Best Chartered Surveyors in Essex

What do building surveyors in Essex look at during a house survey?

When buying a property in Essex, whether it’s a period cottage in Saffron Walden, a seaside home in Southend-on-Sea, or a modern apartment in Chelmsford, a house survey is a crucial step to ensure you know exactly what you're buying and the condition that it's in.

A Chartered Surveyor in Essex will carry out a thorough inspection of the property, helping to uncover any potential issues that could impact your future plans or lead to costly repairs.

During a building survey, a local Essex surveyor should inspect:

• All major internal features such as walls, ceilings, and floors
• Any signs of damp, mould, or condensation, especially common in older rural homes or coastal properties
• The quality of insulation, crucial for energy efficiency in Essex’s varied housing stock
• The structural integrity of the property and its foundations, vital in areas where older properties may have been extended or altered
• Timber condition, checking for woodworm, rot, or any damage that may compromise the building’s structure
• The condition and safety of electric, gas, and drainage 
• Environmental risks, such as flood risks in low-lying coastal areas like Maldon, Canvey Island, or parts of Thurrock
• Signs of dangerous or invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed, which can cause major structural problems
• Any permanent outbuildings or garden structures

After the inspection, the surveyor will provide a detailed written report highlighting their findings. Depending on the level survey you choose to go with, this will include urgent issues that need immediate attention as well as long-term maintenance recommendations.

Your building surveyor can also provide background information on the property's construction and the local Essex area, helping you better understand any regional factors that may affect your investment. A current market valuation may also be available as an optional extra.

Essex offers a wide range of property types, from historic listed buildings to modern new-build estates. Older properties in towns like Colchester and Brentwood may present hidden challenges such as damp, outdated electrics, or structural movement. Meanwhile, newer developments could still hide issues such as poor workmanship or minor defects.

A survey helps ensure you make a fully informed decision, and if issues are discovered, it may allow you to negotiate a lower purchase price or ask the seller to address necessary repairs before the sale is completed, saving you both stress and money in the long run.

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

During the homebuying process in Essex, it’s important to understand the difference between a general surveyor and a Chartered Surveyor. 

Surveyors may vary in terms of qualifications and experience. While some surveyors may carry out basic inspections, a Chartered Surveyor is a professional who has completed rigorous training and achieved accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - the leading body governing property professionals.

Chartered Surveyors are recognised for their specialist expertise and commitment to high standards. Achieving chartered status requires additional qualifications, ongoing professional development, and strict adherence to ethical and technical standards.

If any issues arise during your purchase, RICS provides a formal complaints and resolution process, offering you added peace of mind.

The added reassurance of having a highly qualified professional carrying out your survey is particularly valuable in Essex’s varied property market, where you might be purchasing a listed building in Maldon, a rural home in the villages around Braintree, or a coastal property in Southend - all of which can present unique structural or environmental challenges.

At reallymoving, all building surveyors operating in Essex are RICS-accredited and credit-checked, ensuring that you receive a reliable, high-quality service from trusted professionals who understand the unique characteristics and complexities of homes across the county.

What are the different types of house surveys that are available in Essex?

Choosing the right type of survey for the house you are looking to purchase in Essex is essential. Getting the correct survey is crucial to ensure you make an informed purchase decision. The diverse property market in Essex means that different homes may require different levels of inspection. 

The three main RICS surveys you can choose from are:

RICS Level 1 Condition Report: This is the most basic survey available. A Condition Report provides an overview of the general condition of a property. It can highlight obvious defects and clear risks, but doesn't go into detailed advice on repairs or maintenance. Best suited for new build homes. The average cost of a Condition Report is £300-£700. 

RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Survey: More detailed than a Level 1 Survey, the Homebuyers Survey covers visible issues, offers advice on necessary repairs and maintenance, and can include a market valuation. It is ideal for relatively modern properties in an overall good condition e.g. 20th-century houses. The average cost of a Level 2 Survey is £498.95.

RICS Level 3 Building Survey: The most comprehensive option available. A Level 3 Building Survey is a full structural report that goes into significant detail about both the condition and the construction of a property. It highlights defects and necessary repairs. This survey is ideal for older, non-standard properties such as character or period homes. The average cost of a Level 3 Survey is £661.29. 

How long a house survey takes will depend on the type of survey you choose to get and the size and complexity of the property. 

Typically a survey will take: 

Level 1: 1-2 hours

Level 2: 2-3 hours 

Level 3: Can take up to a full day for larger and more complex properties

You can usually expect to receive your survey report within 2 to 7 working days after the inspection is completed.

How can I find a trusted Chartered Surveyor in Essex?

If you're buying a property in Essex, having a trusted Chartered Surveyor is essential to ensure you're making a sound investment and an informed decision.

You can use reallymoving to easily compare quotes from RICS-accredited surveyors in Essex. Simply provide a few details about your move, and you’ll receive up to five instant quotes from experienced, local professionals who understand the unique challenges of the Essex property market.

All surveyors on reallymoving are:

• Credit-checked
• Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Experienced with a range of property types across Essex, from historic homes in Maldon to new-builds in Braintree and Basildon

When choosing your surveyor, it's important to read testimonials and reviews. A reputable surveyor will be transparent with their fees, clearly communicate throughout the process, and have a strong track record of positive customer feedback.

In a competitive market like Essex, where older properties can hide issues like subsidence or damp, and even new-builds may have snagging concerns, a good surveyor will work efficiently, providing a detailed report promptly. This ensures you can move forward with your purchase with confidence and avoid unexpected costs later.