Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Surveying Company

When buying or putting a property on the market, you'll want a surveyor you can trust. Asking questions about their background, qualifications, and experience can help you determine whether you have selected the best professional for the job.

In this guide, we'll explore the vital questions to ask a surveying company, both before hiring and after the survey's completion.

Are You Qualified and RICS Accredited?

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the official governing body of property surveyors, regulating property surveying standards globally. As the gold standard of property surveying, opting for a RICS-accredited professional ensures they are not only qualified but will perform the survey in adherence to the highest standards of quality. This is essential for ensuring all information in your home report is accurate and reliable.

At AMS Surveys, all of our surveyors are RICS-accredited, offering you peace of mind that your potential investment is in good hands.

What Services Do You Offer?

There are three main types of RICS property surveys, which differ in the depth and range of issues they look for.

●     Level 1 (Condition Report): A basic visual inspection, providing a concise overview of the property's condition and highlighting any immediately obvious defects.

●     Level 2 (Homebuyer Survey): A more detailed inspection, offering advice on potential problems and recommended repairs, suitable for standard properties.

●     Level 3 (Building Survey): The most comprehensive survey, thoroughly examining structural integrity and providing in-depth analysis, ideal for older or complex properties.

By choosing a property surveying company that offers all three RICS survey levels, they can advise you on which survey would be most appropriate for your property based on its age, location and condition.

How Much Will the Survey Cost?

When it comes to house surveys, they can cost anywhere between £290 and £1390. The exact price you pay will depend on a number of factors, including the value of your property, where it's located, and the specific type of survey you need.

Given this potential for price variation, try to be proactive when enquiring about how much your survey will cost. Gather various quotes from potential surveying companies and don't hesitate to ask for guidance on their pricing structure. This will help you understand how they calculate their fees and what factors they take into account.

Additionally, always ensure that the quotes you are given have sufficient detail, breaking down all the costs involved. This ensures you have a clear understanding of what you'll be paying for and avoids any unexpected fees down the line.

What Is Your Availability to Perform the Survey?

Before agreeing to go ahead with a survey, it’s important to determine when the surveying company is available to start the survey and how long it should take. The timeframe for completing a survey varies depending on the survey you choose as well as the size and complexity of the property being surveyed.

Having an upfront discussion with your surveying company about the estimated timeline for completion ensures that their timescale meets your expectations. That said, it’s still wise to factor in possible delays that can occur from problems such as undesirable weather or permit acquisition issues. Although these delays are out of the surveyor's control, they should be considered when establishing your desired timeframe.

What Does the Survey Look For?

RICS surveys assess the condition of a property, with different survey levels offering varying degrees of detail.

The common issues that RICS surveyors typically look for include:

●     Damp: Looking for signs of moisture, such as water stains, peeling paint, or mould growth, which can lead to structural and health issues.

●     Subsidence: The sinking or settling of the ground beneath the property, which can cause cracks and unevenness.

●     Infestations: The presence of pests like rodents or insects, which can lead to structural and health issues.

●     Condition of Services: Assessing the electrical, gas, and plumbing installations for safety and functionality.

●     Dangerous Plants: Identifying plants like Japanese knotweed, which can cause structural damage and are expensive to remove.

●     Legal Issues: Checking for any legal restrictions that could affect the property, such as planning permissions or rights of way.

●     Dangerous Materials: Identifying the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, or radon, which can pose health risks and require specialist handling.

Can You Walk Me Through the Key Findings of the Survey?

After a RICS property survey is completed, you will receive a findings report. However, interpreting the findings of these reports is not always straightforward. That’s why we recommend scheduling a follow-up consultation with your surveyor.

During this consultation, the surveyor can thoroughly explain the contents of the report in simple terms. They can highlight any significant defects or areas of concern found during the inspection, discussing whether any remedial action is necessary to address these issues. This ensures that you have a complete understanding of the property's condition and any potential risks involved in the purchase.

Are There Any Local Issues That Could Affect the Property?

Certain local issues can have a significant impact on property value and livability. RICS surveyors should have area-specific knowledge, enabling them to identify potential problems like localised flooding risks. They also flag planned developments, such as new construction or infrastructure projects, that could alter views or increase noise.

Surveying companies like us at AMS Surveys, conduct comprehensive searches, including environmental and planning inquiries, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Is the Property Worth the Asking Price?

RICS Home Surveys Level 2 and 3 can provide you with a property valuation alongside the detailed condition inspection, giving you their professional opinion about how much the property is truly worth.

Should the survey uncover any issues, gauging the extent of the problem and associated costs is crucial. Requesting that your surveyor provide an estimate of the repair costs for any identified issues empowers you to make informed decisions. With this knowledge, you can confidently decide whether to proceed with the purchase, renegotiate the price with the seller based on the required repairs, or withdraw from the sale altogether if you deem the costs to be too high.

Trusted RICS Surveyors in Manchester

When choosing a surveying company, we understand the importance of finding a reliable partner. At AMS Surveys, our team of building consultancy experts and experienced RICS surveyors in Manchester is committed to providing comprehensive assessments that provide you with accurate and reliable property information.

We know you might be asking, "how much is a damp survey?" or “how much is a homebuyer’s report?”. At AMS Surveys, we’re proud to provide transparent, competitive pricing, giving you the assurance that we are the right choice.

To receive a tailored quote for one of our residential or commercial property surveys, get in touch today!