5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right RICS Surveyor

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. To ensure your investment is protected, it’s crucial to enlist the expertise of a qualified RICS surveyor. But with so many options available, how do you find the best surveyor for your needs?

Understanding the Role of a RICS Surveyor

Before diving into the selection process, let’s clarify what a RICS surveyor does. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a professional body that sets standards for surveyors worldwide. RICS surveyors are qualified professionals who provide expert advice on property value, condition, and potential defects.

1. Check RICS Accreditation:

The most important factor when choosing a surveyor is ensuring they are a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS accreditation guarantees that the surveyor has met rigorous standards of education, training, and experience.

2. Consider the Type of Survey:

Different types of surveys cater to different needs. Here’s a brief overview:

• Level 1 (Condition Report): A basic survey that provides a general overview of the property’s condition.
• Level 2 (Homebuyer Report): A more detailed survey that includes an assessment of potential defects and maintenance issues.
• Level 3 (Building Survey): The most comprehensive survey, suitable for older or more complex properties.

Choosing the survey type that best suits your property and budget is important, we would recommend that a Level 3 survey is used for house in single ownership, if the property is a flat we would suggest a Level 2 survey as access to communal areas like roofs and foundations (cellars) may not be possible at the time.

3. Ask for Recommendations:

Word-of-mouth recommendations can be invaluable when selecting a surveyor. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for referrals from their own home-buying experiences.

4. Interview Potential Surveyors:

Before making a decision, schedule interviews/calls with several potential surveyors. Ask about their experience, qualifications, and approach to surveys. A good surveyor should be able to explain the survey process clearly and answer any questions you may have.

5. Compare Fees and Timeframes:

While cost is important, it shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision. Compare the fees and timeframes of different surveyors to find the best value for your money. The cheaper the surveys may not be the best.  If a surveyor is visiting multiple properties on a day how long will he actually be in your property if you allow for travel time and surveying..

Additional Tips:

• Check Online Reviews: Look for online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of the surveyor’s reputation.
• Ask About Insurance: Ensure the surveyor has professional indemnity insurance to protect you in case of any errors or omissions.
• Don’t Rush the Process: Take your time to research and compare different surveyors to find the best fit for your needs.
• Check what is excluded: as the surveyor was is not covered by their report i.e. swimming pools.

Get in Touch

To schedule a call with our experienced RICS surveyors and ensure a smooth home-buying process, simply fill out our enquiry form or call us at:

Within London: 020 8622 5302

Outside of London: 01903 641 517

One Surveyor | One Survey | One Day

Let us help you make informed decisions and protect your investment.