Choosing the Right Building Surveyor
When it comes to purchasing a property in Ireland, a pre-purchase building survey is a critical step to ensure you’re making an informed decision. To ensure you choose the right surveying company for the job, it’s essential to ask the right questions. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key questions you should ask your potential surveyor before making your decision.
1. What is your experience & Qualifications
What’s Your Qualification and Experience? Begin by asking about the surveyor’s qualifications and experience. Make sure they are a member of a recognized professional body, such as the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Experience is vital in identifying potential issues and providing accurate assessments.
Building Surveyors would typically be a jack of all trades type of profession and many would go down the Project Managment or Commercial Building Surveying route. It would be recommend to choose a surveyor who speciliase in Residential inspections.
Building Surveyors in Ireland need to be registered with the SCSI to use the title of Building Surveyor.
2 - Check out reviews
We would always recommend that you check out your surveyors reviews on Google and request a sample report from them.
Asking for references from previous clients or case studies of similar projects they’ve undertaken can give you insights into their expertise and client satisfaction.
This information can help you gauge their track record and the quality of their work.
3 - What does the survey cover
Clarify the scope of the pre-purchase building survey. We have covered this in a previous blog post, our surveys are to a minimum type two standard under the SCSI guidelines, a copy of which can be found here https://scsi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SCSI-Guide-to-Surveys-of-Residential-Property.pdf
Some surveys undetaken by companies who do not specialise in this field can be quite basic in nature, which is not what you want when buying a house.
Ensure that it covers all the essential aspects, such as structural integrity, dampness, roofing, electrical and plumbing systems, fire safety, and external areas. Tailor the survey to your specific concerns, if needed.
4 - Timeline
Understand the timeline for completing the survey. While you want a thorough inspection, ensure that the surveyor can complete the assessment within a reasonable timeframe, especially if you’re working within a tight schedule. The report should also be issued in a timely manner, we have heard many stories or inspections being completed, paid for only for no report to be issued.
We guarantee to issue all reports within 3 working days of completion of the survey.
5 - Survey Equipment
Modern surveyors often use advanced tools and technology to enhance their assessments. Inquire about the tools they use, such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, or drones, to ensure they employ the latest methods for accurate results.
6 - Can i attend?
If possible, attending the survey can provide you with firsthand insights into any issues the surveyor identifies. This can also be an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification during the inspection.
The estate agent and vendor need to be consulted in advance as their agreement will be required also.
Typically our surveyors do not mind our clients attending towards the end of the survey, this allows our surveyor time to assess the property before trying to answer your questions
7 - Post survey questions
It’s possible that you may have questions or require additional information after reviewing the report. Ask how the surveyor handles post-survey queries and whether they’re available to provide further clarification.
8 - What are the costs & terms?
Finally, discuss the costs associated with the survey. Understand whether the fees are all-inclusive or if there are additional charges for specific services. Also, clarify the payment terms and methods accepted.
Conclusion
Selecting the right building surveyor in Ireland requires careful consideration and asking the right questions. By inquiring about their qualifications, experience, survey scope, tools, report format, and more, you can make an informed decision and ensure a comprehensive assessment of the property you’re interested in purchasing. Remember, a reputable surveyor will be transparent, knowledgeable, and willing to address your concerns, providing you with the confidence you need to proceed with your property investment.
If you require any further detail in this regard, we are always available to answer any questions you may have simply getin in touch info@isurv.ie
OUR OWNER
Tom Rooney
Tom is the managing director here at iSurv. Graduating from Dundalk Institute of Technology with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Building Surveying in 2003. Then following his professional development became a Chartered in 2008 after successfully completing the APC with The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and is also a Registered Surveyor. Having worked in some of Ireland’s largest property & consulting firms before starting iSurv, Tom has extensive industry experience in a wide range of domestic and commercial Building Surveying duties but now specialises in Residential Inspection services
