How to choose a homebuyer surveyor
A Homebuyer Survey is a RICS residential survey framework. These days, we refer to it as a Home Survey Level 2 after the RICS guidelines were updated a couple of years ago. These two terms are interchangeable. The world of residential surveying is filled with an awful lot of myths. We’ve addressed these in other articles, but the bottom line is that official RICS surveys are a vital part of moving home.
They can even be a significant part of homeowner maintenance, identifying problems and explaining the most cost-effective and quickest ways to fix them.
So, how do you choose a homebuyer surveyor? And how do you know if they’ll do a good job?
That’s what we’ll walk you through on this page.
RICS-registered surveyor
A Homebuyer Survey is a RICS survey. While anyone could technically copy the general structure, it’s designed for RICS surveyors.
A RICS surveyor is a chartered surveyor. This term is protected in the UK (whereas it isn’t in most other countries). If you see someone calling themselves a ‘chartered surveyor’, you should find an online record of them in the RICS database. They’ll either be a member or an associate.
You don’t have to use a RICS chartered surveyor for your survey. Others are more than capable of doing a brilliant job. However, by going with RICS, you’ll have reassurance on the following things:
- Qualifications– surveyors can only become RICS members if they have relevant qualifications and theoretical knowledge.
- Experience– to become a fully-fledged RICS-registered chartered surveyor, the individual must have completed three years of on-the-job training.
- Professionalism and ethics– as a condition of memberships, RICS surveyors must display professionalism and make morally sound decisions at all times on the job.
- Trust– RICS doesn’t hire just anyone. If a surveyor is a RICS member or associate, you can trust they’ll do a good job.
- Insurance– all chartered surveyors come with insurance, meaning you’re covered if something goes drastically wrong.
- Complaints procedure – because RICS regulates all its members, it has a complaints route if necessary. Independent or unregulated surveyors don’t have this.
Local presence
The second most crucial aspect of any residential surveyor is that they’re local.
Many surveyors or chartered surveyors work from large corporate offices in large cities like London, Birmingham or Manchester. They then travel around the country to the property in question, conduct the survey and/or Valuation, and return.
This approach is popular, but we feel a local presence is much more valuable. For starters, it’ll be cheaper, as there are fewer associated travel costs.
Secondly, and more importantly, the results are more likely to be accurate. Local surveyors understand the market better, meaning their Valuation will consider more factors. They’ll also know what common problems affect the area and that specific age and style of home.
Communication skills
A homebuyer surveyor needs to have top-notch communication skills. They’ll be explaining exactly what’s wrong (or not) with a property and what they recommend you do next. If their writing is unclear or indecisive, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed.
Check how you feel when you chat with chartered surveyors before instructing the Homebuyer Survey. Do they fill you with confidence? Do they explain things clearly or overcomplicate things or speak down to you?
Price point
The price of a Homebuyer Survey is always a factor. There’s no need to break the bank, though – expect to pay between £250 and £450, depending on location, property size, and value.
The investment is always worth it.
Although a cheap survey is always great, stick with believable figures. If someone offers you a Homebuyer Survey for £80, it’s probably too good to be true. You pay peanuts…
Testimonials
Finally, read testimonials. You might find these on the surveyor’s website or through a separate review company like Google or TrustPilot.
Testimonials are generally an excellent way to get an impression of the surveyor’s work. However, don’t take them as gospel – customers are much more likely to leave bad reviews than good ones, so things like star ratings aren’t always accurate insights.
GB Home Surveys provides trusted Homebuyer Surveys
Our chartered surveyors operate in local offices, including Bristol, Bath, Cornwall, Devon, the Cotswolds, Taunton, Cardiff, Birmingham, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
We offer an online, obligation-free Homebuyer Survey Quote Calculator. There’s no need to leave your contact information, and we’ll be sure to honour this price. Oh, and we also offer a price-match guarantee, showing how we’re committed to making Homebuyer Surveys affordable for everyone.
Do you have more questions? If so, please feel free to get in touch. We’d be delighted to have a commitment-free, friendly chat over email, WhatsApp, or the phone.
Use the form below to get in touch, or head over to the Contact page for more information.
