08/04/2025
Building ConsultancyWhat are the responsibilities of a commercial building surveyor?
A building surveyor’s responsibilities can be far-reaching and encompass a range of varied activities, including though not limited to the below:
- Assessing the condition of building, prior to purchase or lease, to identify and analyse any defects, and suggest necessary repairs
- Offering advice on managing and supervising building maintenance
- Providing up-to-date advice on building regulations and legislation relating to property matters
- Managing projects to ensure they are completed to schedule and on budget
- Offering advice on sustainable construction, energy efficiency and the environmental impact of a project or redevelopment
- Advising on disability access and on health and safety related matters
- Preparing a Schedule of Condition and getting involved in any negotiations for dilapidations
Tips for choosing a commercial building surveyor
Ask for recommendations
Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to find a trustworthy surveyor. Speak to friends, colleagues and industry contacts about their experiences to identify professionals who deliver quality service at competitive prices.
Verify professional qualifications
Always check that your surveyor holds recognised qualifications such as AssocRICS (Associate), MRICS (Member) or FRICS (Fellow). These credentials confirm they have completed rigorous training and are regulated by professional standards bodies.
Check RICS regulation status
Look for firms advertising themselves as 'Regulated by RICS' to ensure compliance with strict conduct rules and best practice standards. RICS members carry comprehensive professional indemnity insurance, protecting you against professional negligence.
Review experience and sector expertise
Examine the surveyor's track record in your specific property sector, whether retail, industrial or office premises. Check their portfolio of completed projects and case studies to assess their relevant experience.
Compare quotes and services
Request detailed quotations to compare pricing and service scope. Ensure each quote clearly outlines what is included, from inspection time to report depth and follow-up support.
Assess local knowledge
Choose a surveyor with strong local market knowledge who understands regional property characteristics and planning regulations. Local expertise can identify area-specific issues that might affect your property's value or condition.
Check insurance coverage
Confirm that your chosen surveyor holds adequate professional indemnity insurance for the project value. This coverage protects you financially should errors or omissions occur during the survey process.
Read client reviews and testimonials
Research online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge service quality and reliability. Look for consistent positive feedback about communication, report quality and professionalism.
Evaluate communication style
During initial consultations, assess whether the surveyor communicates clearly and responds promptly to queries. Strong communication ensures you understand findings and can make informed decisions throughout the process.
Our RICS-qualified surveyors
Here at Eddisons, all our surveyors hold accreditation from RICS and are experienced in both domestic and commercial surveying, as well as many other aspects of their profession. If you need advice about a commercial building survey or need to source a suitably qualified surveyor, talk to one of our team.
Instruct our commercial building surveyors today
If you are ready to instruct one of our commercial building surveyors, please complete the form below to start the process. We offer free consultations to help you understand how we work and ensure you are happy with our services.
You can also review our reviews and case studies to see how we have helped others in the past.
