Choosing a good surveyor - what would you ask?

clockworkplanet

Morning all

I’m in the process of buying a house (FTB) and now at the stage where I need to choose a surveyor and would like advice if anyone has opinions they’d like to share.

The house was built in the 1930s and I plan to get a level 3 building survey by a RICS accredited surveyor. I had some quotes using the ReallyMoving website but not sure how to choose one I’ll be satisfied with. I don’t know anyone who has bought anything other than a new build in the last two decades so haven’t had any useful personal recommendations. 

My plan is to call the ones that look most promising to get a feel for whether they’ll be easy to work with and seem reliable. I have a list of parts of the house I’m particularly interested in, but would love to hear if you have suggestions for questions you might ask a prospective surveyor/surveying company. Especially questions you wish you had asked in the past or anything you think would be a red flag!

canaldumidi

clockworkplanet said:

...... I have a list of parts of the house I’m particularly interested in,......

Many surveyors, especially the cheaper onesorthose working via large online outfits, will just do a bog-standard survey, whether you choose level 1, level 2 or whatever. They'll have a process and follow it.

Others will be more flexible, and will either tailor a survey to your requirements,or focus/report on specific areas/questions you might have.

My last (aborted) purchase was for a house needing extensive renovation, so I asked the surveyor to comment on the feasibility of knocking down a wall, moving plumbing from A to B, and various other plans I had.

If you want anything similar, speak tothe surveyor before instructing and check a) he's happy to look at and comment on what you want and b) whether hs basic fee will include this or increase.

youth_leader

Could you go onto the local community Facebook page and ask?

I'd also have a damp/timber survey, I wish I'd had one. I've been caught out here after a L3, which had the clauses that the subfloor couldn't be inspected, all fully fitted carpets.  1930's bungalow with a concrete floor extension.  All the other plasterboard floors are wet with mould, and the one timber floor has wet rot/dry rot and woodworm.  £11k for replacement, just had a quote for £600 to move out/back in to storage. 

Thrugelmir

A RICS surveyor will know their job. If you have particular concerns regarding the property let the firm know prior to the visit. The surveyor will answer any questions you may have on the final report that is published. 

clockworkplanet

Hi all, thank you for your input, it's very gratefully received.