RICS or chartered architect for building survey?

sirhobo

Sorry about the slightly lengthy description! I'm an FTB and have had an offer accepted on a basement flat that looks a bit dated but generally in ok shape in all other ways to an untrained eye (me). I'm having a building/full structural survey done but have a choice of two options. Which do you think would be better?

(1) a RICS registered chartered surveyor appointed by Miller Metcalfe, who have good reviews on reallymoving.com

or

(2) a chartered architect and building surveyor (Marcel Blum; not RICS), also with good reviews on reallymoving.com

The architect suggested that only he would be able to give reliable costings that could help with reducing the purchase price if necessary because he has (more) real-world practical experience (building sites, property redevelopment etc) PLUS he would be in a better position to give advice about potential for extension, internal redesign.

We might consider some redesigning at some point because the bathroom and kitchen are small, but reception large - it would be interesting to know what is possible in terms of different layouts that maximise space. But otherwise my hunch is to go with option (1)

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Yorkie1

I'd have thought that option (1) would give you advice & peace of mind about the structural soundness of the property. Option (2) will focus more on the building's possibilities for redevelopment. I don't know whether (2) would be protected by insurance if there were structural problems with the property later on.

I have always associated RICS with house buying surveys and would choose (1) for that reason but it depends why you want the survey.

Bear in mind also that if you're buying with a mortgage, the lender will appoint a surveyor to conduct a valuation survey for the lender's benefit anyway. Most people simply pay the added cost to the same surveyor to carry out the housebuyer or full structural survey for them. If you pay for your own surveyor then there will two separate surveyors' visits to pay for so more expensive.

sirhobo

Yorkie1 wrote: »

I'd have thought that option (1) would give you advice & peace of mind about the structural soundness of the property. Option (2) will focus more on the building's possibilities for redevelopment. I don't know whether (2) would be protected by insurance if there were structural problems with the property later on.

I have always associated RICS with house buying surveys and would choose (1) for that reason but it depends why you want the survey.

Bear in mind also that if you're buying with a mortgage, the lender will appoint a surveyor to conduct a valuation survey for the lender's benefit anyway. Most people simply pay the added cost to the same surveyor to carry out the housebuyer or full structural survey for them. If you pay for your own surveyor then there will two separate surveyors' visits to pay for so more expensive.

Thanks Yorkie1, I hadn't thought about insurance. Looking at his quote, he says his firm "carries professional indemnity cover for £1 million on each and every claim basis". Is that the same type of insurance that a surveyor would carry?

I think the two main advantages of option 2 are (a) he estimates costs for work needed and prioritises them - would a chartered surveyor do this?; and (b) he can provide architectural advice

sirhobo

sirhobo wrote: »

Thanks Yorkie1, I hadn't thought about insurance. Looking at his quote, he says his firm "carries professional indemnity cover for £1 million on each and every claim basis". Is that the same type of insurance that a surveyor would carry?

I think the two main advantages of option 2 are (a) he estimates costs for work needed and prioritises them - would a chartered surveyor do this?; and (b) he can provide architectural advice

So I learned that the RICS registered chap won't cost out work needed; instead he'll recommend follow-up with builders. I went for the architect in the end...hope I don't regret it

Diego*

Dear Sirhobo,
I'm in exactly the same situation. I have received quotes from a RICS Registeted Sureryor an Marcel Blum who is a registered architect but who has experience in structural surveys.

After reading Marcel's reviews & scope of work, I wanted to go with him but as he is not RICS registered (although registered architect), I'm having doubts.

Was it a wise move to go with the architect? Can someone please advice?

Thanks

thamtham

Hi,

How was Marcel Blum's services. Thinking of appointing him for survey to look at a basement flat for us.
Thanks