Best Chartered Surveyors in Bristol

What do surveyors in Bristol look at in a house survey?

Buying a home in Bristol? Whether you're looking at a Victorian terrace in Redland, a Georgian townhouse in Clifton, or a modern apartment in the Harbourside, a Chartered Surveyor will carry out a thorough building survey to assess the property’s condition before you commit to the purchase.

A building surveyor in Bristol will inspect:

• All major interior features (walls, floors, ceilings, windows, etc.)
• Signs of damp or mould - more common in older properties in Bristol
• Insulation and ventilation
• Structural integrity of the property and it’s foundations - especially in older buildings such as period homes
• Timber condition - signs of damage from woodworm or rot
• Condition of electric, gas, and drainage systems
• Environmental considerations such as flood risks in low-lying or riverside areas 
• Dangerous and invasive plants
• Permanent outbuildings and outdoor features

Your Chartered Surveyor will gather the information and present it to you in a detailed report that will outline the findings and suggest any necessary actions and repairs needed.

In addition, surveyors can offer contextual insights about the property’s history and its local surroundings. This is a valuable addition when buying in a city as varied as Bristol. They can also provide a current market valuation, though this is often offered as an optional extra.

A property survey is highly recommended for any Bristol buyer. With such a broad mix of housing, ranging from historic buildings in conservation areas to new developments on former industrial land, a survey helps you avoid unforeseen repair costs and gives you the information needed to make a confident purchase.

Additionally, if the report uncovers issues not previously disclosed, you may have the opportunity to negotiate the sale price or ask the seller to resolve specific problems before completion which could potentially end up saving you thousands of pounds.

What is the difference between a surveyor and a Chartered Surveyor?

Near Bristol, where the property market includes everything from Georgian homes in Clifton to Victorian terraces in Southville and modern developments in Bradley Stoke, the qualifications and experience of surveyors can vary. That’s why it’s important to choose a Chartered Surveyor. They will be a professional who have completed rigorous training and are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Chartered Surveyors are trusted experts who adhere to strict professional standards. They’ve undertaken additional qualifications to reach chartered status, ensuring they can accurately assess everything from structural issues in historic buildings to modern insulation standards in new-build flats.

When buying in a diverse city like Bristol, where housing conditions and building styles vary widely, even experienced buyers benefit from working with a RICS-accredited surveyor. If any concerns arise during your property purchase, RICS also provide a formal resolution process for added peace of mind.

At reallymoving, all of our building surveyors working in the Bristol area are RICS-regulated and credit-checked, so you can be confident that you’re receiving a high-quality, reliable service tailored to the local market.

What are the different types of surveys you can get in and around Bristol?

Bristol's housing market ranges from Georgian townhouses in Clifton, Victorian terraces in Southville, to contemporary flats in Temple Meads and Redcliffe. Choosing the right level of RICS survey is essential to ensure you understand the condition of your future home before you buy.

Here’s a breakdown of the three main RICS survey types, and how they apply to properties in and around Bristol:

RICS Level 1 Condition Report: The most basic survey you can get, it offers a snapshot of the property's condition and can identify urgent defects. It does not include advice for repair or maintenance. Suitable for new builds. Average costs are £300-£700.

RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Survey: This is a more detailed survey, it covers visible issues, includes maintenance advice, and can provide a valuation. It is best for standard properties in a reasonable condition. The average cost for a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey in Bristol is £500.

RICS Level 3 Building Survey: This is the most detailed and thorough report. It assesses the full structure and condition of a property and is recommended for older, more complex homes such as period builds. The average cost in Bristol is £714. 

The time it takes for a building survey to be completed will vary on factors such as the type of survey, the age and complexity of the property, and can vary from surveyor to surveyor. 

It is typical to receive the report from a survey within 2 to 7 working days after the inspection. In some cases, surveyors may offer a preliminary verbal summary shortly after the visit—especially helpful in Bristol’s fast-moving housing market.

How can I find a trusted Chartered Surveyor in Bristol?

You can use reallymoving to compare surveyors and quotes from RICS-accredited surveyors in Bristol. If you are purchasing a home in Bristol, it's vital to find a surveyor that understands the city's property market. 

All surveyors on reallymoving are credit-checked and fully regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). That means you can feel confident you're working with someone who adheres to the highest professional standards. This is especially important in a city where older properties often come with hidden issues like damp, structural movement, or outdated wiring.

It is important to read customer testimonials and reviews when comparing surveyors. This will ensure you find a trustworthy and honest surveyor who is not only qualified but comes recommended by other Bristol buyers.

The most reputable surveyors will be transparent about their fees, responsive to queries, and clear in their reporting.