Building surveying

An introduction to building surveying.

Building surveyors are involved in the design, construction and management of real estate assets.

You may have engaged a building surveyor when you arranged to have a property surveyed for an extension to your home or with a view to purchasing a property.

The work of a building surveyor

If you are dealing with a large, older or rundown property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you are planning major works, an RICS building survey (formerly called a structural survey) will give you a comprehensive structural report including defects, repair and maintenance options. A building survey costs more than the other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.

Other examples of the area of expertise that building surveyors can specialise in are building defects, building regulations, construction contracts, dilapidations health and safety, and project management. 

RICS and building surveying 

RICS is a professional body for chartered surveyors, which includes chartered building surveyors. RICS sets standards and guidance for surveyors and provides training and continuing professional development opportunities for our members (e.g. building surveyors) to comply with changing standards and legislation.