RICS Level 2 survey - worth paying more for MRICS and FRICS than AssocRICS?

YummieGummie

Is there any tangible difference in the quality of the survey report between those with MRICS and FRICS status compared to AssocRICS? My understanding is that FRICS is the most senior, with member status for at least 10 years, but I'm not sure if it's worth paying more for that experience? I found an AssocRICS one with excellent reviews but after finding out that there are different levels of RICS status from the MSE website, it's making me rethink. Any thoughts? 

YummieGummie

Actually, is there even any way you can easily tell? The few surveyor websites I've looked at don't seem to go into detail about individual surveyors' qualifications.

Itsme01x

# An Associate has not quite reached their full Chartered status yet - but is part of the professional body (RICS).  You cannot be an Associate without showing a level of competance (and relevant exams) to join the body in the first place - building up a 'diary' (see below)
# M is full Chartered Member. (exams to do and what is called a 'diary', ie presentation of a repertoire of various aspects and areas of the profession to a competant, professional (Chartered) standard
# F is Fellow above a Member.  More senior in status and having usually given more and/or something back to or promotion of the profession

Tracet74

The level of accreditation should make zero difference to the quality and content of the report.  One of the best/most through surveyors I've ever worked with was AssocRICS as he cross-trained having been a builder for years prior.

Albermarle

Remember it is a survey of a house, not of a huge complex structure.

Cressida100

I've been looking at RICS qualified surveyors to carry out a level 3 survey on a residential property. I found one on the RICS website in my area (there are loads to chose from all with different areas of expertise). I emailed him for details of his fees. Here's the link I used https://www.rics.org/networking/find-a-member

He emailed his profile and a copy of a redacted survey so I knew what to expect from him. I was looking for someone who had been qualified for a while (he was a FRICS). I haven't appointed him yet but he has answered lots of queries I had about how they view the roof for defects. He did mention things I hadn't even thought of. I will probably go ahead and appoint him. His reports are in excess of 30 pages and he is says he is contactable at all times afterwards to answer any queries. 

I worked in an Estates Department of a large company (15 years) that had a huge property portfolio so I understand a little bit about how they work. Although his fee was slightly higher than one I received from another company I liked the way he communicated. 

As @Albermarle said it's only a house survey but any issues we find may be used to negotiate a bit of the price of the property.

I do tend to hyperfocus on things I must admit