If you are buying or selling a property, looking to re-mortgage, invest or simply need to know what repairs you need, then inevitably the question of "how to choose a surveyor?' comes up.
In this article, we're going to look at the 5 critical factors to help you get the right surveyor for your job.
Not all surveyors are born equal. There are 5 critical factors to consider when selecting the right surveyor for your property project, including:
Before we explore each of these elements in more detail, let's quickly look at why you need a surveyor, how they can help and what they can do.
When acquiring a property it's always worthwhile securing advice from an RICS regulated surveyor.
Whilst it's not a legal requirement to use a surveyor, in practice if you don't employ the expertise of a fully qualified local surveyor, then your purchase is potentially in jeopardy with significant cost implications.
Why? Because the skill they bring to property valuations, their technical knowledge of construction and building pathology and related issues, make them indispensable.
Engaging a property professional can guarantee the success of your purchase or prevent you from making a costly error.
So, with this in mind let's consider what you need to look for when commissioning a surveyor.
It may seem obvious, but having a local surveyor with detailed knowledge of the types of property, potential pitfalls specific to your local area and the property market within your area is invaluable.
It's a question we get asked many times. Which qualifications and accreditations should an RICS surveyor have? Of all the factors when looking at how to choose a surveyor, this is probably the most important.
They are the governing organisation of chartered and associate RICS surveyors.
"The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is a professional body promoting and enforcing the highest international standards in the valuation, management and development of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure."
You can check out their guiding principles - RICS: Upholding Professional Standards.
When you choose an accredited RICS regulated surveyor not only do you secure the expertise of a regulated professional, but the strict codes of practice and conduct set out by RICS. This ensures they have the skills and continuous professional development to advise you appropriately.
If you want to know more about the significant benefits you'll enjoy from instructing an RICS surveyor, check out our article, Why Choose An RICS Accredited Surveyor.
There are a number of different types of survey you can choose, the main four being;
At Camsure we have you covered with all four surveys. For more information, why not get in touch.
Just like people, different property types of all ages come with their own set of concerns and idiosyncrasies. Choosing a local surveyor who has expertise in the type of property you wish to purchase is vitally important.
It's never been easier to check on the quality of the surveyor. Yes, you can research their credentials through word of mouth, but a simpler and more informative way is to research their testimonials and reviews from independent trusted sites such as Trustpilot.
At Camsure Home Surveys we are proud to confirm we are 5* rated with Trustpilot.
So, these were the 5 critical factors in how to choose a surveyor. If you had to choose one element, choosing an RICS regulated surveyor is probably the most important.
You can always Google "RICS surveyor near me" or access the RICS website and research their member's list.
At Camsure Home Surveys we have local RICS surveyors across many parts of the UK, who have experience in your local area.
All of Camsure's surveyors are RICS qualified and regulated and pride themselves upon their local knowledge and expertise.
You can find a surveyor near you easily by visiting Areas We Cover.
RICS - www.rics.org
"We have used Camsure twice recently and both times we received an excellent service from start to finish. The whole process from initial contact to receiving your report is seamless and Camsure are very competitive on price. John Roberts, our surveyor in the North West area, was excellent, we can't praise him enough. John's report and follow up telephone conversations were invaluable in helping us with the decision making process. Highly recommend their services. "
Tracy R - Oct 1st, 2021
"Very easy to book, with appointments available in our required timescale. Report was prompt and comprehensive. Would definitely recommend. "
Susan Horton - 28th Sept, 2021
Homebuyer Reports, Help to Buy Valuations & Building Surveys
Our RICS accredited surveyor operates in Cambridge, Ely, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend-on-Sea, Kings Lynn, Peterborough, Bedford, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Hertford, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Luton.
Our RICS accredited surveyor operates in Dartford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Dover, Folkstone, Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton, Worthing, Croydon, Bromley, Wimbledon, Kingston Upon Thames, Reigate and Redhill, Crawley, Guilford, Basingstoke, Reading, Oxford, Swindon, Newbury, Salisbury, Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Camsure Home Surveys cover most of Devon and Cornwall.
Our RICS accredited surveyor operates in Bournemouth, Poole, Bath, Bristol, Taunton, Dorchester, Yeovil, Plymouth, Truro, Penzance, St Austell, St Ives and Falmouth..
Our RICS accredited surveyor operates in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Stourbridge, Dudley, Kidderminster, Telford, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Coventry, Northampton, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Lincoln.
Our RICS accredited surveyor operates in Doncaster, Sheffield, Kingston upon Hull, Leeds, Bradford, York, Harrogate, Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield.
Our RICS accredited surveyor operates in Sunderland, Berwick upon Tweed, Newcastle upon Tyne, Leeds and the Cathedral City of Durham. Other towns Include Tyneside, Gateshead, Stockton on Tees, Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland.
Our RICS accredited surveyor operates in Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Blackpool, Warrington, Bolton, Blackburn, Lancaster, Stockport and Crewe.