The Self Assessment Survey App Saving UK Homeowners Time and Money

Why Traditional Surveys Aren’t Always Ideal

When you’re short on time or facing delays with traditional inspections, a self assessment survey can be a real game changer. Many UK homeowners are discovering that booking a full in person survey isn’t always quick, cheap or convenient, especially when you just want to check on one or two things, like a roof issue, a snagging problem or a small defect. That’s where a remote property survey comes in.

Instead of waiting days or weeks for someone to visit, you can now use your phone to snap photos of the issue, upload them, and receive a professional report, all from the comfort of your home. It’s safe, fast, and surprisingly detailed.

This is made even easier with the MyHICH app, a free tool designed to streamline the process. It allows homeowners to carry out a self assessment using guided prompts and secure uploads. Your photos and descriptions are then reviewed by qualified professionals who prepare a full survey report within 24 hours.

For simple defects, maintenance concerns, or even early checks before a full property purchase, this type of survey saves both time and money. You don’t need to rearrange your day or deal with scheduling delays, everything happens on your terms.

What Is a Self Assessment Survey and How Does It Work?

A remote property survey gives homeowners the chance to get a professional opinion on property issues without needing a traditional site visit. Instead of waiting around for a surveyor to come out, you take control by capturing the issue yourself, usually with a smartphone, and sending it in for review.

The process is simple. You take clear photos of the problem area, whether it’s cracked plaster, signs of damp, roofing concerns, or something spotted after moving into a new build. Alongside the images, you provide a short description of what you’ve noticed. Once submitted, the information is assessed by qualified surveyors who prepare a report based on your input.

Even though the first step is DIY, the outcome is a professionally written document. The report explains what the issue could be, suggests how serious it might be, and includes guidance on how to fix it, including average repair costs and advice on who to contact.

It’s a practical option for many situations. Whether you’re dealing with a small issue that doesn’t seem urgent, or you’re managing a property remotely and want peace of mind, a remote property survey lets you act fast without extra appointments. It’s also ideal for those looking to flag a few concerns before committing to a full inspection.

To understand what’s included in a detailed property survey and how it can benefit you, take a look at our Building Surveying Report: What It Covers and Why You Need One. It will give you an in-depth look at how a building survey report can help uncover potential issues and provide peace of mind when buying or maintaining a property.

Benefits of a Self Assessment Survey for Homeowners

A remote property survey offers a long list of benefits for homeowners who want quick answers without unnecessary fuss. The biggest advantage? It saves time. Traditional surveys can take days or even weeks to arrange, especially during busy periods. With a self assessment, you can get the ball rolling straight away, no appointments, no delays.

Another major benefit is cost. A full building survey often comes with a higher price tag due to the need for travel, time on site, and paperwork. Self assessment options remove those overheads, giving you access to expert advice at a more affordable fixed rate. It’s a smart option if you’ve got one or two concerns and don’t need a full property inspection.

It also offers more flexibility. If you’re a landlord managing multiple properties or someone who lives remotely from the site, being able to carry out an initial survey without physically being there can be a real game changer. Just upload images of the issue and wait for a professional to assess them.

Privacy and convenience matter too. You don’t need to rearrange your day, tidy the house, or wait around for someone to turn up. You remain in full control of when and how you provide the information.

Finally, self assessment surveys help you catch issues early. Whether it’s a snagging problem in a new home or a roof concern after a storm, you get an expert opinion quickly, which can save you from bigger bills later.

When used at the right time, this approach offers peace of mind and clear direction. It’s proof that not every problem needs a full scale visit to be understood, and that reliable, remote guidance can be just as valuable when done right.

What Makes the MyHICH App Different?

While there are other digital tools in the property world, what sets the MyHICH platform apart is how practical and personal it feels. It’s not just a form filling tool or a basic feedback service, it’s built to deliver a proper self assessment survey, guided by professional standards.

One of its strongest features is speed. Once you’ve uploaded your photos and descriptions, the team behind the scenes gets to work straight away. Most reports are delivered within 24 hours, giving you answers without having to wait days or chase follow ups. That speed is especially useful if you’re in the middle of a purchase, dealing with a potential dispute, or need advice before repairs.

There’s also confidence in knowing who’s reviewing your submission. Every report is assessed by qualified surveyors and building engineers, not automated software or call centre staff. This adds real value, as it means you’re getting tailored insight from someone who understands the details, not just a generic summary.

Unlike some other home survey apps on the market, the focus here is on clear recommendations. Reports aren’t just technical; they include what to do next, potential costs, and even suggestions on the types of contractors you might need. That makes them genuinely useful for planning repairs, negotiating with sellers, or speaking to insurers.

It’s also helpful that the process works well for both small and more serious concerns. Whether you’re checking a damp patch in the hallway or a leak on the roof, this tool allows you to explain what’s going on, and get trusted feedback fast.

In a property world that can often feel slow and outdated, this kind of remote property survey approach feels fresh, efficient and designed with the user in mind.

The MyHICH app makes it easy for homeowners to quickly assess property concerns and receive a professional report without needing an in person visit. Simply take photos of any issues, upload them, and get detailed feedback within 24 hours. For more information on how the app works and to get started, check out the MyHICH app page.

When to Use a Self Assessment Survey vs Full Building Inspection

Not every property issue needs a full building inspection. In fact, a remote property survey can be the perfect solution for certain types of concerns, but knowing when to use one over the other can save both time and money.

If you’ve spotted something small but concerning, like hairline cracks in the wall, damp marks, condensation, or minor damage after recent bad weather, a self assessment is a good first step. You can upload images, give a short description, and get an expert opinion without having to bring someone out. It’s also ideal for follow ups, when you want a second opinion after a repair or need to monitor a recurring issue.

This option is especially helpful for remote property surveys, where access is limited or the property is vacant. Landlords, buyers in chains, and second home owners often find this approach much easier to manage.

That said, there are times when an in person building inspection is the better option. If you’re buying a property and want a full condition report, dealing with structural concerns, or planning major renovation work, you’ll want a detailed site survey. These give a much broader overview and can uncover hidden issues that aren’t visible in photos.

It’s also worth noting that some lenders, insurers, or legal processes may require a full inspection to meet formal criteria. In those cases, a traditional survey is a must.

The two options can even work hand in hand. A self assessment can highlight early issues or help prioritise concerns, giving you a head start before booking a full inspection. Either way, the goal is the same, to help you make clear, confident decisions about your property.

FAQs

Q: How accurate is a self assessment survey?
A: Your report is assessed by qualified professionals who review every detail you submit, offering reliable insight based on the information provided.

Q: Who can use this type of survey?
A: Homeowners, landlords, buyers, or anyone needing advice on a specific issue, it’s flexible and user friendly.

Q: How quickly will I get my report?
A: In most cases, you’ll receive a full written report within 24 hours.

Q: Do I need special equipment?
A: No, just a smartphone to take clear photos and a short description of the issue.