Experienced Chartered Surveyor You Can Trust
Providing clear, professional property surveys and honest advice across Cheshire, the Wirral, Liverpool and North Wales.
Over 50 years of experience delivering reliable, independent property advice.
Meet Your Surveyor
Stephen Dodgson BSc, FRICS, MISVA, Dip (DEA), FInstCPD
Chartered Surveyor RICS Registered Valuer Building Pathologist
Member Independent Surveyors & Valuers Association
Honorary Dinner Secretary Chester Association of Property Professionals
President and Trustee 2nd West Kirby Sea Scout Group (Reg. Charity No. 507467)
Linda and Stephen Dodgson
Linda provides administrative backup to Steve
Trustee 2nd West Kirby Sea Scout Group (Reg. Charity No. 507467)
Stephen Dodgson BSc, FRICS, MISVA, Dip DEA, FInstCPD is the proprietor of Rainfords Chartered Surveyors & Valuers, with over 50 years of experience in residential property surveying and valuation.
Every survey is carried out personally by Stephen — not delegated — ensuring a thorough, bespoke and highly professional service from start to finish.
His extensive experience, attention to detail and long-standing reputation provide clients with clear advice, confidence, and peace of mind when making important property decisions.
You will deal directly with Stephen throughout — ensuring clear communication and a consistent, reliable service.
About our service
A Personal, Professional Service You Can Trust
Rainfords Chartered Surveyors is an independent firm providing residential property surveys and valuations across Cheshire, the Wirral, Chester, Liverpool and North Wales.
When you instruct us, you deal directly with an experienced Chartered Surveyor — not a call centre or a volume-driven national company. We believe in providing a personal, responsive service, focused on quality, clarity and honest advice.
Our Approach
Buying a property is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Our role is to give you a clear understanding of the property’s condition, helping you avoid unexpected costs and make informed decisions.
We take the time to:
- Carry out thorough, detailed inspections
- Provide clear, jargon-free reports
- Highlight defects, risks and potential costs
- Offer practical, straightforward advice
Our reports are designed to be easy to understand, while still delivering the depth and professionalism you would expect from a Chartered Surveyor.
Professional Standards You Can Rely On
All surveys are undertaken in accordance with the latest RICS Home Survey Standard (1st Edition).
As a RICS-regulated practice, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and technical competence.
Why Clients Choose Us
We are proud to be highly rated by our clients for:
- Professional, reliable service
- Clear and detailed reports
- Honest, unbiased advice
- Strong communication throughout
Much of our work comes from recommendations and repeat clients, reflecting the trust we build through every instruction.
Local Knowledge That Adds Value
We regularly carry out surveys across:
- Cheshire
- The Wirral
- Chester
- Liverpool
- North Wales
Our local experience means we understand common property types and issues in the area, from period homes to modern developments — allowing us to provide more relevant and practical advice.
A More Personal Alternative
Unlike larger firms, we focus on delivering a quality service rather than volume.
You will always have direct access to your surveyor, ensuring clear communication and a more straightforward, reliable experience from start to finish.
Get in Touch
If you are buying a property and need clear, professional advice, we are here to help.
Call today: 07403057975
About Rainfords Chartered Surveyors
Founded in 2008, Rainfords Chartered Surveyors has been built on a clear principle: putting our clients first in everything we do. Since then, we have consistently delivered a service that is thorough, dependable and tailored to each individual client, earning the trust of homeowners, buyers and property professionals across the region. Consequently, much of our work is generated through recommendations and repeat instructions.
However, unlike many firms that compete primarily on price, we focus on delivering quality without compromise. Every quotation is carefully considered to ensure the survey is carried out properly, addressing your specific requirements in full — rather than taking a “one size fits all” or lowest-cost approach.
In addition, we recognise that every client has different priorities, as well as varying property types and budgets. For this reason, we provide a range of RICS-compliant survey options, ensuring you receive the appropriate level of detail, clarity and professional support.
Ultimately, our objective is not to be the cheapest provider, but to be the most trusted and reliable Chartered Surveyor you can rely on when making important property decisions.
Contact Us Today
Freephone (both offices) 0800 612 7957 (from UK land line)
Direct line: 07403 057975
Email: steve.dodgson@live.co.uk