It cannot be said enough times that a home survey is a worthwhile investment when you are buying a property. The survey findings should give you a clear idea of the condition of the building, highlight any issues of concern and potentially save you a lot of money further down the line. That said, it’s choosing the right surveyor for the job, and your relationship with them, that often determines whether you get value for money.
At SSJ Surveyors, we think it is vital that you choose an experienced, highly qualified professional to will not only conduct a thorough survey but also communicate the findings to you in a way that is useful for your purchasing decision. Our three directors have each developed a wealth of expertise in their respective fields for more than 20 years. Here’s what we think you should be looking for in a building surveyor.
Do they have local property market expertise?
There may be many excellent surveyors out there but if they don’t operate in your area, even the best recommendations are of little practical value to you. What if you currently live in London but have decided to relocate to the Midlands? The important thing is to be able to choose a professional surveyor in the right location, someone who has extensive knowledge of the local property market and an understanding of typical building work in the local area.
Silk Sharples Jennings are an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors and Chartered Valuation Surveyors in Shrewsbury. We specialise in residential and commercial surveying services across the West Midlands, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and the Welsh borders including the towns Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Wrexham and Welshpool.
What are their professional qualifications?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a highly respected independent professional body and the leading organisation of property professionals in the world. RICS membership requires a high degree of education and experience. We highly recommend that any surveyor you choose should be RICS accredited as a minimum requirement.
RICS members including the experienced Chartered Surveyors at Silk Sharples Jennings are closely regulated and adhere to a strict code of conduct to ensure high standards and deliver a top-quality service.
There are three levels of home survey endorsed by our professional body: a basic RICS Condition Report, a mid-level RICS HomeBuyer Report and an in-depth RICS Building Survey. The right choice of survey for your needs depends on the property in question. SSJ offer the full range of RICS property surveys along with professional guidance to help you choose the best survey for your requirements.
Are they good communicators?
In order to get the best out of your surveyor, effective communication is key. Choose someone who is happy to be in contact with you, who will answer questions before you book the survey, explain which survey you need and call you after the site visit to go through the report to make sure you understand everything. What’s more, if you are on a tight deadline, you need a surveyor who offers a quick turnaround. Most surveyors should be able to tell you what their availability is and when you can expect to receive the survey report.
The survey report will highlight any areas for concern in the property, and there may also be photographs to accompany the text. At SSJ Surveyors, we make a point of ensuring that our survey reports are written in clear, straightforward language using minimal jargon. We are always happy to answer any questions to help you fully understand our findings and their implications. Whether you intend to use the findings as a bargaining chip with the seller, or need to budget for essential repairs, we can provide all the expert guidance you need.
What do their customers think?
One of the easiest ways to get a better idea of a surveyor’s quality and reputation is to read what their previous customers think about them. Find customer testimonials on their website and read Google reviews, Facebook reviews etc. After all, most consumers nowadays use reviews to help them choose holiday locations, buy appliances, find a trusted tradesperson and a wealth of other decisions, so it makes sense to look at feedback when choosing a surveyor too. Word-of-mouth recommendations are still the biggest praise any business can get.
At SSJ Surveyors, we are proud of the positive feedback received on Google and elsewhere for the quality our professional services for residential and commercial property clients. Why not call us on 01743 461777 or contact us here to discuss your next property purchase in Shrewsbury and the surrounding area with our friendly, knowledgeable team? We look forward to hearing from you.
