Here are some Frequently Asked Questions, our answers, and futher tips :

Are you conversant with English?

Yes, all our team is French, but speaks English fluently.

Language skills are required to join our team.

Contact us and check it now.

If you find a native English speaking surveyor, you might not be able to check if he is fully French conversant!

How long does it take before you inspect the property and produce a survey report?

Pending on our diary, an inspection is usually conducted within one week after your instructions. The written survey report is usually completed and sent via e-mail within two days. We will agree with you a mutually suitable schedule prior to undertaking a mission.

Timescales may be exceptionally shortened, at your request, if you are within the purchase process "cooling off period" (during which you can withdraw from the purchase without penalty).

What does a written report look like?;  if I finally opt for a verbal report, is it comprehensive?

Do you know the best way
to get a real idea of our
service?:

Simply download now
one or more of our
sample survey reports:

- Sample structural survey
- Sample condition survey
- Sample valuation survey
- Sample regulation survey

Click here for
our download list.

Our reports are written in plain English. They include colored pictures of defects, follow-up suggestions, or what-if analysis.
A thorough chapter on Architects' scope of professional advice duty is included: Architects' professional conduct code makes it mandatory to provide clients with advice. This even applies outside the scope of the Architects' mission. Our reports therefore include a specific paragraph on this matter, with regards to any other obvious technical issues which are not part of the mission but which have to be summarised for information.

In the case of a verbal report, we provide you with the same complete information and advice, with the advantage of instant answers to your questions. But you 'll not be able to rely on written documents for future reference, or for negociation purposes.

What makes the difference between your firm and most other building surveyors?

Usually, building surveyors are not Architects, and Architects are not interested in surveying.
Moreover, in our area of operation, our competitors are or neither French nor Architects nor fluent English speakers. They may match with only one or two of above items, but not with the three of them all together.

As an Architecture firm, we provide you with the widest extent of competence at once. Our expertise ranges over all technical, financial, regulation, design and construction issues.

Should you find a building surveyor, in south-eastern France, that is French and Architect and fluent in English, please let us know. We are currently looking for business partners with same skills than us.

Is building surveying your core field of business?

If you can read French, visit our core business original website,
in the field of Architecture, and
get more details on our firm's organization and history.

We are essentially a firm of Architects whose core business consists in building or renovating. We accompany our clients all along, from project design, site management, up to completion.

We started a building surveying service in 2001 because our manager,
JC Cordiez, has a large knowledge and experience in renovation and building pathology. More and more clients are in demand for pathology advices. This is why 70% of our surveys are conducted directly by
JC Cordiez who is passionated in tracking defects, like a detective,
and in giving advice and prescription, as a "building doctor".

Is your firm owned by a company, has shares held by third parties, or any other interests?

Our firm is wholly owned by its founding Director Mr. JC Cordiez, is not pending on any organization, and has no links or obligations with any third parties. This situation warranties you
our full independence and impartiality:

"We're on your side !"

Moreover, our independence and fair advising obligation is highly regulated by the Architects Professional Conduct Code. The Architects' National Order has overall control over all Architects with regards to their Professional Conduct and ethics.

Many building surveyors are more or less linked with Estate agencies, and other ones even own an Estate Agency business, because they are chartered as surveyors by a well known major French Estate agents network, which provides building surveying courses to its members.

Some of your competitors are RICS qualified or CNEI / FNAIM chartered. What about you?

Some native English speaking building surveyors settled in France are RICS qualified in the UK (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors);
Some French surveyors are chartered FNAIM, or CNEI, or other charters; or they may get a label called APTE or any other equivalent, as a necessary recognition of various skills in building surveying.

This is because they are not qualified Architects. What's more?

Being an Architect naturally gives the right to act as a technical building surveyor if having enough site experience. Additional training in specific fields is still necessary but not sufficient (for information, JC Cordiez took specific training such as Lead inspection, Asbestos inspection, Termite inspection, etc.).

Beware of exotic charters or qualifications. We shall not name them on this page. They are quite plenty and most of them only cover a small part of surveying fields, such as lead or asbestos inspection only. They can be obtained just after a one week training, or just upon a one day exam.

The best way to make sure of a surveyor's professional qualification is to check existence, extent and contents of his professional indemnity insurance.
(see specific chapter on top left box in this page)

Comprehensive building surveys are not mandatory in France, why should I decide to get one?

Instructing an independent surveyor gives you peace of mind, and warranties you will be informed and advised from a professional and impartial view, and with someone who is fully on your side.

The acquisition of a property is the fulfilment of a dream which involves a large expense of money. It is primordial to make sure there is no latent defect, overvalue, and regulation or design issue.
If you avoid a surveying expense, you will be still advised by:

   - The Estate Agent:            He is on the seller's side.

   - Your lawyer or notaire:    Their skills do not cover building surveying.

   - Your family & friends:       They may not be professional and impartial.

   - Friends of friends:            You will never see them again.