Business Details
20 Years
experience
Expert Building Surveyors in St. Albans
Harkin Associates is an independent Chartered Building Surveying Consultancy established in 2006 by Christopher Harkin. Our expertise spans all aspects of property and construction, delivering bespoke, personal service at competitive costs. With over 20 years of industry experience, we provide sound advice tailored to residential and commercial clients. Our services include Home Purchase Surveys, Building Surveys, Party Wall Advice, and Technical Due Diligence. We prioritise client satisfaction through clear communication, jargon-free reports, and practical solutions.Our team holds accreditations from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Independent Surveyors and Valuers Association (ISVA). We serve homeowners, corporations, and legal entities, offering expert witness testimony and dispute resolution support. Our commitment to quality has earned us consistent client recommendations and repeat business. We operate from St. Albans, Herts, serving clients across the UK with professionalism and a personal touch.
Services
Home Purchase Survey
Building Survey
Party Wall Advice
Technical Due Diligence
Expert Witness Services
Planned Maintenance Reports
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of RICS-accredited building surveying expertise.
- Our bespoke reports provide clear, jargon-free guidance for informed decisions.
- We prioritise client needs with a personal, responsive service approach.
- Our team serves courts as expert witnesses in property disputes.
- We deliver tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and legal clients.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Independent Surveyors and Valuers Association (ISVA)
What people say
Proactive with our survey
Well written & comprehensive review
Clear and comprehensive report
Client oriented with ultimate professionalism
First rate service
Services
Home Purchase Survey
A RICS Level 2 survey assessing property condition for standard house types. Identifies urgent issues, provides actionable recommendations, and highlights areas needing specialist investigation. Delivered in clear, jargon-free language to support informed purchasing decisions.
Building Survey
Comprehensive RICS Level 3 inspection for older, listed, or complex properties. Details construction methods, materials, and defects. Includes tailored remedial advice and prioritised repair recommendations, with optional focus on specific client concerns.
Party Wall Advice
Guidance on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 for adjacent building works. Prepares schedules of condition, negotiates awards, and ensures legal compliance to protect building owners and neighbours during construction projects.
Technical Due Diligence
Detailed evaluation of commercial property condition for investors. Identifies legal obligations, future liabilities, and structural risks. Provides actionable insights to inform acquisition decisions and mitigate post-purchase complications.
Expert Witness Services
Court-appointed expert analysis of property disputes, including professional negligence and environmental building issues. Delivers impartial, evidence-based reports and testimony to resolve legal conflicts efficiently.
People
Christopher Harkin
Chartered Building Surveyor
Founder of Harkin Associates with over 20 years' experience. RICS and ISVA accredited, providing expert property advice to homeowners, corporations, and courts. Regular BBC contributor and local press commentator on construction matters.
Questions
What types of surveys do you offer?
We provide RICS Level 2 Home Purchase Surveys for standard properties and RICS Level 3 Building Surveys for older, listed, or complex buildings.
Do you offer commercial property services?
Yes, we conduct technical due diligence, building surveys, and expert witness services for commercial properties, including lease dilapidation assessments.
How do you handle party wall disputes?
We prepare schedules of condition, negotiate awards, and ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to protect all parties' interests.
Can you assist with pre-purchase property advice?
Yes, we offer pre-purchase consultations, property viewings, and tailored defect analysis to inform buying decisions.
Are your reports easy to understand?
Our reports use plain language with clear summaries and actionable recommendations, avoiding technical jargon for client clarity.
Do you provide expert testimony in court cases?
Yes, we serve as expert witnesses in property disputes, including professional negligence and environmental building issues.
