When you hear the term ‘building surveyor’, you may be feeling confused about what they do. Perhaps you picture someone meticulously inspecting walls or crunching numbers. However, their work is much more varied than that.
Many surveyors become chartered members of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Chartered status shows they meet strict technical and ethical standards, giving clients confidence that they are working with a trusted professional.
Building surveyors play an essential role in property development. At KEYS Consulting, we work across everything from residential inspections to resolving boundary disputes. Let’s take a walk through what building surveyors actually do.
Inspecting and assessing buildings
A key task building surveyors undertake is inspecting buildings to assess their condition. Surveyors look for things like structural defects, damp or decay, and they spot issues that an untrained eye would miss. A building surveyor will generally be involved when someone is buying a home or planning renovations.
The survey they carry out is called a homebuyer survey or a full building survey, and it’s an important step to uncover hidden risks and help clients fully understand what they’re buying and what work may need to be done.
Advising on repairs, maintenance and restoration
A building surveyor is there to identify issues. Once they’ve done this, they’ll also advise the client on the best course of action to make repairs and improvements. They suggest how to fix defects and guide clients through maintenance plans.
This could range from preventing dampness to restoring structural integrity. If purchasing a historic or listed building, this could include sensitive restoration work to preserve its heritage features.
Making sure buildings are safe and compliant
Surveyors check that buildings meet legal and safety requirements. They guide clients through planning rules, building regulations and environmental standards. This often means liaising with local councils or advising on how to bring a property into line with modern safety laws.
Writing reports and supporting decisions
After inspections, surveyors prepare detailed reports that are easy to follow. These documents are vital when buying or selling property or deciding whether to invest in repairs. Surveyors may also step in to help resolve disputes between neighbours or between property owners and contractors, providing impartial advice that helps everyone move forward.
What are the different types of surveying?
There are three main areas that business surveyors specialise in. They include:
- Residential: Helping homeowners and buyers with condition reports and advice on repairs.
- Commercial: Advising businesses on office, retail or industrial properties, including lease obligations and dilapidations.
Heritage: Working with listed buildings to balance restoration with preservation.
Why might you need a building surveyor?
Working with a building surveyor can help you:
- Spot problems early
- Ensure your building is safe and legal
- Navigate complex rules
- Support you with big disputes
Looking for a building surveyor?
If you are looking for a building surveyor to assist with your next project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at KEYS Consulting. Our team of dedicated development managers and building surveyors have more than 35 years of experience and can help you at every stage.