If you have ever bought a house, planned a building project, or looked into property investment, you have probably come across the term chartered surveyor.
While it may sound like a role limited to assessing property value, the work of a chartered surveyor is much broader and plays an essential part in the property and construction industries.
Essentially a chartered surveyor is an accredited professional who provides expert advice on land, buildings, and construction. Their role is to protect clients’ financial and legal interests by identifying risks, valuing property, and ensuring compliance in projects.
What Is a Chartered Surveyor?
A chartered surveyor is a qualified professional who has been accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
This accreditation means they have undergone rigorous education and training, and they follow a strict code of ethics. Their role is to provide expert advice on matters relating to land, buildings, and construction.
Surveyors often specialise in specific areas. These include residential property, commercial property, construction, land management, and planning. Whatever the specialism, their work is grounded in delivering accurate, professional guidance to clients.
Key Areas of Work:
Property Surveys and Valuations
This is one of the more visible aspects of the profession. Surveyors are often called upon to inspect properties and provide detailed reports on their condition and value. These surveys are important for buyers, lenders, and investors.
They help identify hidden problems, such as damp, structural movement, or poor workmanship, which may affect the value or safety of the property.
Building Surveying
Building surveyors are involved in the construction and maintenance of buildings.
Their work can include advising on building regulations, overseeing refurbishment projects, identifying defects, and ensuring health and safety compliance. They often act as the bridge between clients, architects, and contractors.
Land and Planning Advice
Some chartered surveyors focus on land development and planning. They assist clients in navigating the complexities of planning permission, land use regulations, and site assessments.
Their advice can be critical in determining whether a project is viable or needs adjustment to meet local planning requirements.
Dispute Resolution
Chartered surveyors may also be involved in resolving disputes, particularly those relating to boundaries, lease terms, or building defects. In some cases, they act as expert witnesses in legal proceedings, providing independent and professional opinions.
Why It Matters
Chartered surveyors help protect your financial and legal interests.
Whether you are buying a home, investing in commercial property, or embarking on a construction project, their expertise ensures that you understand the condition, value, and potential risks associated with a property or piece of land.
If you want to know more about what it is like to work as a chartered surveyor or need practical advice for your own property needs, it is worth speaking to someone with first-hand experience.
You can talk to Lee at Bailey Johnston Chartered Surveyors (the author of this article) to get a clearer picture of the profession and how it can help you.
Chartered surveyors play a vital role in shaping the built environment around us. They combine technical skill with local knowledge and regulatory insight, providing services that are essential for safe, legal, and well-informed property decisions.
Next time you are dealing with property or land, consider involving a chartered surveyor early in the process. Their guidance can make all the difference.