Buying a property?
Choose the right level of survey and understand significant defects, repair priorities and future maintenance before you commit.
Explore Building SurveysBristol · South Gloucestershire · South Wales
Building Surveys & Architectural Design
Independent advice for buying, understanding and altering residential property. Detailed building surveys sit at the heart of what we do, backed by practical architectural design and technical drawing services for homeowners planning their next project.
Level 2 & Level 3 surveysDesign & technical drawingsSingle defect investigations
Independent, practical property adviceSurveys are carried out personally, with clear reporting and one point of contact from enquiry to completion.
MRPSA · ACABEProfessional memberships
15+ years’ experienceConstruction & surveying background
Detailed Level 3 reportingDefects, implications & next steps
Drone inspection availableWhere conditions and permissions allow
How we help
Start with what you need from the property
Whether you’re about to buy, planning to alter your home or trying to understand a defect, the advice should start with the building and the decision you need to make.
Planning alterations?
Architectural design and technical drawings for domestic extensions, conversions, remodelling and structural alterations.
Explore Architectural DesignConcerned about a defect?
Targeted inspections for cracking, dampness, suspected movement and other specific building concerns, followed by clear written advice.
View Defect Surveys
Flagship survey
Level 3 Building Surveys
For older, altered, unusual or visibly defective homes, a Level 3 survey provides the depth needed to understand what you’re buying. The inspection considers the construction and condition of the accessible building, with the report explaining significant defects rather than simply listing them.
- Detailed inspection of accessible internal and external areas
- Likely causes and implications of significant defects
- Repair priorities and recommended further investigations
- Photographs supporting the principal findings
- Budget cost guidance for significant repairs where appropriate
- Drone roof inspection where conditions and permissions allow
Particularly suited to period properties, buildings that have been extended or converted and homes where significant repair or renovation is anticipated.
Architectural design & drawings
Planning to change your home?
Hunter Ellis also provides practical design and technical drawing support for homeowners improving existing properties. The same understanding of construction, defects and existing buildings is carried through into the design process.
- Home extensions and remodelling
- Garage and loft conversion drawings
- Planning application drawings
- Building Regulations technical drawings
- Internal alterations and structural openings
- Existing building surveys to inform proposed works
Architectural design services are presented separately from building surveys in quotations and terms, so the scope of appointment is clear from the outset.
Other property services
The right level of investigation for the building
Not every property needs the same scope. We can recommend the most proportionate service once we’ve reviewed the property and what you need to know.
Level 2 Home Survey
For conventional residential properties that appear to be in reasonable condition and haven’t been substantially altered.
View survey optionsSingle Defect Survey
Focused professional advice where cracking, dampness, movement or another specific defect needs to be understood.
View defect surveysDrone Roof Survey
Aerial inspection of roofs, chimneys, flashings and other high-level elements where safe ground-level inspection is limited.
View drone surveys
Your surveyor
One point of contact, from first question to finished report
Hunter Ellis is led by Mark Tutton, a residential building surveyor and architectural professional with more than 15 years’ experience across construction and insurance surveying. His background combines practical building knowledge with formal training in architectural technology and building surveying.
Building surveys are undertaken personally by Mark, with reports written to explain what matters, why it matters and what should happen next.
MRPSA ACABE BSc (Hons) Architectural Design & Technology Graduate Certificate in Surveying MSc Building Surveying – result pending
About Mark & Hunter Ellis Areas covered
Bristol, South Gloucestershire & South Wales
We regularly inspect residential property across Bristol and the surrounding area, together with South Wales and parts of Gloucestershire. For properties outside the core area, send the address and we’ll confirm availability.
BristolCliftonRedlandBishopstonHorfieldDownendFishpondsKingswoodSouth GloucestershireNewportCwmbranSouth WalesGloucestershire
Start with the property
Buying, altering or investigating a home?
Send us the property address, sales listing or a short outline of the work you’re considering. We’ll review it and point you towards the appropriate next step.