RICS Surveyor or Local Builder – Who Will Be The Best to Assess a Property Before Purchase?
We all need reassurance that the property we’re buying is in good condition before contracts are exchanged. And as someone who just completed the process and bought their first home, and who happens to be a daughter of a builder, I can confidently answer the question of who should inspect your home before you sign on the dotted line.
Both can actually offer valuable expertise (and did). But in reality, they served different purposes.
My dad (the builder) provided advice on the cost side of things, and the practicalities around repairs and renovation work.
The RICS surveyor provided an independent assessment (a valuable non-biased opinion) of the property’s condition, defects, possible maintenance issues and potential risks that could crop up in the future – and it revealed a lot more than my dad, the builder, ever could.
So, let’s really get into it so you can decide which will be best for your situation, and if, like me, you could benefit from the two assessments.
The role of a RICS surveyor
Chartered Surveyors regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are trained to inspect residential properties and assess their condition. RICS explains the different home surveys.
Their role goes beyond simply pointing out obvious defects; it is to evaluate how the building has been constructed, identify signs of deterioration, and highlight safety concerns and how defects can develop over time.
Depending on the survey you choose, they may assess:
- The roof and chimney
- External walls
- Visible signs of foundation problems and structural movement
- Damp and moisture issues
- Windows and doors
- Loft spaces
- Floors and ceilings
- Drainage where visible
- Permanent outbuildings and garages
- Alterations and extensions
Following their inspection, prospective buyers will receive a detailed, traffic-light system report that explains any issues identified, their significance, and whether further investigations are required.
In Surrey or London? Westville Associates can advise you on a home survey.
The role of a builder
Builders have extensive experience in construction, repairing and renovating properties. If you’re planning significant alterations or refurbishments, a builder’s advice is invaluable, as they can help you assess the work, costs, and practicalities of completing your improvements.
For example, a builder may be able to tell you:
- How much it might cost to replace a roof
- Whether a kitchen renovation is straightforward
- The likely cost of structural alterations
- How long renovation work could take
- Which materials may be required
But a builder’s inspection and advice should not replace a property survey.
Builders can typically help once a survey has been conducted and you have a structured condition report of the property, where you can begin to investigate any issues identified and start collecting quotes.
Can a builder spot structural problems?
Experienced builders can often recognise obvious structural issues, particularly if they’ve worked on similar properties. But structural movement isn’t just about noticing cracks in the walls.
Surveyors are trained to distinguish between:
- Normal settlement
- Thermal movement
- Historic movement
- Ongoing structural movement
- Defects caused by poor workmanship
- Signs that require further investigation by a structural engineer
They also understand how different building materials and construction methods behave over time, allowing them to interpret defects within the wider context of the property’s condition.
Key differences between a surveyor and a builder
Although both professionals work within the construction industry, their objectives are very different.
| RICS Surveyor | Local Builder |
| Provides an independent assessment | Focuses on repair and construction work |
| Inspects the whole property | Often concentrates on visible issues or requested areas |
| Produces a detailed written report | Usually provides verbal advice or repair estimates |
| Identifies potential defects | Explains how repairs could be completed |
| Works to recognised RICS standards | Works to construction and trade standards |
| Helps buyers understand risks before purchase | Helps homeowners plan repair or renovation work |
Non-biased advice matters
A RICS surveyor is appointed to provide an independent assessment of the property’s condition. RICS sets standards for home surveys.
Builders, on the other hand, may naturally focus on repair opportunities within areas of their own expertise. While they can provide honest advice, their inspection may be intended to calculate repair costs rather than provide the comprehensive overview buyers need before making a purchase.
Which professional should you appoint before buying?
In my experience, you should seek advice from both, but you should get the report first. If the report identifies significant defects or likely repair works, that’s when you should approach specialist contractors, including builders, for quotations and further advice.
By having the report first, you’ll also be able to focus on certain problem areas identified because you’re aware of them.
For a property in Surrey or London, ask Westville Associates for a survey quote before approaching builders for repair estimates.
By approaching it in this order, you can:
- Understand which issues genuinely require attention.
- Receive realistic repair estimates based on defects already identified.
- Avoid paying for unnecessary work.
- Negotiate with the seller if substantial repairs are required.
When to get both
There are many situations where using both a surveyor and a builder is beneficial.
- You’re buying a renovation project
- The survey highlights roof problems
- An extension requires updating
- You’re negotiating the purchase price
FAQs
- Can a builder carry out a house survey? A builder can inspect a property and advise on repairs, but this isn’t the same as a professional RICS survey. A survey provides a structured assessment of the property’s overall condition.
- Is a RICS survey worth the cost? For most buyers, yes. The cost of a survey is often small compared with the expense of unexpected repairs that may only become apparent after moving into the property. More.
- Should I get repair quotes before exchanging contracts? If a survey identifies significant defects, obtaining repair quotations before exchange can help you budget accurately and, where appropriate, negotiate the purchase price.
- What if the survey recommends further investigation? This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a major problem. It simply indicates that additional specialist advice may be needed before you make a fully informed decision.
For help choosing between survey levels, explore Westville Associates’ building surveys or call Simon on 07834 761 411.
