Building Surveys

Chartered Surveyors and RICS Registered Valuers
London and the Home Counties

Residential Building Surveys

Our Building Surveys to RICS Level 3 standard are the most comprehensive available for residential properties. The report is entirely bespoke and tailored to the property being inspected. It will provide a valuable and detailed appraisal of a property’s condition.

Choosing The Correct Company / Surveyor for your Building Survey

We are often asked by clients who are looking for a survey how they can differentiate between firms of Chartered Surveyors other than on price.

It’s a good question especially when there may be a range of fee quotes for a job and our answer has several parts;

If friends or family have used the firm you are considering then it’s a good indicator that the service and price were satisfactory. Recommendations from solicitors can also be a good indicator of service and technical ability.

It also important to check your job will be done by a suitably experienced Chartered Surveyor who knows the area and the type of property well and the issues to look out for.

Our professional body is the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and it has 2 standards of surveyor:

  • Assoc RICS who are practitioners on their way to full qualification but are not Chartered Surveyors.
  • Chartered Surveyors who are designated MRICS or FRICS, are fully qualified and also tend to tend to have many more years of experience in their field

It is usually the case that firms who employ predominantly Assoc RICS surveyors will have cheaper fees than those who employ Chartered Surveyors. MRICS and FRICS surveyors also tend to have many more years of experience in their field.

 

You should also find our how long the surveyor will be onsite and inspecting for. Other companies cut their costs by reducing the required time on site.

Also request a sample report from companies so you get an understanding on how detailed it is and if it is tailored toward the property type requirements.

Does the firm offer post survey advice and guidance? Many firms cut their fees to the bone which means there is no margin for customer care. We make ourselves available as required.

We are also happy to discuss your needs before we quote a fee to you.

By appointing Chartered Surveyors and RICS Registered Valuers, you can be confident that you are working with regulated and qualified professionals

An RCSV Building Survey is much more comprehensive than a HomeBuyer Report. It gives an in-depth assessment of the condition of a property to helping potential buyers or current owners understand its structural integrity, defects, and overall state.

Especially recommended for:

Older properties (pre-1960);

Properties with unique features;

Listed Buildings / Properties in conservation areas;

Concerns over Structural issues;

Investigating Suspected Damp;

Properties that have undergone significant renovations such as Kitchen, Basement or Loft extensions;

Planned renovations after purchase.

The survey provides a comprehensive overview of the property’s condition, identifying both visible and hidden issues.

Detailed Inspection:

The surveyor conducting a Residential Building Survey will thoroughly inspect the property’s interior, exterior, and structural elements over several hours. This includes:

  • Structural assessment: Evaluating the overall structural integrity of the building, including the foundation, walls, floors, roof, and other load-bearing elements.
  • Defect identification: Identifying any defects, damages, or potential issues within the property, such as subsidence, dampness, rot, cracks, and more.
  • Detailed analysis: An in-depth report on the house or flat’s condition, including colour photographs throughout, and descriptions of areas of concern.
  • Technical information: Offering technical details about the construction, materials used, and potential areas of weakness.
  • Recommendations: Suggesting necessary repairs, maintenance, and potential improvements to address identified issues.
  • Legal considerations: Highlighting any legal or regulatory concerns related to the property.

A Residential Building Survey is particularly valuable for buyers looking to make informed decisions about purchasing a property, as it can uncover potential hidden problems that might not be visible during a casual viewing. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition, which can be used to negotiate the purchase price, request repairs from the seller, or decide if the property is worth investing in.

Given the comprehensive nature of the survey, a thorough inspection will take more time and will remain a valuable investment before and after purchase. Expensive properties often hide complex issues, so Residential Building Survey will offer peace of mind. It can save significant costs in the long run by identifying issues before they become major problems.

Our clients include investment / pension funds / trusts, private equity, property companies, asset managers and private individuals.

Contact Us

ADDRESS
1 Ellis Street Knightsbridge
London SW1X 9AL
and at
Tooting Works London SW17 9SH
TELEPHONE
020 7112 7522

Contact Residential Surveys and ValuationsCall us today, e-mail us or leave a message

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    Unit C016 Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, London SW17 9SH
    020 8516 7795
    21 Ellis Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9AL
    020 7112 7522

    Get a Quote / Callback

    Residential & Commercial Surveys and Valuations (RCSV). RCSV and RSAVL are trading names of Residential Surveys and Valuations Limited, Chartered Surveyors and Registered Valuers. Registered in England & Wales, Company Number 14386530. All rights reserved.