Isle of Wight · London and the South East
Pre-purchase roof survey in Northwood, Isle of Wight
Pre-purchase roof surveys in Northwood from an independent, experienced roof surveyor. More than 20 years and over 5,000 surveys across London and the South East.
- Sagging ridge lines or uneven roof slopes
- Signs of past leaks inside the loft
- Bitumen or mortar used in place of proper repairs
Northwood homes and their roofs
Northwood lies within about 2 miles of the sea, and wind near the sea can be strong. A small drone cannot fly safely in high wind or heavy rain, so the weather on the day decides whether a flight goes ahead. A number of the island’s villages keep thatched roofs on older buildings, and nowhere on the island is far from the sea. For a purchase or a newly finished roof, the materials decide which details matter most.
With Osborne House about 2 miles east, the area around Northwood has a long history. Buying a period property here means asking about the roof’s age and repairs, and about any listing or conservation area. Take an older house close to All Saints' Church: ask the seller about past roof repairs, because older roofs often have patched valleys, replaced slates and reset ridges.
Northwood is about 1 mile south of Cowes, in the Isle of Wight. We carry out pre-purchase roof surveys for homeowners, landlords and businesses in Northwood. Our area takes in places right across the Isle of Wight, from the larger towns to small villages. For surveys nearby, see our Portsmouth page.
Pre-purchase roof surveys in PO31 are booked the same way as anywhere else. Whether your property is on Nodes Road, Wyatts Lane and Uplands Road or a nearby road, we can help. Neighbouring places we cover for pre-purchase roof surveys include Rew Street (1 mile west), Gurnard (1 mile north), Cowes (1 mile north), Noke Common (2 miles south) and Parkhurst (2 miles south). Larger places within reach include Newport (3 miles south), Ryde (7 miles east), Sandown (9 miles south-east), Shanklin (10 miles south-east), Ventnor (11 miles south-east) and Oakfield (7 miles east). Remote addresses need a little more planning, so tell us where you are when you book.
Landmarks near Northwood
In Northwood, that means homes and buildings near Cowes Enterprise College and The Travellers Joy pub and the streets around them. Nearby you’ll also find Isle of Wight Natural History Centre (0.5 miles north) and West Cowes Castle (1.7 miles north). For a walk, there is Mill Hill and Briddlesford Nature Reserve.
Pre-purchase roof survey in Northwood
Many older houses carry decades of roof repairs. Slates slip when their nails corrode, lead valleys and flashings wear, and chimney pointing crumbles. Most of it cannot be seen from the street. Our survey picks it out, with photographs that show you exactly where. Each finding is explained in plain words, so it’s clear what it means for your purchase. Typical surveys look at bitumen or mortar used in place of proper repairs and gutters that overflow or drip at the joints, on natural slate, lead flashings and valleys and the roof space.
Older buildings in small places like Northwood may be listed or in a conservation area. That can affect what materials a new roof may use, so check with the council and Historic England’s list. For a buyer or someone with a newly finished roof, it is worth knowing which applies, as well as what condition the roof is in. There are about 500,000 listed buildings and around 10,000 conservation areas in England.
With the Standard Survey, you also get moisture detection, a structural check and a follow-up consultation. The Premium Survey adds thermal imaging, drone inspection where applicable, structural analysis and an in-person consultation.
- Location
- Northwood (PO31)
- Wider area
- Isle of Wight
- Prices
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Reports
- Written, with photos, emailed to you
- Survey days
- Monday to Sunday, daytime
- Insured
- Professional indemnity and public liability
- Phone
- 07833 053749
- Updated
- 27 October 2026
What we look for on each type of roof
Lead flashings and valleys
Lead flashings seal the joints where a roof meets a wall or chimney. We check whether they’ve lifted, split or been replaced with mortar or bitumen.
Flat roofs
Ponding, blistering, splits and worn upstands are the usual warning signs. We check outlets too, since a blocked one leaves water sitting on the roof, and we say what we see from wherever is safe.
Nearby places to Northwood
What else we do in Northwood
Checking the roof from ground level
Fresh stains on ceilings or walls after rain are worth noting. Take a photo and write down when you saw it.
Look up at the roof after a storm, from ground level: pieces of tile or slate on the ground, a gap in the ridge or a lifted flashing are all worth noting. Leave anything above ground level to a survey.
Surveys for landlords and agents in Northwood
Letting agents can arrange access with tenants. Surveys run seven days a week, which helps when tenants work during the week.
With a portfolio of properties, you can book surveys for several addresses. To discuss a number of properties, ring 07833 053749 or drop us an email.
Why it is worth a survey now in Northwood
Small roof defects let water in slowly. Damp can spread into timbers and ceilings before anyone sees a mark. Spotting it before you buy means you know about it from day one. For an older or listed building in a place like Northwood, repairs may need matching materials and consent, so a defect found early gives time to plan the work properly.
Our price is from £150, including VAT. The final price depends on how big and how high the roof is, access and which survey you book.
What you get with us
- Visits on any day of the week
- An independent view of the roof
- 98% of customers satisfied
- Thermal imaging and drone inspection where they help
Take a look at our cost guide or two real surveys.
When you need someone else
Every survey has limits, and we’d rather be clear about that before booking. Bear these in mind:
- Whether materials contain asbestos (that needs a specialist asbestos surveyor)
- Whether timbers meet design loads
- What’s under the slates, tiles or felt
If in doubt, phone 07833 053749 or send us an email and we’ll point you to the right survey before booking. What our survey covers.
What we check
- Natural slate
- The roof space
- Gutters and downpipes
- Chimney stacks
- Lead flashings and valleys
- Clay and concrete tiles
- Flat-roofed extensions and dormers
Your questions about pre-purchase roof surveys in Northwood
How do I find out if my home in Northwood is listed?
For listing, use Historic England’s list; for conservation areas, ask the council. The answer matters most when a change of material is on the cards.
Is Northwood within the area you cover?
Yes, we do. We cover the whole of London and South East England, and smaller places are part of that. Longer journeys are simply planned ahead of time.
How do I book a survey in Northwood?
The quickest way is to phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form. Tell us the address and a little about the roof, and we will take it from there. Surveys run on weekdays and at weekends.
Can you survey a shared roof?
Yes, if the building owner or managing agent agrees access. We check the parts we are given access to, and the report makes that clear.
How experienced are you?
We have more than 20 years’ experience and have carried out more than 5,000 surveys.
Does your survey replace a RICS home survey?
No. It’s a roof survey by an experienced roof surveyor, with a written report and photographs. It is not a RICS survey and doesn’t cover the rest of the house.
Will you climb onto the roof?
Only where it’s safe. We also inspect from ground level, upper windows and the loft space.
What happens on the day
Every visit follows the same pattern: we listen to what’s been worrying you, inspect the roof from every safe viewpoint, photograph what we find and record our findings for the written report. It usually takes roughly 1–2 hours at the house you’re buying, depending on its size and how much of the roof can be seen. Around Northwood, older homes can have small or awkward roof spaces, so tell us about the loft hatch and any ladder. We only go where it is safe.
- We help you pick the package that suits the property.
- We agree a visit, including weekends if that helps.
- 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.
- We send the report with recommendations ranked by urgency, ready for you to discuss with the seller or agent.
Preparing for the visit
- Note where any stains or damp appear
- Let us know about parking near the property
- Have any questions written down, so nothing gets missed
Booking a survey
Prices start from £150, including VAT. The exact figure depends on the roof and the package, and you can ring 07833 053749 or send us an email to find out.