Once you’ve found a house or flat you want to make an offer on, you will need to find a surveyor to carry out the correct type of property survey. The best way to find a surveyor is by comparison websites that you trust. You should only choose an RICS regulated surveyor to ensure you receive a high standard of service from a surveyor with in-depth knowledge of the surveying industry.
How to Choose a Surveyor
Knowing how to find a reliable chartered surveyor can be tricky. If they are regulated by RICS, you know you can relax. Don’t be afraid to ask your surveyor questions to know exactly what they’ll be doing for you.
A study by RICS revealed that 4 in 5 homeowners bought their property without having a survey, leading to significant repair bills later down the line. You shouldn’t underestimate the value of finding a qualified and verified surveyor.
Here are some other ways to find a good surveyor.
- Accreditations
You should only hire a chartered surveyor that’s regulated by RICS. They will be fully qualified surveyors, giving you peace of mind throughout the survey. Before choosing your surveyor, you could ask them for more information on their surveying experience and service for further peace of mind. Use the search tool on RICS to ensure your surveyor is accredited.
- Recommendations
Ask your family and friends if they can recommend a surveyor that they’ve previously used. You can trust your family and friends to only put you in touch with a good surveyor. You’ll be reassured knowing that they did a good job for someone you trust.
- Price
You should compare surveying costs to get the best price for the job. Be wary if a company is offering their service at a low price as there is a good chance there could be hidden fees, or they could be offering a poor service with rushed inspections and low-quality reports. Be careful if a company is offering a high price too, they could be ripping you off. Many people opt to go for the middle ground and compare surveyors.
- Reviews
Check, check, and triple-check the surveyor’s reviews before you make a decision. Look for a company that has mainly 5-star reviews. It goes without saying, you should avoid companies that have generally bad reviews at all costs.
Where to Find a Surveyor
Finding the right surveyor when you’re looking to buy a house will give you peace of mind throughout the process. Below we list the best methods to find a reliable and verified surveyor to help with your house purchase.
- Comparison Websites
Using a comparison website to find a surveyor is the safest way to go about it. You’ll be provided with a few choices of chartered surveyors to take your pick from. When you’re looking for a surveyor, Compare My Move will connect you with up to 5 surveyors so you can compare surveying quotes, getting the best possible price for the survey.
- Local Surveying Companies
It’ll make more sense to choose a surveyor that is local to you. They will have more knowledge of the local area and could come in handy if you’re buying a listed building or a less conventional property.
- Independent Surveyors
You’re likely to get a better service for your surveying cost if you pick an independent surveyor rather than a large company. Big surveying firms are carrying out hundreds of surveys a day and will lack a personalized service, whereas an independent surveyor will take the time to get to know the property and your situation, and will usually be happy to help with follow-up help and advice.
It’s usually best to have your own ‘independent’ expert who is not related to the transaction and is truly ‘independent of the sale. Many of the larger firms rely on successful sales to help them sell related services, such as mortgage valuations, insurance, conveyancing, and the like, and have reciprocal work-sharing arrangements with other large firms offering these services. Many vendors prefer to find their own surveyor who they instruct directly, and who does not receive any incentives from other parties who might be related to the sale.
- Specialist Services
If the property you’re going to be buying has complications or requires specific specialist care and knowledge, you can narrow down your search for a surveyor. If the property has a damp problem, see if your surveyor can also offer a damp survey, too. This won’t always be possible, but it’s always a good idea to talk to the surveyor and see if they can pay particular attention to any specific concerns that you have
What to Look for When Finding a Surveyor
There are certain factors you should consider when you’re looking for a surveyor. Your requirements will depend on your situation and the type of property you’re buying. Below are the requirements that you should make sure your surveyor should have before choosing one.
Your surveyor should:
– Be regulated by RICS.
– Be experienced and qualified.
– Be able to carry out the specific survey you need.
– Be knowledgeable in your local area.
– Have good reviews.
– Not charge too much or too little for the survey. You should expect to get what you pay for and you are looking to engaging a competent professional, so you should expect to pay a fair price for the survey report.
