When you’re about to make one of the biggest financial decisions in your life—buying a property—it’s crucial to understand the condition of the building you’re investing in. This is where a building surveyor comes in. Choosing the right building surveyor is an essential part of the property purchase process, ensuring you make an informed decision that protects your investment.
At Total Planning and Design Solutions, we have over 40 years of combined experience in building surveying, construction management, architectural design, and urban and regional planning. Based in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, we’re a trusted team of registered building surveyors, and members of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).
Here are some of our top tips for how to choose a building surveyor, and why we believe we’re the right team to guide you through your next property purchase.
How To Choose A Building Surveyor Tips:
1. Qualifications and Credentials: Why They Matter
When you’re choosing a surveyor, the first thing you should look for is their qualifications. Not all surveyors are created equal, and ensuring you choose a surveyor qualified by a respected professional body is vital. In Ireland, look for chartered surveyors who are registered with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) or RICS Regulated (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). These bodies require surveyors to adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethics, ensuring that you’re getting a professional who will deliver accurate, impartial, and high-quality survey reports.
At Total Planning and Design Solutions, we pride ourselves on being registered building surveyors and SCSI members, which means we meet these rigorous standards. By working with a qualified surveyor, you can feel confident that the survey process will be handled with the utmost professionalism.
2. Experience and Expertise in Building Surveys
Experience matters when it comes to identifying structural issues and assessing the condition of a property. An experienced building surveyor will have the expertise to notice potential problems that may be missed by the untrained eye. Whether you’re looking at a new build or an older property, having a surveyor who has conducted countless property surveys can save you from costly repairs down the road.
At TPD Solutions, we bring over four decades of experience to each building survey we carry out. Our expertise ranges from home surveys and structural surveys to more detailed condition reports. Whether you’re looking for a homebuyer report or need advice on how to approach an older home that may have hazardous materials, we’ve got the expert advice to guide you through the process.
3. Local Knowledge and Understanding of Building Regulations
When it comes to building regulations, local knowledge is key. Different areas have different rules regarding planning permissions and building requirements, so it’s important to hire a surveyor who is familiar with local building regulations and local properties.
This is especially true for regions like Portlaoise, where building surveyors must understand the regional nuances of construction and planning laws.
At TPD Solutions, we have extensive local knowledge and experience working with local surveyors across Co. Laois and surrounding areas. We know what to look for in properties across these areas and how to handle specific property surveys to ensure compliance with local regulations.
4. Good Communication and Reporting Skills
One of the most important aspects of choosing a surveyor is their ability to communicate clearly. A good surveyor will not only identify potential structural issues but will also present their findings in a detailed report that’s easy to understand. Clear communication ensures that you, as a client, can make an informed decision about the condition of a property and whether it’s a good investment.
We take pride in providing our clients with transparent and thorough survey reports. Whether it’s explaining the condition report from a structural survey or advising on potential repairs needed for the property’s condition, we make sure our clients are fully informed every step of the way.
5. Good Reputation and Positive Reviews from Previous Customers
When searching for a building surveyor, it’s always a good idea to check their reputation. Ask for questions upfront and look at reviews or testimonials from previous customers. A surveyor with a strong track record is more likely to deliver a reliable service.
We have built a solid reputation in the community over the years, with many of our clients returning to us for multiple projects. Our satisfied customers can attest to the high level of service and attention to detail we provide, ensuring that the survey process is seamless and professional from start to finish.
“We used John for a pre purchase survey and would highly recommend. We had a reply within 24 hours and the survey was carried out a few days later, with the report shared shortly after. Thorough and easy to understand report, and John was happy to talk through it on the phone with any follow up questions.”
“Working with John to get an inspection for the home I’m purchasing was great! He is very professional, timely, responsive, and friendly.”
6. Competitive Pricing Without Sacrificing Quality
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, when it comes to building surveys, you often get what you pay for. However, this doesn’t mean you should overpay either. The key is to find a surveyor who offers competitive pricing while maintaining high standards of service.
At TPD Solutions, we offer cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. We believe in providing exceptional service at a fair price, ensuring our clients get the best value for their money. We encourage you to get at least three quotes to compare services and make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
Choose a Surveyor Who Offers Additional Services
A building survey is often just the first step in assessing a property. In some cases, additional services may be needed, such as structural engineering advice to address any structural issues identified in the survey or construction management to oversee necessary repairs or upgrades.
A good surveyor should not only provide thorough property surveys, but also be able to recommend or offer other related services that streamline the project.
At Total Planning and Design Solutions, we go beyond standard surveys by offering expertise in urban planning, construction management, and architectural design. Whether it’s coordinating with structural engineers, managing a construction project, or ensuring compliance with local building regulations, we provide comprehensive support.
Our goal is to guide you through every stage, making sure your project is managed seamlessly from the initial inspection to the final construction.
Why Choose Total Planning and Design Solutions?
In conclusion, choosing the right building surveyor is about finding someone with the right combination of qualifications, experience, local knowledge, and good communication skills. At Total Planning and Design Solutions, we have the expertise and dedication to help you make an informed decision about your next property purchase. With our competitive pricing, extensive experience, and a commitment to delivering detailed, clear reports, you can trust us to guide you through the survey process.
If you’re looking for a building surveyor in Co. Laois or surrounding areas, get in touch with us today. We’re here to provide expert advice and ensure that your next property purchase is a good investment. Let us help you identify any potential problems and provide you with peace of mind about the condition of the property.
Contact us now for a free consultation and see why TPD Solutions is the best choice for your next building survey.