Building surveyors are specialists who have the skills and knowledge to examine and diagnose any problems that a building has. Their training includes a full understanding of the construction process, how building specifications work and how to identify and solve problems in existing buildings. In addition, they must also be aware of current law, regulations and general practices, the effect of the environment on buildings, health and safety standards and be able to recommend treatments and estimate costs.

Using the expertise of building surveyors is important when you are considering buying or building a property. Just as you would trust you car to a mechanic and your health to a doctor, you should trust your building to a qualified surveyor. Although mortgage companies will always want a valuation survey, it can also be useful to instruct building surveyors to carry out a complete structural survey; particularly if your chosen property is old, of unusual construction or is on a site that is on a steep gradient or surrounded by trees.

How can building surveyors help me?

The details set out in a building surveyor's structural report can be the difference between you buying a home you can live in straightaway, and a home you have to pay several thousand pounds to repair. Most buyers can see cosmetic faults in a property, but don't have the expertise to see any structural problems. A building surveyor will spend some time inspecting the house, both internally and externally, and will then send you a detailed report showing his or her findings. At first, such a report can seem daunting, because it is the building surveyor's job to set out every fault that is found. In reality, however, only some of these items will need immediate attention, and the building surveyor can offer an opinion on the types of experts you need to speak to and an estimated cost for repair. Once you have acquired the relevant quotes, you are in a position to negotiate with the sellers about the price of the property.

If you are buying a property to develop, it's essential that you have a full structural survey carried out by a building surveyor. Hiring buildings surveyors can seem expensive, but a detailed report can save you thousands of pounds in repair costs, or can prevent you from spending money on a property that won't be worth it. What seems like an expense can actually be a saving in the long term.

How can I find out more about building surveyors?

Your builder will have contacts with a number of surveyors, as will your estate agent or mortgage company. Look for recommendations and always check that your surveyor is part of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You can do this by visiting the RICS website and checking their list of members. If you are looking for building surveyors to carry out a full structural survey, speak to two or three and get competitive quotes for the work. Make sure you also find out how long it will be before your report comes through, as this could impact your property search.

The first step in your project is to hire the right builder. Use www.findalocal-builder.co.uk to get a list of builders in your area, and then look at our other advice articles to see how to make sure you choose the best builder for you.