At BTB Surveyors, we are made up of a team of highly-skilled RICS surveyors who have years of experience working across both residential, domestic and commercial properties.

What is RICS and what does it stand for?

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the regulatory body for property surveyors in the UK, and there are several areas in which it regulates, including;

• Building surveying
• Quantity surveying
• Valuation surveying
• Land surveying

What does a RICS survey do?

There are various types of RICS survey and which you need, will depend on multiple factors.

Typically speaking, the type of survey you require will be dependent on the age and condition of the property of which you intend to buy.

The types of RICS surveys available are;

• Level 1 Home Survey
• Level 2 Home Survey
• Level 2 Home Survey (with valuation)
• Level 3 Home Survey

We understand that it can be difficult to know exactly which survey you’d like to proceed with, but our expert surveyors will provide you with an unbiased, professional opinion of which survey best suits your needs.

On the whole, a RICS survey provides a detailed analysis of the construction of a building, as well as highlighting any potential issues, such as any defects as well as any repairs that may be required.

A RICS survey also outlines the maintenance options of a property, providing purchasers with a clear overview of any potential costs associated with the building.

However, as expert RICS surveyors, we consider all elements of the property being purchased and recommend the most appropriate survey - meaning that we offer a unique and bespoke service to all of our clients.

How much does a RICS survey cost?

Depending on the age, condition and complexity of the property in question, the price of a RICS survey can vary.

For basic home surveys, these can cost as little as a few hundred pounds. However, properties that require a more detailed and in-depth survey can cost over £1,000.

At BTB Surveyors, rest assured that our prices are entirely transparent with no hidden costs or fees. And, we’re confident that you won’t find a better price, or value for money in your local area.

How long does a RICS survey take?

Again, this is completely dependent on the level of survey required.

However, regardless of survey and property, we work hard to ensure that we offer industry-leading turnaround times, providing all clients with a comprehensive report in just five days.

We advise that an RICS survey is done after an offer on a property has been accepted, so buyers should bear this in mind.

Do I need a RICS survey or valuation?

In England and Wales, it isn’t actually a legal requirement for buyers to get a survey or valuation - but it is highly recommended.

When viewing a house, you can only see so much - and a lot of what you really need to look for isn’t obvious and requires an expert eye.

Buying a property and moving house is an expensive and an investment, and we appreciate that people want to cut costs where possible.

However, the cost of a RICS survey could end up saving you money in the future and even enables buyers to renegotiate the sale price to allow for the future expenditure outlined in the survey.

A RICS survey and report could also lead a buyer to changing their minds entirely, opting for another property - saving you money in the long run.

Find out more

If you’re looking to purchase a new property - residential or commercial - then consider enlisting the help and support of an expert RICS surveyor.

Contact us today to discuss your options and to speak to a surveyor by emailing hello@btbsurveyors.com.