Different Types of Surveyor.

Types of Survey

Just as there are different types of surveys there are different types of surveyors.

Everyone who has ever enquired about building surveys will have heard of RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) who are without doubt very highly qualified and respected professionals. RICS are a worldwide authority on all matters concerned with the built environment and there are many paths a RICS surveyor can take –

For instance  they can be involved in –

Building Surveys.

Asset Management.

Boundary Disputes.

Party Wall Act.

Project Management.

Structural Building Surveys.

Charities Act.

Listed Building Advice.

Compulsory Purchase.

& much more.

SAVA (Surveyors and Valuers Association) certified building surveyors specialise in producing condition reports  for residential property. The Home Condition Survey is a very comprehensive and easily readable report on the condition of the building, it covers things that you need to know, like –

Structural Movement

Roof Problems

Damp Problems

Drains

Services etc.

SAVA Building Surveyors are fully trained in building pathology and reporting methods, they are fully accountable in the same way as RICS surveyors and are fully insured.

On the subject of ‘do I need a survey’.

A lot of homebuyers are under the impression that the Mortgage Valuation Survey is a Condition Report and a significant number of people believe that the Estate Agent is somehow acting for them.

Consequently a lot of people make the decision to buy on the basis of little more than kicking the tyres. So I would say ‘yes you do need a survey’.

When should I instruct a surveyor.

As soon as your offer is accepted.( always make your offer ‘subject to survey’) This gives time for the surveyor to act and also time for you to carefully consider the report. It allows you time to obtain quotes for any remedial work and to review your offer if necessary.  We have conducted building surveys for people who decide not to have a survey and then at the last minute get itchy feet and instruct us just as they should be exchanging contracts. People get very upset at that point and we are not popular with the Estate Agents even though its not our fault.

We have conducted surveys while the sellers are packing and I can assure you the atmosphere is tense. So have a heart!

Thanks for reading.

Tony.