Chartered surveyors are highly qualified experts in surveying services. They help to ensure your property, land, or construction is safe and compliant. Chartered surveyors near you can offer local knowledge and impartial and specialist advice.
Get your renovation or construction project off to the right start with a chartered surveyor. Find out what chartered surveyors do and how to find one below.
Want to get started finding a chartered surveyor near you?
We have two quick and easy ways to find a RICS-qualified chartered surveyor near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. Are you on a tight deadline? Give us some basic details and we’ll reach out to chartered surveyors near you on your behalf. Our professionals will contact you directly
- Search your postcode. Got time to browse? Enter your postcode into the search box below to view a list of qualified chartered surveyors on Checkatrade
Your questions answered about chartered surveyors near you
What does a chartered surveyor do?
Chartered surveyors specialise in various property and construction surveys and valuations.
A chartered surveyor checks for structural, maintenance and compliance issues. They can then tell you if your property or land meets all legal and safety requirements. Detailed reports will let you know if you can proceed with renovation or construction – or give you information to help you understand whether to go ahead with a property purchase.
Plus, chartered surveyors can provide expert advice on property and land-related issues.
When do you need the help of chartered building surveyors?
Do you need expert advice on property, land or construction issues? A chartered surveyor near you will be able to help you make an informed decision and mitigate risk.
For example, you need a chartered surveyor when;
- Determining accurate boundaries
- Assessing a building for structural defects
- Collecting data on manufactured and natural land
- Getting a property valuation for buying, selling or probate
- Needing expert advice on construction and environmental issues
What is the difference between a building surveyor and a chartered surveyor?
A chartered surveyor is a building surveyor who is registered with RICS. This demonstrates that they have obtained relevant qualifications, passed assessments, and have worked in the field for at least two years. So, you can be confident you’re hiring someone who has the necessary skills and experience to complete your survey.
On the other hand, you don’t need to have any qualifications to call yourself a building surveyor. So, looking for a chartered surveyor is a good benchmark for quality. That said, not all experienced surveyors will necessarily be registered with RICS and some will be members of other professional bodies such as TSA-UK.
What services do chartered surveyors offer?
The most common services that chartered surveyors provide include:
- Building surveys. A chartered building surveyor inspects properties for structural issues, defects or repairs and maintenance issues
- Property valuation. To get an accurate valuation when buying, selling, or for probate, chartered surveyors can help
- Boundary disputes. Contact a chartered surveyor near you to help with boundary disputes with an adjoining property owner
- Environmental assessments. Use this type of survey to assess the environmental impact of your property or land. A chartered surveyor can recommend any adverse effects of your renovation or construction
- Construction property management. Chartered surveyors also manage construction projects to ensure you meet deadlines and budgets
- Rent reviews. Because they know the market price, chartered surveyors can accurately assess lease agreements and renewals
- Dilapidations. They can help you determine what repairs and maintenance tasks landlords are legally obligated to carry out
Read our article ‘House Surveys Explained’ for a more detailed breakdown.
How much does a chartered surveyor near me cost?
How much your chartered surveyor charges depends primarily on the type of survey. However, their level of experience and the prices in your area can also affect how much you pay overall.
To give you an idea, our 2024 research indicates you’ll spend, on average;
- £300 for a house survey condition report
- £450 for a house survey condition report plus a homebuyer survey
- £550 for a level three house building survey
- £1,100 for a land survey
- £425 for a fence boundary survey
- £200 for Party Wall surveyor fees, plus £1,000 for a Party Wall Award
- £400 for a three-bedroom house damp survey
Why hire a local chartered surveyor?
Not hiring a qualified chartered surveyor could mean the difference between success and financial losses.
Here are some of our top reasons to hire a chartered surveyor:
- Expertise. A chartered surveyor near you deeply understands building codes and local planning regulations. This expertise is vital for renovations and extensions
- Local knowledge. Look for a chartered surveyor near you when you want an accurate valuation. They’ll be familiar with your area’s current market
- Costs. Hiring a local chartered surveyor can save you thousands in future property renovations. Checking for repairs or major maintenance issues means you can negotiate the purchase price
- References. A local chartered surveyor can provide references from previous clients in your area
What should I ask chartered surveyors near me?
Some essential questions to ask your chartered surveyor include;
- Are you RICS accredited?
- What types of surveys do you provide?
- What will you be looking for during the survey?
- What kind of report will I receive?
- How detailed will the report be?
- When can I get the report?
- Will you provide advice on repairs, maintenance or planning permission issues?
- Do you have reviews or references?
- Can you give me a valuation of land or property?
- What are your fees?
Don’t worry if you forget to ask these questions.
When you contact a trade through Checkatrade, our guarantee could cover you for up to 12 months. You could claim up to £1,000 (exclusions and T&Cs apply).
How do I find the best chartered surveyor near me?
Finding the right chartered surveyor near you is essential to avoid unnecessary costs or delays. Without one, you could soon find your wallet empty.
Check out our top tips for finding a chartered surveyor:
- Check reviews. Only instruct a professional to undertake work for you after checking for homeowner reviews
- Check prices. Always get at least three written quotes to compare
- Check when payment is due. Always ensure you know how much and when payment is due. Reputable chartered surveyors should accept payment on completion of a survey
- Use Checkatrade! All members must pass up to 12 rigorous checks before approval and are regularly reviewed to ensure they adhere to the Checkatrade standard
Enter your postcode below to find a quality chartered surveyor near you.