What Is a Chartered Surveyor and Why Should You Hire One?
A chartered surveyor is a property and construction professional accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), providing trusted advice on property condition, valuation and land or building management.
Their work can include inspecting buildings for defects, carrying out valuations and home surveys, measuring land boundaries, advising on environmental and planning issues, and supporting construction projects with financial and contractual guidance.
Hiring a chartered surveyor is not generally required by UK law, though there are exceptions such as Home Reports in Scotland and certain legal matters (e.g. probate, divorce or party wall disputes).
Costs vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the property, the type and depth of survey (Level 1–3), and the range or duration of services required.
A chartered surveyor is a professional who assesses property, land and additional assets. Their role is varied, spanning everything from property valuations to assisting with contracts, finances and environmental concerns during the planning phase of a construction project.
The services they provide are diverse, and so you may be uncertain whether you require their services or not. To give you some clarity, this article will cover what chartered surveyors do, whether they are required by law, and how much they cost.
What Is a Chartered Surveyor?
A chartered surveyor is a property and construction expert who has been regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This hallmark of quality, reliability and professionalism differentiates them from unregulated surveyors.
Chartered surveyors provide professional advice on the valuation and condition of properties, and with the management of buying, selling and developing both land and buildings.
What Does a Chartered Surveyor Do?
Every chartered surveyor will have their own specialism, making it challenging to give a concise account of what chartered surveyors do. However, the general tasks and responsibilities of a RICS surveyor may include:
- Examining buildings for issues, faults and defects
- Providing property and asset valuations
- Issuing advice on environmental impact of projects
- Providing home surveys for buyers
- Measuring and mapping land, including boundaries and other features
- Collecting data and reporting on the impact of projects
- Giving financial insight on a construction project
- Provide guidance on compliance and planning permission
- Overseeing contracts and relationships between parties
Always select a chartered surveyor who specialises in your type of project or requirements to ensure they have the relevant experience to assist effectively.
For example, the team here at Aedifice specialises in healthcare, education, residential properties, and commercial sites. This allows us to give tailored surveying services in line with the specific needs of each of these premises.
Is a Chartered Surveyor Required by Law?
A chartered surveyor is not required by UK law. However, Scotland is an exception as the seller of a property is required to provide a Home Report, which is a package of documents given to potential buyers to outline the condition and energy efficiency of the property. A chartered surveyor is expected to be hired for this purpose.
Other exceptions in the wider UK are in legal or official matters, including probate, divorce proceedings and party wall disputes.
Despite not being general law, the services of a chartered surveyor are highly recommended to protect your property or development from hidden costs and potential problems.
Why Should You Hire a Chartered Surveyor?
Chartered surveyors provide an expert level of insight on the condition of a current property, or the possible pitfalls a project may face in the future, giving you expert knowledge to make informed decisions.
They provide guidance and reassurance throughout a project and are a source of unbiased advice, helping you to avoid expensive mistakes during transactions, management or purchasing and selling.
How Much Does a Chartered Surveyor Cost?
The cost of a chartered surveyor in the UK will depend on multiple factors, which include the following:
- Size and complexity of the property or project
- The level of detail requested for a survey, ranging from Level 1 for basic checks, to Level 3 for a comprehensive building survey
- Types or number of services required and for how long
To get a clear idea of how much a chartered property surveyor will cost for your specific project, simply discuss your requirements with your chosen contractor.
Are you looking for clear and meticulous building surveys in London, St Albans, Harpenden and beyond? Here at Aedifice, we are experienced chartered surveyors who specialise in residential, healthcare, commercial and educational settings, providing depth and insight on these specific types of project. Please discuss your needs with our team who will be glad to advise.