Hampshire · London and the South East
Pre-Purchase Roof Survey in Finkley
Know where you stand with the roof before you decide what to do next. Pre-purchase roof surveys in Finkley.
- Sagging ridge lines or uneven roof slopes
- Cracked flaunching or crumbling chimney pointing
- Blistered or split felt on a flat roof
DIY checks: what’s safe
The one thing to avoid is getting up close. Roofs are fragile and slippery, and falls from height are serious. That is where a survey comes in.
After heavy rain, check ceilings and the tops of walls for new stains. Photograph them and note the date, which helps when we look at the roof.
About our pre-purchase roof survey in Finkley
A Basic Survey starts from £150, with the Standard Survey from £250 and the Premium Survey from £400, all inc. VAT. Standard adds moisture detection, a structural check and a follow-up consultation. Premium goes further, with thermal imaging, a drone where applicable and a same-day report. Choose the level that suits the home you are buying. Every package comes with a written report, photos and recommendations. Typical surveys look at cracked flaunching or crumbling chimney pointing and lead that has worked loose at a wall or chimney, across the roof space, clay and concrete tiles and gutters and downpipes.
For a small place like Finkley, the visit is planned like any other: it just means planning the journey and access beforehand. Mention any outbuildings, barns or garages with roofs you’d like looked at as you book, so the visit can be planned around them. Buyers and owners of new roofs get the same approach as anywhere. Weekday and weekend visits are both available.
It isn’t only a list of defects. It explains what we found, why it matters and what we recommend, so you can plan your next steps.
- Where
- Finkley (SP11)
- Region
- Hampshire
- Prices
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Your report
- Emailed report with photos and recommendations
- When we survey
- Weekdays and weekends
- Cover
- Professional indemnity and public liability
- Call
- 07833 053749
- Updated
- 27 October 2026
Tips from our surveys
Over many surveys, some simple habits stand out as worth the effort:
- For a flat, check who is responsible for the roof
- Ask the seller about past roof repairs
- Let us know your exchange date when booking
- Ask the agent to make sure the loft hatch can be opened
The report gives any roofer you ask to quote a clear brief. They’ll see exactly what we found, and where, so each quote covers the same ground.
Do not block the vents at the eaves. Condensation in a roof space can look like a leak and can damage timbers over time. Keep insulation clear of eaves vents so air can move.
Different roofs, different checks
Lead flashings and valleys
Flashings close the gaps at chimneys, walls and abutments. We look for lead that has lifted, split or been patched over.
Flat roofs
Standing water, blisters, splits and tired upstands all point to wear. Blocked outlets are checked as well.
Common roof problems in Finkley
Most viewings never get near the roof. You see the rooms, not the slates, and a quick glance from the street misses a lot. New paint on a ceiling can hide old water stains, which is why buyers book a closer look before committing.
A survey makes sense if you’ve noticed:
- A ridge or slope that dips
- Signs of past leaks inside the loft
- Gutters that overflow or drip at the joints
- Quick fixes on flashings and valleys
If you own a rental within reach of Andover station, the roof is worth checking before you add another property to a portfolio or pay a roofer in full.
Before you book any roof surveyor
- What the survey will not cover
- Which viewpoints they use to see the roof
- Do they have a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID for drone work?
- What insurance they carry
Pre-purchase roof surveys in Finkley: local notes
An older home may be listed, or stand in a conservation area. Historic England’s list shows listed buildings, and the council can say whether a street is in a conservation area. In either case, a change of roofing material may need consent. A number of Hampshire villages keep thatched roofs on their older buildings. In this part of the South East, older roofs are mostly slate or clay tile and many newer ones concrete tile. For a purchase or a newly finished roof, the materials decide which details matter most.
Take an older house close to Christ Church: a survey will show how the roof has been repaired before, which helps you judge what’s coming.
Finkley is about 2 miles north-east of Andover, in Hampshire. Finkley is one of many places we visit across Hampshire, for houses, flats and commercial buildings. We cover towns and villages across Hampshire, large and small. Southampton is in our area too.
We work across the SP11 postcode area for pre-purchase roof surveys. We also cover Smannell (1 mile north-west), Finkley Down (1 mile south), Picket Piece (1 mile south-east), East Anton (1 mile south-west) and Little London (1 mile north-west). Within a short drive, we also cover Basingstoke (15 miles east), Winchester (13 miles south-east), Hyde (13 miles south-east), Tidworth (9 miles west), Weeke (12 miles south-east) and Kempshott (13 miles east).
Around Finkley
In Finkley, that means homes and buildings near The Oak pub and Winton Community Academy, among other places. The nearest railway station is Andover station, about 2.4 miles south-west of the centre. Well-known places in the area include Finkley Down Farm Museum (0.8 miles south) and Andover War Memorial Hospital (2.4 miles south-west). Not far away are Mill Lake and Anton Lakes.
Towns and villages near Finkley
Also in Finkley
What happens on the day
Before we start, let us know why you’ve booked: a purchase, a leak, a storm, new work or simply peace of mind. It helps us focus on what matters most to you. Most visits take an hour or two at a typical house, with time for the loft where it can be reached. Older roofs in small places like Finkley can have low, tight loft spaces, so let us know about the loft hatch and any ladder. Only areas that can be reached safely are inspected.
- We help you pick the package that suits the property.
- A date is booked on a weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
- The coverings, ridges, valleys, flashings, chimneys and gutters are inspected and photographed.
- Moisture detection, structural checks, thermal imaging or a drone are added where your package includes them.
- You receive the report, with findings prioritised by urgency, so you can raise them with the seller.
How to prepare
- Leave a clear route to the loft
- For flats, make sure roof access has been agreed
- Point out any leaks or damp patches
Booking a survey
Getting a price is simple: just phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form, let us know about the property and we will explain which survey suits. We confirm the price before anything is booked.
Read more
Common questions in Finkley
How do I find out if my home in Finkley is listed?
Historic England’s list shows listed buildings, and the local council can tell you about conservation areas. Listed building consent is needed for changes that affect a listed building’s special interest, and conservation areas can limit changes of roofing material.
Will you come out to Finkley?
Yes, Finkley is on our map. A small place gets exactly the same survey as a big one.
Do you use drones?
Yes, where applicable and safe. We are a CAA-registered drone operator (Flyer ID and Operator ID), flying a sub-250g drone. It’s included in the Drone Roof Survey and, where it applies, the Premium Survey.
Can you survey at the weekend?
Surveys run seven days a week. To find a day that suits you, call 07833 053749 or use the contact form.
Do you test for asbestos?
No. Asbestos surveys and testing aren’t part of what we do. If we see materials that could contain asbestos, such as cement roof sheets or soffits on buildings from before 2000, we flag them and suggest a specialist asbestos surveyor checks them before any work.
Will you need to get into the loft?
Where possible, yes. The loft tells us a lot about the roof, and upstairs windows give useful views. Access is typically arranged through the agent or seller.
At what stage of buying should I get the roof surveyed?
After your offer is accepted and before you exchange contracts. That way you can still act on what we find, whether that means asking questions or negotiating.
What this survey can’t tell you
It helps to know what a survey won’t do before you book:
- Structural calculations (that is a structural engineer’s job)
- Defects hidden under coverings or inside walls without opening up
- How a seller will respond, or what the house is worth
If you are not sure which survey you need, call 07833 053749 or drop us an email and we will give you a straight answer. What a survey covers and doesn’t.
Roof types and parts we check
- Natural slate
- The roof space
- Lead flashings and valleys
- Gutters and downpipes
- Chimney stacks
- Clay and concrete tiles
- Flat-roofed extensions and dormers