Some tips on how to select your Surveyor
Experience
There is no substitute for experience – Beware, some larger surveying firms use trainees to carry out the inspection and the principal or director “signs off” the report and may not have seen the property. Our Directors have years of experience surveying residential properties and we know the problems to look for and what advice to give. We do not use assistants or trainees to inspect the property.
Local Knowledge
Some firms will travel out of their normal geographical area of operation to do a survey – not only will they have limited knowledge of the local area but their Professional Indemnity may not be cover them for “out of area work”. The surveyor’s local knowledge is very important – there can be local ground problems, local flooding, local construction methods such as the use of cob walling etc. an out of area surveyor is unlikely to have this knowledge. If your surveyor is travelling more than 20 miles to survey the property you are buying you should think again about your choice.
Independent
Some of the larger Estate Agency firms own or are connected to surveying companies. If one of these surveying firms is carrying out a survey on a house sold by their parent company - will the surveyor act impartially? As a completely independently owned surveying firm we will act on your behalf giving you impartial and independent advice.
Regulated by RICS
Choose a firm which is Regulated by RICS. This ensures that the chosen firm is monitored regularly by the RICS monitoring department. You therefore know that the firm will comply fully in respect of all RICS Regulations such as Professional Indemnity Insurance, Complaints Handling Procedure etc.
Cost of the survey
Cost of the survey is of course important. But the cheapest will not necessarily be the best. If your selection is based on price make doubly sure that the surveyor you choose fulfils the above basic criteria.
Pre Survey consultation
The RICS recommend that the surveyor has a “pre survey” discussing with you. This is intended to, firstly, identify precisely which survey is most appropriate for the property you are buying. Secondly, identify any particular concerns you may have, thirdly to agree a fee and timescales. It is at this point that you should ensure that the surveyor meets the above criteria as well as being approachable and a good communicator. The report that he prepares needs to clearly communicate to you the condition of the property and his/her recommendations – it is important that it is not full of technical information or jargon that you cannot understand. Once you have received the report you may seek clarification on one or more issues. Good communication at this point is also necessary. If you still have doubts about your surveyor then check this out: www.ricsfirms.com.
Why Homesurv?
Incorporating Russell Francis & Co., we are a firm of long established independent Chartered Surveyors. With offices in Northampton and Peterborough we cover the areas of Northamptonshire, North Cambridgeshire, South Lincolnshire, South Leicestershire and Milton Keynes.
We specialise in providing reports and advice to the home buyer including the RICS Homebuyer Survey, Building Survey and Market Valuation and we are well known in the region for our professional approach and quality of service. We aim to provide a fast friendly service with concise jargon free reports at a competitive price. Homesurv Ltd is Regulated by RICS. All our surveys are covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance, to offer you extra protection.
For more information concerning the Homebuyer Survey or details on fees, please contact us.
01604 882522
