When hiring a surveyor, it’s important to ask the right questions, from what their surveyor costs include to their background, qualifications, and experience. Preparing a list in advance will make it easier to compare house survey quotes and decide if they’re the right professional for the job. This will go a long way if you are nervous about the house survey.
Make sure to read our guide on who organises a survey when buying a house before proceeding.
In addition, you should also have a set of questions ready for after the survey, so you fully understand the findings and what they mean for your purchase.
1. What Surveying Services Do You Offer?
There are 3 main types of property surveys available to you:
RICS Home Survey – Level 1 (Condition Report)
RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (Homebuyers Survey)
RICS Home Survey – Level 3 (Building Survey)
The RICS Home Survey Level 1 or Level 2 will be more in-depth than a mortgage valuation as the surveyor will search for common issues. Whilst more expensive, the RICS Home Survey – Level 3 will be even more thorough, highlighting structural issues.
For older buildings, you would require a Level 3 Survey (Building Survey). Whilst more modern properties would be suited to a RICS Home Survey – Level 2.
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2. Are You Qualified and RICS Accredited?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the official body of property professionals. It issues and monitors standards globally.
A RICS chartered surveyor is qualified, experienced and will complete the job to the highest quality. All our survey quotes exclusively feature RICS accredited surveyors, so you know you'll be in safe hands.
Whether your surveyor is at AssocRICS, FRICS or MRICS level, you can trust that they will be accurate, reliable and professional. For extra reassurance, you could ask them for a sample report or reference.
3. Approximately How Much Will it Cost?
The average house survey cost in the UK is between £290 and £1,390.
If the quote is within your budget and you’re happy to proceed, you can begin arranging a date for the property survey.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
4. What Will You Be Looking For?
Each level of home survey focuses on specific areas and potential defects.
However, there are certain common issues that all surveyors will check, including:
Evidence of damp
Signs of subsidence
Infestations
The condition of the services such as electricity and gas
Any dangerous plants
Legal issues
Dangerous materials
5. Is the Property Worth the Purchase Price?
Your surveyor can only offer a value for the house if you have included an additional valuation. Be aware that this will increase the cost of your Level 2 Survey.
Your surveyor will provide professional advice and present an estimated cost of repairs. Most surveyors will be happy to discuss the report with you in person or over the phone.
Some issues will be common and unavoidable. However, if there’s a major problem that requires a lot of work, you may want to rethink the transaction. You can use your survey results to negotiate your original offer to cover the cost of repairs.
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6. Are There Issues That Require Specialist Work?
Structural issues can be very costly. If the surveyor exposes major concerns, it’s important to discuss what the necessary repairs are. You will also need to ask for an approximate of how much they could cost.
If you’re unsure, contact a builder or contractor to discuss the issues and receive a quote for the work. It can cost you greatly if the issue is ignored or worsens.
You can then either use this information to renegotiate a cheaper price or walk away from the sale. It’s not uncommon for bad survey results to end a transaction.
7. Which Areas Need the Most Repair Work?
This will help you plan a repairs budget and decide which jobs should be completed first.
Discuss the issues and costs with your solicitor and the seller to discover your options.
8. Are There Any Local Issues That May Affect the Property?
Some problems, such as flooding or heave, can be specific to certain areas. Hiring a surveyor who knows the local market can be invaluable, as they may also be aware of planned developments or infrastructure projects that could impact the property.
While your solicitor will carry out formal conveyancing searches to confirm these details, a local surveyor’s insight can give you an early heads-up and help you make informed decisions.
Save an Average of £250 on Surveys
Local RICS & RPSA surveyors
Trusted by over 1.8m UK movers
9. How Well is the Property Insulated?
It’s important to find a home that can keep up with modern heating and energy requirements. Properties with little heat can be expensive, boosting your heating bills.
Ensure you find a surveyor who can thoroughly inspect the heating system and insulation. It may be an added service, but it's better to find out early to put your mind at ease.
10. Could I Be Declined a Mortgage?
There are some factors worth knowing that can discourage mortgage lenders. These include:
Timber-framed properties
A thatched roof
A flat roof
Non-traditional construction
There may also be a reluctance to lend if the property has been passed down through a family for several generations. This is because it will have a low number of mortgages attached to it.
Finding a Surveyor
Communication and efficiency are key when it comes to understanding your property survey and report. Hiring the right surveyor can ensure you are aware of the condition of the home and confident about proceeding with the transaction. When to arrange a survey on your home will also be important as typically house surveys are done after an offer has been accepted.
As a result, we recommend speaking to the surveyors availability and comparing the quotes and services of a number of regulated surveyors. Compare My Move connects customers with up to 5 surveying firms in the local area. Fill in our surveying comparison form to compare quotes and save up to 70% on your surveying costs.
Need a Removal Company?
Once your survey and property transaction goes through, you may need a removal company. Our updated surveying and removal form lets you request removal companies in just a few extra steps. We can connect you with up to 6 removal companies and save up to 70% on your fees.
