your purchase timetable requires it.
Ready to book your survey?
Request a quotation online — we aim to respond within one working day.
Included as Standard
Drone roof inspection — where conditions permit
Where weather, airspace restrictions, site conditions and safe operating requirements permit, a drone inspection of the roof and upper elevations is included at no additional charge. Where safe ladder or physical access isn't possible, a drone can provide detailed imagery beyond the limits of a ground-level inspection.
Roof defects are among the most costly findings in any survey. Deteriorating flashings, slipped or missing slates, defective ridge tiles and blocked gutters are all easier to identify — and photograph — from the air. That evidence goes directly into your report.
Coverage Area
Hampshire & West Sussex
Wren Home Surveyors operates throughout Hampshire and West Sussex, from Southampton, Portsmouth and the Hampshire towns through to Chichester, Bognor Regis, Worthing and the wider West Sussex area.
The region contains a broad mix of coastal and inland property, including period terraces, inter-war houses, post-war estates, bungalows, flats and modern developments. Every inspection is adapted to the individual building and its setting.
If you're unsure whether we cover your property, get in touch — we're happy to confirm coverage for any specific address.
Click your area to request a quotation — or get in touch if your town isn't listed.
Local knowledge across both counties
Coastal exposure, period construction, post-war building methods, later extensions and converted flats all create different inspection priorities. Local experience helps identify the issues most relevant to the property, whether it is in Worthing, Chichester, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth, Southampton or one of the surrounding towns and villages.
Client Reviews
What clients say
“As first-time buyers we had loads of questions. Steve answered every one of them and never made us feel rushed. Would happily use him again.
I liked that the report wasn’t full of confusing jargon. Everything was explained in plain English and we knew exactly what needed looking at before we bought the house.”
“Steve did our survey a few weeks ago and we were really pleased with everything. The report was easy to follow and he took the time to explain the important bits over the phone. Would definitely recommend.”
“Really impressed with the level of detail. We also appreciated the phone call afterwards because it made the report much easier to understand.”
“Excellent service. Quick to respond to emails and the report was much more detailed than we expected. Money well spent.”
Property Advice Centre
Advice from the surveyor's notebook
Understand common defects using plain-English guidance and real photographs from residential inspections.

Deflected brickwork above an opening
Visible sagging above an opening raised concern about missing, inadequate or deteriorated lintel support.

Horizontal cracking and cavity wall tie failure
Regular horizontal cracking on a 1930s house showed a pattern associated with corroding cavity wall ties.

Water-damaged lath and plaster ceiling
A previous tank leak left exposed laths and weakened ceiling plaster inside an airing cupboard.
FAQs
Common questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch directly.
Do I need a survey if I'm getting a mortgage?+
Which survey do I need — Level 2 or Level 3?+
Do I need a survey on a flat?+
How quickly will I receive my report?+
Can I speak to the surveyor after receiving my report?+
Do you survey new builds?+
Contact
Prefer to speak to Steven first?
If you are unsure which survey you need, have a particular concern or would rather discuss the property first, send an enquiry below or call Steven directly.