From Uncertainty to Clarity — Keith’s Homebuyer Experience in Upminster

We are proud to be a family-run, independent practice of RICS-accredited surveyors. Covering the whole of Essex, we provide honest, detailed property surveys that empower buyers to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Survey Overview

When Keith Thomas found a charming detached property in Bulphan, Upminster, it seemed like the perfect investment opportunity. With a spacious garden and classic character, the house appeared to tick all the right boxes. However, Keith understood that appearances can be deceiving, especially when making a life-changing decision like purchasing a home. That’s why he turned to Smart Home Surveyors, a trusted and RICS-regulated family-run practice, for a professional Building Survey in Upminster.

The Inspection

We conducted a comprehensive Level 3 Building Survey, performing an in-depth inspection of both the interior and exterior of the property. It didn’t take long before significant issues began to surface — issues that could have easily been overlooked without an expert eye.

Japanese Knotweed Discovery

During the external inspection of the rear garden, we identified the presence of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Known for its aggressive growth and ability to cause extensive damage to foundations, drainage systems, and walls, this invasive plant is a major concern for mortgage lenders. Without proper treatment, the plant could severely impact both the property’s structure and its market value.

Internal Damp and Mould

Inside the home, severe dampness was evident, particularly below the window areas. We noted peeling paint, deteriorating plaster, and patches of black mould — indicators of significant moisture ingress. Poor ventilation and aged window frames had allowed water to penetrate, leading to unhealthy living conditions and long-term damage.

Signs of Structural Movement

The survey also highlighted past structural movement. We observed severely leaning garden walls and dilapidated outbuildings showing prominent cracks. These signs indicated potential stability issues that would need further evaluation and immediate attention to prevent further deterioration.

Recommendations Provided

Based on our findings, Smart Home Surveyors delivered a detailed and actionable report. Our recommendations included:

Specialist Treatment for Japanese Knotweed:

Implement a professional remediation plan along with the necessary legal disclosures to ensure future mortgage eligibility.

Damp Proofing and Repair Work:

Arrange for a full damp survey and carry out essential repairs to improve ventilation and prevent further water ingress.

Structural Engineer Assessment:

Commission a qualified structural engineer to confirm the property’s structural stability and recommend appropriate reinforcement or rebuilding measures.

How a Building Survey in Upminster Gave Keith Full Control Over His Investment

At Smart Home Surveyors, our independent RICS-accredited team conducted a detailed Level 3 Building Survey that uncovered hidden issues Keith couldn’t have spotted alone.
We didn’t just hand him a list of problems — we equipped him with a complete understanding of the property’s true condition.

Our report included:

✅ A full Japanese knotweed remediation plan, outlining legal responsibilities and treatment options.


✅ A comprehensive damp proofing strategy with practical repair recommendations.


✅ A referral to a trusted structural engineer for further investigation and safeguarding.

The Result

Armed with a complete understanding of the property’s true condition, Keith was able to make an informed decision. Although he initially had agreed on a purchase price, our survey findings enabled him to renegotiate based on the costs of necessary remedial work. Rather than walking away or blindly investing, Keith moved forward with confidence — knowing the exact challenges ahead and how to address them. Thanks to our Building Survey in Upminster, Keith turned a potentially risky investment into a manageable and rewarding project.

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Why Choose Smart Home Surveyors?

At Smart Home Surveyors, we are committed to helping homebuyers in Upminster, Essex, and surrounding areas make informed, confident decisions. Our expert surveys provide a clear and honest picture of the property’s condition, ensuring no surprises after you move in.

EPCs, or energy performance certificates, demonstrate a building’s energy efficiency to prospective renters or house purchasers. Energy PerformanceCertificates (EPC) obtain information on potential energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions.

 

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report issued after an inspection of a property by a certified surveyor. The EPC report provides information related to the property’s typical energy costs and recommendations for improving energy efficiency. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) indicates the energy efficiency of a building and give a rating from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least.

 

EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Property owners must also have a minimum rating of E or above or they can’t rent or sell a property.

 

People are more likely to rent a property if they know that it has a high energy rating and is well insulated since this would enable them to save more on heating bills.

 

Should I Get EPC?

In the United Kingdom, properties that will be constructed, rented out, or sold must have an approved domestic energy assessor to produce the EPC. Before the property is listed for sale, an EPC must be acquired from and made accessible to potential purchasers or tenants upon request.

 

The energy efficiency improvements you could make, their cost, and the potential savings are all highlighted in an EPC. This might be helpful if you want to upgrade your present house or if you want to buy and upgrade.

 

How do you get an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates are only issued by Domestic Energy Surveyors who are qualified and certified. When you obtain an EPC from Smart Home Surveyors, we will work with you from beginning to end.

 

Following the delivery of your EPC and upon request, we can assist with any suggestions you may have received by connecting you with one of our recommended installers.

 

As a result, you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of requesting bids from several businesses.

 

How to Improve EPC Rating?

Increasing your home’s energy efficiency will raise your EPC rating. Additionally, it indicates that you minimize your energy bills, improve the comfort and warmth of your home, increase its value and decrease your carbon impact.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

These points in each rating reflect the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP).

 

These are a few suggestions to increase your EPC Rating:

  1. It’s recommended to install loft insulation which can reduce your energy bills.
  2. Insulating your walls, whether solid or cavity-filled, will raise your home’s EPC.
  3. Solar power systems – They generate less expensive, cleaner energy and can help boost your EPC ratings.
  4. Installing a wood-burning stove in place of an open fireplace can increase fuel efficiency and save your long-term expenditures. This is an effective supplementary heating option.
  5. Replace your boiler with a new, energy-efficient boiler to reduce energy costs.

Buildings Exempt from an EPC

The following buildings are exempt from getting an EPC:

  • Industrial sites and workshops
  • Religious buildings
  • Buildings planned for demolition
  • Holiday hotels and apartments occupied for fewer than four months a year

 

In conclusion, Energy Performance Certificates are a great way to assess the energy efficiency of your home. They can help you save money on your energy bills, and they can also help you make your home more energy-efficient.

In order to get an energy performance certificate in the UK, you can contact Smart Home Surveyors. We will come to your property and assess its energy efficiency. Based on this assessment, we will give you a certificate that you can then use to make improvements to your property.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

 

 

 

Do you have any Query? Schedule a free consultation call with our Survey Expert!

Do you have any Query? Schedule a free consultation call with our Survey Expert!