James Barnes Associates T/A JBA Surveying

Local Expertise from Our Family to Yours

We aren't just surveyors; we are your neighbours. Based between Yeovil and Taunton, our team of three qualified surveyors lives and works right here in Somerset and Dorset. Since 2009, we’ve helped thousands of buyers navigate the local property market with confidence, providing the professional support needed for the most expensive purchase of their lives.

We believe a survey should be more than a tick-box exercise. It’s about giving you the peace of mind that your investment is sound. While lenders often rely on basic valuations, we dive deeper to ensure you aren't left with a "false economy" of hidden repair costs.

Led by James Barnes: 40 Years of Property Insight

Our Director, James Barnes (BSc Hons, MRICS), brings over four decades of experience to every instruction. Having started his career in the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), James combines deep technical knowledge of building construction with a master’s understanding of property value. This dual expertise is rare and ensures that our valuations are as robust as our structural inspections.

Specialists in the West Country’s Unique Heritage

Many surveyors shy away from "non-standard" construction. We lean in. We have undergone specialist training to provide expert guidance on properties that define our region:

• Cob Construction: We understand the unique structural needs of earth-walled buildings.
• Thatched Roofs: We provide up-to-date guidance on maintenance and fire safety.
• Listed Buildings: We navigate the complexities of heritage regulations and traditional repairs.
• Renovation Projects: We identify the risks in properties that have been significantly altered or extended.

"The message for home buyers is clear; a home is the most expensive purchase you will ever make, and going down a cheaper route will be a false economy if works are required."

Clear, Actionable Reports

We know that property jargon can be overwhelming. That’s why our reports are designed to be accessible. Our RICS Level 2 reports use a simple traffic light system to highlight urgent defects, while our Level 3 Building Surveys provide a comprehensive diagnosis of a property's condition, complete with colour photographs and remedial options.

We aim to have your full document completed within ten working days, but we don't make you wait that long for the headlines—we typically provide verbal feedback within two days of the inspection.

Professional Valuations for Every Purpose

Beyond surveys, we are RICS Registered Valuers. We provide RICS Red Book-compliant reports for a wide range of requirements, including Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, Probate,

Available for services in the following postcode sectors: