What Do RICS Surveyors Do? A Guide to Expert Property Advice

When buying, developing, or maintaining a property, one of the most valuable professionals you can work with is an RICS-chartered surveyor. But what exactly does a RICS surveyor do, and why is the accreditation important?

In this guide, we’ll explain the role of an RICS surveyor, what makes a surveyor chartered, and how working with a reputable surveying company like AMS Surveys ensures reliable, professional advice at every stage of your property journey.

What is a RICS Surveyor?

RICS surveyors are accredited members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, an internationally recognised professional body that sets strict standards in the property, land, and construction sectors. RICS accreditation is a gold standard for trust, ethics, and technical competence in the surveying industry.

At AMS Surveys, our team of chartered surveyors and engineers provides expert insight and tailored reports to homeowners, investors, and developers across the North West.

Why RICS Accreditation Matters

Choosing a RICS-chartered professional ensures you’re working with someone who is independently regulated and adheres to high standards of ethics and expertise. The accreditation matters for several reasons.

First, RICS enforces a strict code of professional conduct and regularly reviews its members’ practices, ensuring a high level of quality in their work. Additionally, RICS surveyors provide impartial, evidence-based reporting, free from conflicts of interest, offering independent advice that clients can trust. Many legal, insurance, and planning bodies also require reports from RICS-accredited professionals; therefore, having an RICS surveyor ensures the work receives legal recognition.

Finally, RICS surveyors undergo continuous professional development, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest changes in building regulations and industry best practices. This level of expertise is particularly important when instructing surveyors for high-value investments or property disputes.

How Does Someone Become a RICS-Chartered Surveyor?

Becoming RICS-accredited is a rigorous process that ensures only highly trained professionals can carry the title of RICS surveyor. Below, you can discover some of the key steps in becoming one of these surveyors.

Education Requirements

To become a RICS surveyor, candidates must typically complete a degree in a relevant subject such as building surveying, civil engineering, or real estate. This degree must be RICS-accredited to ensure it meets the professional body’s high standards.

Structured Training (APC)

Once a degree is completed, candidates must undergo the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). During this period, they build practical, hands-on knowledge while working under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Final Assessment

After completing the APC, candidates must submit a detailed case study and logbook, showcasing their experience and expertise. This is followed by a formal meeting with RICS assessors to evaluate their competency and readiness to practice independently.

Ongoing Professional Development

Even after achieving RICS accreditation, surveyors are required to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This ensures they remain up-to-date with the latest industry regulations, standards, and best practices, maintaining the high professional standards expected by RICS.

At AMS Surveys, our RICS-qualified team combines formal training with decades of practical experience across both residential and commercial sectors, providing the expertise and insight you need for your property projects.

What Services Do RICS Surveyors Provide?

The scope of services offered by RICS surveyors is wide-ranging. At AMS Surveys, we tailor our solutions to your needs, offering everything from detailed building inspections to specialist engineering assessments. Our core services include:

1. Residential Building Surveys

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, a building survey provides an in-depth look at a property’s condition. It highlights:

●      Structural movement or subsidence

●      Damp, decay, or mould issues

●      Roofing and drainage problems

●      Recommendations for future repairs

This is especially important for older or unusual properties. Our team offers various survey levels, ensuring you get the right information for your type of property.

2. Commercial Surveys and Schedules of Condition

For businesses or landlords, a Schedule of Condition helps establish the state of a property at lease commencement, reducing disputes at the end of tenancy. We also offer pre-acquisition and condition surveys for commercial assets across Manchester and beyond.

3. Party Wall and Boundary Disputes

Navigating the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can be complex, but our building consultants provide clear guidance. We act as party wall surveyors and prepare the necessary notices and agreements to protect all parties involved.

4. Structural Engineering Advice

As chartered surveyors and engineers, we offer structural inspections and reports for visible cracking, bowing walls, or alterations like loft conversions and extensions. This is invaluable if you're planning a renovation or facing a structural concern.

5. Insurance and Defect Reports

AMS Surveys also supports homeowners and insurers with defect diagnosis reports for claims relating to water damage, fire, or subsidence. We deliver independent, expert findings backed by qualified engineering insight.

How to Find the Right RICS Surveyor for Your Needs

When it comes to finding a trusted RICS surveyor, the process can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of professionals and firms available. However, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you choose a reputable surveyor who can provide the expert advice and support you need for your property project.

Search Locally

One of the first things to consider when choosing a chartered surveyor is proximity. Searching locally allows you to find professionals who are familiar with the area, which can be especially beneficial if your property has unique local characteristics, such as heritage features or a specific type of construction. For example, if you're based in Manchester, a simple search for ‘chartered surveyors near me’ or ‘surveyors Manchester' will surface local experts like AMS Surveys.

Check Their Credentials

Always verify that your chosen professional is a member of RICS. To confirm this, you can search for the surveyor in the official RICS directory, which lists all accredited professionals and firms. This step ensures that the surveyor you choose is qualified and regulated, providing the reassurance that you’re working with someone who is both ethical and skilled.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Take the time to read through client feedback on the surveyor's website, Google reviews, or other review platforms, and look for case studies or success stories that highlight their experience in similar projects. Feedback from previous clients can provide insight into their professionalism, reliability, and how they handle complex situations.

At AMS Surveys, we pride ourselves on transparent reviews and case studies that showcase our extensive experience in a variety of property sectors.

Consider Their Specialisation and Experience

Different surveyors may specialise in different types of properties or services. If you're purchasing a commercial property, look for surveyors who have expertise in commercial building surveys or condition reports. Similarly, if you’re dealing with residential issues, a surveyor who has a track record in domestic building surveys is likely to be more suitable.

Compare Offerings

When choosing a surveying company, it’s important to ensure that the firm provides the services you need. Some firms may only offer basic surveying services, while others, like AMS Surveys, provide a wide range of services under one roof.

With AMS Surveys, you get more than a standard survey. You receive tailored advice from experienced consultants who take the time to understand your goals and explain every detail in plain language.

Get Expert Help from Chartered Surveyors

Working with a RICS-accredited professional is the best way to protect your investment, avoid costly mistakes, and gain confidence in your property decisions. From detailed building surveys to expert structural advice, chartered surveyors bring peace of mind to buyers, developers, and homeowners alike.

At AMS Surveys, we’re proud to serve as a go-to surveying company in Manchester and beyond. We offer a wide range of both residential and commercial services, delivered with technical precision and a personal touch. If you’re looking for chartered surveyors or need tailored advice from experienced building consultants, we’re here to help.

Get In Touch

Ready to arrange a survey or need expert advice? Visit our website to learn more about us, or contact us directly to speak to one of our RICS-accredited professionals. Whether you’re in Manchester or the surrounding areas, we’re here to provide expert property advice you can trust.