Whether you are planning to buy or sell a property or invest in real estate, having a qualified and reliable RICS surveyor by your side is crucial in all cases. A RICS surveyor is a chartered professional who can provide expert advice on the condition and value of a property, helping you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
However, there are so many options, so finding the right RICS surveyor for your needs is challenging. In this guide, I will walk you through the essential steps to help you find a RICS surveyor. From understanding the importance of RICS accreditation to knowing what to look for in a surveyor, I've got you covered. Read on to learn!
What is RICS?
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is a globally recognized professional body for monitoring and regulating chartered surveyors specializing in land, property, construction, and infrastructure. RICS sets professional conduct standards, provides training, and promotes best practices in surveying. Hiring an RICS-accredited surveyor ensures you receive expert services that are aligned with these high standards.
At Gago Movers, we understand the importance of having partners during property transitions. Choosing professionals like RICS surveyors guarantees that your property-related decisions are well-informed and safeguarded. For seamless house removals, partnering with trusted surveyors and moving services ensures every step of the process goes as planned.
How to Find a RICS Surveyor
1. Must Be Regulated by RICS or RPSA
For Level 2, Level 3, and Valuation Reports, make sure the surveyor you select is regulated by RICS. This is the primary requirement before considering other factors. Additionally, for specialized services like Snagging Surveys or Party Wall Surveys, ensure they are accredited by either RICS or the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA). You can verify their accreditation using the search tool on the RICS website.
2. Experience Matters
Review the surveyor’s experience, which is often highlighted on their website. While newly qualified surveyors can be competent, hiring one with diverse experience may be advantageous for complex cases. If you're uncertain after reviewing their portfolio, ask for additional details about their experience to make an informed choice.
3. Seek Recommendations
Recommendations from friends and family who have previously used a surveyor can be invaluable. Personal referrals provide confidence, knowing that the surveyor has delivered satisfactory results for someone you trust.
4. Pricing Considerations
Watch out when you're dealing with surveyors who are either charging way too much or way too little. You might end up with extra charges or being ripped off. Try to keep things clear by looking at different quotes to make sure you're getting a fair deal. For example, at Gago Movers as a London house movers, we're all about being open about prices, and we even suggest surveyors who are just as upfront about their costs.
5. Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Check reviews and testimonials to assess a surveyor’s credibility. Surveyors with predominantly positive feedback often provide reliable services. On the other hand, consistent negative reviews are a red flag.
6. Local Knowledge
Opt for a surveyor with local expertise. A local professional understands the nuances of the property market in your area, adding valuable insights during the assessment. This can be especially beneficial when purchasing unique or listed properties. While larger companies may offer broad coverage, their lack of local familiarity could affect the depth of their evaluations.
Where to Find a Surveyor?
Securing the services of the right surveyor when purchasing a house can offer peace of mind that you will invest in a good property at the right price. But this is only possible when you find a professional surveyor for this. The following are some reliable ways to find a trustworthy and accredited surveyor.
1. Comparison Websites
If you use a comparison website, this can be a reliable approach to finding a surveyor. You get multiple options of chartered surveyors to choose from against different criteria. For instance, with Compare My Move, you can engage with up to 6 surveyors, enabling you to compare quotes and secure the best possible price for your survey.
2. Local Surveying Companies
Selecting a surveyor who is local to your area makes logical sense. They are more familiar with the local region and can be particularly valuable if you're purchasing a listed building or a unique property requiring specialized knowledge. A local surveyor can provide added expertise and insights tailored to the specific nuances of the property market in your area.
3. Independent Surveyors
It is highly beneficial to engage an independent expert who is completely independent of the transaction. Big corporations frequently rely on successful sales to market their associated services, such as mortgage assessments, insurance, and property transfer, and they may also have collaborative work-sharing agreements with other major firms that provide these services.
On the other hand, an independent surveyor is not influenced by such potential conflicts of interest and can provide unbiased and impartial advice, ensuring that their recommendations are solely based on the property's condition and your best interests.
4. Specialist Services
Suppose the property you are considering purchasing has unique complexities or requires specialized expertise. In such a case, it's essential to tamp down your search for a surveyor accordingly. For instance, if the property has a known damp problem, consider finding a surveyor who can also conduct a damp survey.
While not always feasible, it's worth discussing your specific concerns with the surveyor to see if they can provide particular attention to those areas during the survey. This proactive approach ensures that any specific issues or concerns you may have about the property are thoroughly addressed, providing you with comprehensive and tailored insights into the property's condition.
5. Mortgage Adviser/Lender
Your lender or mortgage adviser often maintains a list of affiliated surveyors with whom they regularly work. They may recommend a surveyor from this list, or you can choose to find your own. It's worth noting that these affiliated surveyors are typically large UK companies with surveyors based in multiple locations.
While they may offer convenience and familiarity with the mortgage process, it's still important to thoroughly evaluate their qualifications, experience, and reputation to ensure you choose a reliable and competent surveyor for your specific property purchase.
When Do I Need a Surveyor?
A property surveyor may be needed in various situations to conduct a comprehensive inspection of a property and provide expert assessments, advice, and reports. Here are some common scenarios when you may need to hire a surveyor for a property survey:
1. When purchasing a home
When buying a property, especially an older or unique one, a survey is often recommended to assess its condition, identify any potential issues, and provide a detailed report. Doing this can help you make an informed decision about the property's value, necessary repairs or maintenance, and any risks or liabilities associated with the purchase.
2. Home Renovation or Remodeling
Suppose you're planning to renovate or remodel a property. In that case, a property survey can assess the property's structural integrity, provide advice on the feasibility of the project, and ensure compliance with building regulations and codes. They can also offer guidance on property boundary issues, access rights, and other legal or technical aspects related to the renovation or remodeling work.
3. Property disputes or legal matters
In case of property disputes, such as boundary disputes, right-of-way issues, or easement disputes, a property survey can provide expert opinions, measurements, and evidence to support your case in court. They can also assist with land surveys, valuations, and other technical assessments required for property-related legal matters.
4. Property management or maintenance
If you own or manage a property, a survey can be useful for conducting regular inspections to assess its condition, identify maintenance needs, and provide recommendations for repairs or improvements. Doing this can help ensure the property is well-maintained, compliant with regulations, and safe for occupants or users.
5. Insurance or Financial Purposes
Property surveys can also be required for insurance purposes, mortgage financing, taxation, or other financial requirements. A property survey can help determine the value of your property, assess risks or liabilities, and comply with legal or financial regulations.
By considering these key points, you can confidently choose a qualified RICS surveyor who aligns with your needs, offering peace of mind and reliable guidance throughout your property transaction. For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Gago Movers for trusted advice and services that meet your moving and property needs.