When it comes to buying or selling a property, it is important to have an accurate and reliable survey done to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting.
A property surveyor can provide you with an in-depth analysis of the property, including its boundaries, any potential issues, and its overall value.
However, not all property surveyors are created equal, so it is important to do your research and choose the right one for your needs.
Here, I’ll give you some tips and advice on how to choose a property surveyor.
How to find a property surveyor near me
1. Check for Licensure and Certification
Before you even consider hiring a property surveyor, make sure that they are licensed and certified.
This will ensure that they have the necessary qualifications and training to provide you with a reliable and accurate survey.
You can easily verify their licensure by contacting the appropriate regulatory body.
For example, in the UK you should ensure they’re RICS qualified. This is the certification given by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and ensure they adhere to certain standards.
A RICS chartered surveyor should be your first choice when picking the right person.
2. Look for Experience
While it may be tempting to hire a new and upcoming surveyor to save on costs, it is important to prioritise experience when choosing a property surveyor.
An experienced surveyor will have the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to identify any potential issues with the property and provide you with accurate information.
You can ask the surveyor how long they have been practicing and how many surveys they have completed in the past.
It’s important that they have experience surveying similar properties, so ask this too.
3. Ask for References
One of the best ways to gauge the reliability and accuracy of a property surveyor is by speaking with their past clients.
Ask the surveyor for references and follow up with them to see if they were satisfied with the service they received.
If possible, try to speak with clients who had similar needs to yours.
You can also check online for reviews left by previous customers. This is probably one of the quickest ways to gauge if a property surveyor is up to the job.
It’s also a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends and family, plus post messages on social media to reach out to people who may have previously used the surveyor.
You can also drop in at local estate agents’ offices to ask if they can recommend anyone they’ve work with before and trust to do a good job.
4. Check their Insurance
It is important to ensure that the property surveyor you hire has adequate insurance coverage.
This will protect you in case any errors or omissions are made during the survey process.
Ask the surveyor about their insurance coverage and verify it with their insurance provider.
5. Consider Cost
While cost should not be the sole factor in choosing a property surveyor, it is important to have a clear understanding of the fees involved.
Ask the surveyor for a detailed breakdown of the costs and compare it to other surveyors in your area.
Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best choice. It’s important to shop around for several different quotes.
A surveyor often charges a sliding scale of fees depending on the exact nature of the services required and how in-depth you’d like the report to be.
From my experience, for newer, well maintained properties you can often make do with a basic survey.
But any property that’s older or clearly in need of renovation needs a much more thorough examination before you decide to buy.
The three main surveys available are:
- A condition report – this is the most basic – and cheapest – kind of report. It’s ideal if you’re buying a newer property in good condition and are buying a home on a budget.
- A homebuyer’s survey – This covers a wider range of potential issues that could leave you with a hefty bill at a later stage.
- Full structural survey – this is the most expensive option but provides far more detail than the other reports and is seriously worth considering when look at older properties.
6. Hire a local surveyor
Choosing a local surveyor brings with it many benefits, including how flexible and efficient they are and how well they know properties that might be similar to yours.
You’re also more likely to get personal reviews from people you know or local online platforms. Both these things are invaluable when it comes to choosing a surveyor.
Also, a local surveyor will have a vested interest in doing the best job they can for local buyers as your likely to refer people to them, and leave reviews.
Independent property surveyors rely heavily on word of mouth and having a good reputation in the area they work.
Conclusion
Choosing a property surveyor is an important decision that can have significant financial and legal consequences.
By following my tips you can ensure that you choose a reliable and accurate surveyor that meets your needs.
