Finding a surveyor

SG27

We may finally have found a house to buy! Should we get offer accepted tomorrow I think I pretty much know the whole process now except the survey. Obviously we want our own survey done, a full structural one as the house is old. But where do I start about finding a surveyor? Is it just a case of looking up local surveyors and getting quotes and going with the cheapest? Is cheapest best??

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Fire_Fox

Many people get the lenders surveyor to do a full structural instead of just a valuation. Otherwise get a recommendation from a colleague, neighbour, relative or friend - the quality and quantity of the end result does vary.

nic_santorini

if you are getting a mortgage it might be that your mortgage provider will tell you who they want to do it. I know first direct do, I had my done today!! First direct prices are pretty competitive too. Make sure you don't instruct one and then your mortgage provider makes you do their one, you could end up with two costs!!

SG27

nic_santorini wrote: »

if you are getting a mortgage it might be that your mortgage provider will tell you who they want to do it. I know first direct do, I had my done today!! First direct prices are pretty competitive too. Make sure you don't instruct one and then your mortgage provider makes you do their one, you could end up with two costs!!

From what I understand they will do a valuation survey but I want a full structural survey done for myself. Preferably with someone local who I can speak with if need be rather than the bank.

propertyman

http://www.rics.org/Global/Downloads/RICS_Home_Surveys_Information_Sheet.pdf

Will be of help in choosing. If it is an older property or needs repair, you may want to disucss arranging more complicated tests such as electrical drain and plumbing tests at the same time, via the surveyor.

In these cases having one firm do both has advantages as issues needing further investigation are only highlighted in a valuation report, they can instead be addressed at the same time

They can also advise you on your proposals to convert the loft or extend the ground floor etc.

You can use the lender's service or as long as the firm can provide a valuation for the lender one of the firms to be found here.
http://www.ricsfirms.com/

ruggedtoast

http://www.localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk/

Just choose the second cheapest one. Job done.

MelaBella

SG27 wrote: »

From what I understand they will do a valuation survey but I want a full structural survey done for myself. Preferably with someone local who I can speak with if need be rather than the bank.

the same survey who do valuation can do a homebuyers report. i dont know how about the other lenders but my lender offered me 3 types of survey, i have chosen homebuyers report, I was given the surveyers company detilas my report was downloaded online and once i came up with the question i asked the surveyer directly. i didnt have to ask them through the bank.
you will save money by doign 2 reports by the same person.Anyways survey just flags the problem and iof yu need any further investigation you will be refereed to other specialists, so plan the costs

silvercar

Best way is to get a full survey done privately and just pay for a mortgage valuation. I would get a surveyor on recommendation rather than just use the mortgage company's guy. I would also not have the mortgage valuation done until I had spoken to the surveyor, that way if the surveyor tells you to not touch it you haven't wasted the valuation fee.