“Surveyor” covers several different professions, and knowing which one you need saves time and money. Here is what chartered surveyors actually do – and which type to call for your situation.
What does a chartered surveyor do?
A chartered surveyor is a property professional qualified through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – the letters MRICS or FRICS after their name – bound by RICS standards, inspected regulation and mandatory professional indemnity insurance. Depending on specialism, they inspect and report on the condition of buildings, value property, resolve boundary and party wall matters, manage construction projects, and give expert evidence in disputes.
The main types of surveyor
- Building surveyor – inspects condition and defects: Level 2 HomeBuyer Surveys, Level 3 Building Surveys, defect and damp investigations.
- Valuer (Registered Valuer) – produces Red Book valuations for probate, tax, matrimonial and legal purposes.
- Party wall surveyor – administers the Party Wall etc. Act 1996: notices, schedules and awards.
- Quantity surveyor – construction costs and contracts (a different profession from building surveying).
- Expert witness surveyor – independent evidence for court in property disputes.
When should you use one?
Before buying (survey), before building near a boundary (party wall), when HMRC or a court needs a figure (valuation), when defects or damp appear (defect survey), and the moment a property dispute turns legal (expert witness). In every case the value is the same: an independent professional opinion that stands up – to a seller, an insurer, a neighbour or a judge.
Not sure which surveyor you need? Describe the situation and we will tell you honestly – call 020 4579 8270 or get a quote online.