Buy with Confidence in France
Independent Building Surveys, Property Inspections & Renovation Advice

Don’t let hidden defects become expensive surprises.

Buying a property in France is a significant investment. Hidden problems such as damp, roof defects, timber decay, structural movement, outdated electrics, or poor-quality renovations can lead to unexpected costs after you move in. An independent building survey gives you the information you need to buy with confidence and negotiate from a position of knowledge.

30+ Years of Construction Experience

Independent Building Surveys • Technical Building Consultancy • Renovation Expertise

With more than three decades of hands-on experience in the construction industry, MMS Inspect provides independent building surveys, technical building assessments and practical advice to help you buy, renovate and invest with confidence.

Professional, Independent, Unbiased.

Every inspection is carried out with care and attention to detail, providing a comprehensive assessment of the property’s condition.

  • Detailed building surveys
  • Structural observations
  • Damp and moisture assessment
  • Roof and exterior inspection
  • Renovation guidance
  • Clear photographic reports

Helping you buy, sell or renovate with confidence.

Building Surveys Tailored to Every Property

Whether you’re buying a traditional French farmhouse, a village house, an apartment or a renovation project, every property deserves a thorough, independent assessment.

MMS Inspect provides detailed building surveys, identifying visible defects, assessing the overall condition of the building and highlighting potential maintenance or renovation requirements—giving you the confidence to buy with complete peace of mind.

Spaces/Systems We Inspect

Roofs & Attics

Plumbing and Gas Systems

Electrical Systems

PAC Systems

Foundations & Structures

Interiors & Exteriors

Additional services that we offer:

  • Damp & Moisture Assessments
  • Roof Condition Surveys
  • Timber Decay Inspections
  • Building Defect Investigations
  • Maintenance Surveys
  • Second Opinion Inspections
  • Project Monitoring & Advice

Our Building Survey Services

Pre-Purchase Building Surveys

A comprehensive assessment of the property’s condition before you buy, helping you understand defects, maintenance requirements and likely future costs.

Pre-Sale Property Inspections

Identify issues before putting your property on the market, allowing you to address potential concerns and provide confidence to prospective buyers.

Renovation & Restoration Surveys

Ideal for older properties and renovation projects. We assess the building’s condition and provide practical advice on repairs, structural concerns and renovation priorities.

Structural Condition Assessments

A focused inspection where there are concerns about cracking, movement, damp, roof defects or other structural issues.

Property Condition Reports

An independent overview of a property’s current condition, suitable for homeowners, buyers, investors and estate agents.

Renovation Project Advice

Professional guidance on repair options, renovation planning, budgeting and identifying potential risks before work begins.

Go from property hunting to smart buying with ease

1. Request Your Building Survey

Contact us for a no-obligation quotation. We’ll discuss the property, recommend the most suitable survey, and arrange an inspection at a convenient time.

2. We Carry Out the Inspection

Every accessible part of the property is carefully examined, from the roof to the foundations. We identify visible defects, assess the overall condition of the building, and highlight any areas that may require further investigation or future maintenance.

3. Receive Your Detailed Report

You’ll receive a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report complete with photographs, clear explanations, and practical recommendations, helping you make an informed decision before you buy.

Inspection Findings

A building survey is more than a checklist—it’s an opportunity to understand the true condition of a property before making one of life’s biggest investments.
Our surveys regularly identify issues that may not be immediately apparent during a viewing, helping buyers, sellers and property owners make informed decisions with confidence.
Every report includes clear photographs, practical explanations and independent recommendations, giving you the knowledge you need to proceed with confidence.

Typical findings include:
Damp and moisture ingress
Roof defects and damaged coverings
Structural movement and cracking
Timber decay and woodworm
Outdated electrical installations
Plumbing defects and leaks
Poor-quality alterations or previous repairs
Maintenance issues and future repair requirements

Got Questions?

We’re happy to help. If you can’t find the info you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, MMS Inspect provides independent building surveys, technical building assessments and practical advice for buyers, homeowners and property investors throughout France.

Founded by Jeremy Marks, MMS Inspect combines extensive hands-on construction knowledge with a thorough understanding of building defects, renovation projects and traditional French construction methods. Every property is inspected with care, attention to detail and complete independence, ensuring you receive an honest assessment of its condition before making one of life’s biggest investments.

In addition to pre-purchase building surveys, MMS Inspect offers Building Technical Consultancy (Conseil et Expertise Technique en Bâtiment), including property condition audits, technical inspections and recommendations for repair and renovation. We also provide Assistance à la Maîtrise d’Ouvrage (AMO), supporting clients throughout renovation and building projects with clear, practical guidance and independent advice.

Our goal is simple: to give you the confidence to buy, renovate or invest with a clear understanding of the property’s condition, helping you avoid unexpected surprises and make informed decisions every step of the way.

The length of a survey depends on the size, age and condition of the property.

As a guide:

  • Apartments and smaller homes: 2–4 hours
  • Typical village houses: 3–5 hours
  • Larger country houses or farmhouses: 6-8 hours
  • Extensive renovation projects or large properties: A full day or longer may be required.

Every property is different. We never rush an inspection and take the time needed to carry out a thorough assessment of all accessible areas, ensuring you receive a comprehensive and accurate report.

No. In most cases, there is no need for you to be present during the survey. We can arrange access directly with the estate agent, seller or property owner.

However, many clients choose to meet us at the property towards the end of the visit. This provides an opportunity to discuss our initial findings, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the property’s condition before receiving the full written report.

Following the survey, you’ll receive a detailed report with photographs, clear explanations and practical recommendations, and we’re always available to answer any further questions.nswer goes here.

We understand that property purchases often work to tight deadlines. Our aim is to provide your report as quickly as possible without compromising the quality or detail of our assessment.

In most cases, you’ll receive your comprehensive written report within 2 to 5 working days of the survey.

For larger or more complex properties, or where further specialist advice is recommended, the report may take a little longer. If this is the case, we’ll let you know before the survey takes place.

Should you need urgent verbal feedback, we’re happy to discuss our initial findings with you immediately after the inspection whenever possible.Answer goes here.

Every building survey is tailored to the individual property, but a typical survey includes a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas, together with a detailed written report.

Your survey may include:

  • Roof coverings, chimneys and rainwater goods
  • External walls, windows and doors
  • Foundations and visible signs of structural movement
  • Damp, moisture ingress and ventilation
  • Roof structure and accessible loft spaces
  • Floors, walls and ceilings
  • Plumbing, drainage and visible pipework
  • Electrical installation (visual inspection only). Testing has to be specified beforehand.
  • Heating and hot water systems (visual inspection only). Testing has to be specified beforehand.
  • Timber condition.
  • Previous alterations and the general quality of workmanship
  • External buildings, garages and outbuildings (where accessible)

Your report will include photographs, an explanation of any defects identified, their likely significance, and practical recommendations for repairs, maintenance or further specialist investigations where appropriate.Answer goes here.

MMS Inspect provides independent building surveys and property inspections for English-speaking buyers and property owners throughout France.

Our services are available across:

  • Occitanie
  • Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
  • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
  • Occasional inspections throughout the rest of France by arrangement

Whether you’re buying a village house, country farmhouse, château, apartment or renovation project, we’re happy to discusAnswer goes here.

Ready to Buy with Confidence?

A property purchase is one of the most significant investments you’ll make. An independent building survey provides the knowledge you need to make informed decisions, avoid unexpected costs, and plan for future maintenance or renovation.

Whether you’re purchasing a family home, holiday property, investment, or renovation project, MMS Inspect is here to provide clear, practical and impartial advice every step of the way.

Request your no-obligation quotation today. Simply complete the enquiry form, and we’ll contact you to discuss your property, recommend the most appropriate survey, and arrange a convenient inspection date.

Your partner for thorough, reliable home inspections.

jeremy@mmsinspect.com

Areas We Cover

MMS Inspect provides independent building surveys and property inspections for English-speaking buyers and property owners throughout France.

Our services are available across:

  • Occitanie
  • Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
  • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
  • Occasional inspections throughout the rest of France by arrangement

Whether you’re buying a village house, country farmhouse, château, apartment or renovation project, we’re happy to discuss your location and inspection requirements.

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