Non-chartered surveyor ok?

stevetuk

My surveyor has been messing me around by claiming access issues on the appointment dates - the vendor and EA for the vendor have both confirmed no issues, the property is vacant, access is not a problem.

I was recommended an alternate surveyor by my own EA - however, they're not chartered. They're up front about it, saying they're independent instead. Their survey would be equivalent to a Level 3 RICS survey. It's broadly the same cost.

Is there any issue with opting to go with a non-chartered surveyor?

doodling

Hi,

Who makes sure that the surveyor you're considering is competent?  A chartered surveyor will at least have had some scrutiny from their institute.

Does your non-chartered surveyor have the same professional indemnity insurance as a chartered surveyor?

Does anyone else need sight of the survey (e.g. a mortgage lender)?  If they do, are they happy with a non-chartered surveyor?

I would be very cautious.

DullGreyGuy

stevetuk said:

My surveyor has been messing me around by claiming access issues on the appointment dates - the vendor and EA for the vendor have both confirmed no issues, the property is vacant, access is not a problem.

I was recommended an alternate surveyor by my own EA - however, they're not chartered. They're up front about it, saying they're independent instead. Their survey would be equivalent to a Level 3 RICS survey. It's broadly the same cost.

Is there any issue with opting to go with a non-chartered surveyor?

The EA will be getting a kickback for the recommendation, their recommendation will consider the commissions offered and not just the quality of the service. 

By using a chartered surveyor you know that they've passed the exams and continue to do the professional development required to maintain their status. They similarly must hold insurance at a level appropriate to the size of the business with limits on what excesses they can have etc. The Institute can also review some complaints about a chartered surveyor 

Personally, using a non-chartered surveyor I'd expect it to be cheaper as they could have done one e-learning course 10 years ago and had no CPD since that so thats a lot of time and money saved which should be passed on through lower rates. It does also mean you need to do much more due diligence on them if you want to have the option of comeback if their service is flawed