Cheke & Co

Welcome to Cheke & Co Leading lights in surveying since 1873

For a FREE online quotation visit

www.chekes.co.uk Alternatively call or email us Freephone: 0800 023 2424 Email: info@chekes.co.uk

CHARTERED SURVEYORS SINCE 1873

3 St Johns Green, Writtle, Chelmsford Essex CM13DZ

Why Cheke & Co? Cheke & Co first opened its doors for business in 1873. In fact the actual image on this page features one of our original branches located in Woodford Bridge Essex.

Now we are one of the most established surveying practices in the South East of England undertaking various types of survey and valuation work for private clients and many of the UK’s major lenders.

As a Member Firm of the RICS, all of our Surveyors are suitably qualified and equipped to provide reliable and comprehensive advice and adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.

Our coverage extends throughout Essex, into parts of Greater London in the south and the Suffolk borders north of the County. Combining our extensive experience with innovative technology we are well placed to meet the needs of both our individual customers and corporate clients.

Established 1873

Meet the Team Our surveyors retain more than 175 years of combined experience and are happy to provide guidance on all types of surveys. We are Regulated by the RICS and are recognised as a market leader within our industry having been awarded a BS EN ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Award.

Existing Clients Every year we undertake more than a thousand surveys on all types of residential property. This includes work for private clients who are purchasing a property either to live in themselves or to rent out. We are also on the approved panel of numerous mortgage lenders who ask that we provide valuations for mortgage purposes which can also include the preparation of a detailed Homebuyer or Building Survey report. Furthermore established firms of solicitors and accountants request our assistance with a wide array of survey work including more bespoke valuations linked to matrimonial disputes or for inheritance or capital gains tax purposes.

Many of our private clients are repeat customers as we follow them on their journey up or down the property ladder and most of our corporate clients have now worked with us for many years. They all feel reassured that our team of surveyors retain extensive industry expertise and comprehensive knowledge of the geographical areas within which they operate.

Valuations Sometimes a professional valuation is required rather than the advice of an estate agent. This is normally because lenders, solicitors or accountants require a valuation that has been prepared in accordance with The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors professional standards. Outlined below is a summary of the various types of valuation work we undertake.

• Purchase - Valuations for purchases where no mortgage is required • Investment - Valuations for buy-to-let purposes • Secured Loans - Valuations for lending purposes • Help-to-Buy - Valuations for Government approved purchase schemes • New Build - Valuations of land with planning permission to build • Divorce - Valuations for dispute resolution or litigation

• Shared Ownership Properties - Stair-casing or sales of ownership tranches • Inheritance Tax - Valuations used by solicitors relating to HMRC issues • Capital Gains Tax - Valuations for solicitors and accountants linked to HMRC • Charity Valuations - Valuations required for Charities under UK Law

Homebuyer Reports This is our most popular survey because it provides concise and affordable advice relating to the condition of a property and will also alert a client to any potential defects in advance of them completing their purchase.

It consists of a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas and comments on the external and internal parts of the property along with its related services and outbuildings.

The report uses a clear traffic light rating system to advise on the property's condition and identifies any issues which may require attention. It will also offer estimated costings to rectify particular defects along with recommendations for further investigation by specialist contractors on specific points, if considered relevant.

It is suitable for homes built within the last hundred years constructed with traditional materials. If the property is very large, listed or generally in a poor state of repair then we would always recommend that a Building Survey would be a more appropriate report.

Building Surveys A Building Survey is the most detailed report available which involves a thorough visual inspection of the outside and inside of the property as well as the related services and outbuildings. A Building Survey can report on any type of property, but is particularly relevant to those which are listed, old, or in a poor state of repair. It would also be recommended for any properties built of non-traditional materials.

The report itself contains detailed descriptions of the methods of construction and materials used within each main part of the property. It will also describe the actual cause of any particular defects and provide appropriate advice on essential repairs and any future maintenance considerations. Where necessary, guidance is given regarding the need to obtain specialist reports or quotations so you are aware of the full extent and costs associated with relevant repairs and future maintenance.

Finally legal advisers have critical information to hand within the report should certain aspects need to be verified with the current homeowner and if an estimated property value or an insurance reinstatement cost are required, the surveyor can include these upon request at an additional cost.

Our Coverage Covering all of Essex, parts of Greater London and the Suffolk borders, our Surveyors are highly qualified and retain comprehensive regional knowledge. On a regular basis we inspect all types of properties including studios, maisonettes, apartments, bungalows plus houses in every shape and size, right through to substantial country homes.

Annually we conduct more than 1,300 surveys, either for private individuals or corporate clients which include some of the UK's major lenders. This will contain a mix of Mortgage Valuations, Homebuyer Reports, Building Surveys or more bespoke valuations for specific situations.

Our map below provides an overview of the areas that we cover. Please feel free to get in touch where we will be pleased to assist with your enquiry.

For a FREE online quotation visit

www.chekes.co.uk Alternatively call or email us Freephone: 0800 023 2424 Email: info@chekes.co.uk