OA Building Surveyors

Graves Son & Pilcher was founded in 1897 by Arthur Francis Graves. The firm is based in Brighton and is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is a member of The Property Institute (TPI) and the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM). The firm is audited every two years to ensure ongoing compliance.

It specialises in surveying services for residential blocks of flats and commercial premises. Services include costed maintenance plans, specification of works, contract administration, party wall matters, licence for alterations, schedules of condition, schedules of dilapidations, building pathology, lease plans, drone surveys and insurance reinstatement valuations.

Survey reports that are detailed, well organised and straightforward to interpret are what clients of this Brighton practice value most. Several describe documents that group defects by severity, include an executive summary sheet and flag matters a solicitor should pursue, with the finished report arriving quickly after instruction. Specifications produced for building projects are repeatedly called thorough. Named staff Sally and Claudia are praised for being on hand to talk through findings by telephone, even ahead of the completed written document, and one customer credits Sally with making a licence to alter application swift and friendly.

Another mentions a porthole window installation that came together smoothly before the bathroom fitter arrived. Contractors speak of long-standing working relationships across a range of projects, while the service for proposed property purchases is described as prompt, efficient and sensibly priced. Reviewers also note how responsive the team is and how fast it acts, with the overall experience repeatedly called easy and the surveyors knowledgeable and approachable. The recurring themes are clarity of the final report, punctual delivery and helpful personal contact throughout.