Understanding the Difference: Surveyor or Chartered Surveyor?
In the UK, the title “surveyor” is not legally protected, which means anyone can use it, regardless of their qualifications or experience. However, most practicing surveyors are affiliated with reputable firms and uphold high professional and ethical standards.
Unlike unregulated surveyors, a chartered surveyor is fully qualified, having met the strict education and experience standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). They are also required to stay up to date through ongoing training and regular assessments making them a trusted choice for property buyers.
Professional Qualifications Explained.
To become a chartered surveyor, individuals typically need a RICS-accredited degree there are over three hundred such courses across UK universities, covering specialisms like land, construction, and property surveying. Alternatively, candidates can enter the profession through a surveying apprenticeship or by completing a conversion degree.
After gaining your qualification, you will enter a period of supervised professional practice known as the APC. This stage is crucial for developing your skills in real-world settings, and successful completion of the Final Assessment is required to earn full RICS Membership.
You can only use the title ‘chartered surveyor’ if you are a member or fellow of RICS. That means holding either MRICS or FRICS status—proof that you have met the institution’s rigorous professional standards.
Expectations and Standards
RICS has established five fundamental rules of conduct, which apply to both individual members and the organisations they represent:
- Behave in a trustworthy and ethical manner, meeting all legal duties, including those required by RICS.
- RICS members are expected to stick to what they know taking on only the work they are qualified to do. If something falls outside their area, like marine surveying or antiques, they should hand it off to a colleague with the right background. To keep skills sharp, RICS provides regular training and updates.
- All RICS members and the organisations they represent must offer professional, careful, and reliable services.
- It is essential for members and their firms to demonstrate respect and encourage a culture of diversity and inclusion.
- Acting in the public’s best interest, owning their actions, and preventing harm to maintain professional integrity are essential duties.
Maintaining Professional Independence
Chartered surveyors provide an exclusive duty of care to their clients, acting solely in their best interests. This is unlike surveyors recommended by mortgage lenders, who may have an inherent conflict of interest as their priority is to facilitate the property purchase. Therefore, engaging an independent chartered surveyor is essential for obtaining impartial and objective advice during a house purchase.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Services
Chartered surveyors provide comprehensive reports that go beyond simply identifying the condition of a property. They offer cost assessments for any repairs required and can produce a detailed schedule of works. Moreover, if alterations such as extensions or structural changes are being considered, they can provide professional advice to help you navigate these projects effectively.
Engaging a chartered surveyor offers long-term financial benefits, including negotiating an appropriate purchase price and preventing costly repairs or legal infractions, such as unauthorized work or issues under the Party Wall Act 1996. RICS professionals are required to maintain professional indemnity insurance, safeguarding you financially, and adhere to formal complaint procedures to address any concerns efficiently.
At S Jones Surveying, we offer detailed and neutral building surveys feel free to reach out to us anytime for assistance.