RICS Surveyors in London
Here to answer all your questions
Surveying shouldn't be scary. We know that all you want is peace of mind that the property you are commissioning a report on is safe, and that it is what it appears to be, with no hidden costly defects. If there are any such problems you will want to know as soon as possible so you can act appropriately. In the context of a property sale, timely and accurate information is vital. As RICS Surveyors in London, we offer a full range of services concerning all types of domestic, residential property. Get in touch with us to book a survey, or ask us anything on 020 3327 2235.
Frequently asked questions
Is SW17 Surveyors Ltd a RICS regulated company?
Yes. As Chartered Surveyors in London our company is regulated by the RICS and have to undergo regular scrutiny by our parent organisation.
Does SW17 Surveyors Ltd undertake Commercial Surveys?
SW17 Surveyors Ltd only undertakes surveys and valuations for residential properties.
I don't know which Survey to get, can you help me?
Yes, we can! Please give us a call at the office or drop us an email and our Office Administrator or one of our surveyors will be happy to help you.
What is the difference between the RICS Level 2 Survey Report and the Level 3 Survey Report?
The RICS Level 2 Report (formerly the Homebuyers' Report) describes the property and its structure. The report also identifies any defects found and collates them in a table near the beginning of the report using the RICS colour-coded “Condition Rating” system. A Valuation of the property can be included but only if requested, as an additional service.
In comparison, the RICS Level 3 Report (formerly the Building Survey Report) is the most extensive and detailed type of report. This report is similar to a Homebuyer's Report in that it also describes the property's structure, identifies the defects to the property and collates them in the colour-coded “Condition Rating” system. However, as well as noting the defects to the property, it also provides a priced “Summary of Repairs and Cost Guidance”. To support the cost guidance, the information on the defects will need to be more detailed to support the pricing information. The priced “Summary of Repairs and Cost Guidance” is seen as a tremendous asset by many property buyers, as it aids the negation process with the property vendor. A Valuation of the property can be included but only if requested, as an additional service.
Get in touch with our RICS Surveyors in London if you have any questions at all about which type of survey you need.
What are your office opening hours?
We are open Monday to Thursday, between the hours of 09.00 – 17.00, and on Fridays we are open between 09.00 - 16.00.
Are Valuations included in the RICS Level 3 Reports?
Valuations are not included in the RICS Level 3 Report but this can be added to your report for an additional fee. Contact the SW17 Surveyor Ltd office for current prices for the property valuation service.
I need more than one Valuation carried out, do you offer a discount?
We would be happy to offer you a discount if you can provide us with access to all properties on the same day. Any Valuation not carried out on the same day will be charged at full price.
When can I discuss the survey with the surveyor?
Generally, we will notify you of the day that the survey will take place. If you need any clarification or update on the progress of the survey, feel free to call the office and we will do our best to give you a quick summary of the surveyor's findings of any major problems.
However, the best approach is to wait for the completed report from us and then you can have a full discussion with our team, dealing with the specific content in the report. But remember, give us a call at any time during working hours. We will do our best to keep you updated.
Can I be on site while the surveyor is carrying out the survey?
Generally, such joint inspections are not acceptable to vendors and estate agents. In our experience, we find that it can slow down the survey also. Nevertheless, we aim to provide a comprehensive service, so if you are purchasing the property and wish to carry out a joint inspection with the surveyor, you must provide us with evidence in writing that this has been approved by the vendor and the estate agent. However, if such an agreement is received, SW17 Surveyors Ltd will meet with the client for 10 minutes at the start of the survey, for you to show us any concerns that you have. Following that, we politely request that you would allow us to proceed unencumbered, to undertake a truly independent survey of the property.
What is the turn-around time for reports?
As RICS Surveyors in London we aim to get our RICS Survey Reports (Condition, Homebuyers & Full Building), to clients five working days after the survey has taken place. If there is going to be a delay in the delivery of the reports, clients will be notified by the end of day three as to when they will receive the report.
For Valuations & Defects Analysis Reports, we aim for clients to have these smaller reports within three working days after the survey.
What is the difference between a valuation conducted by an Estate Agent and having a valuation completed by a Surveyor's firm?
Here at SW17 Surveyors Ltd, we provide an independent valuation in comparison to Estate Agents. When valuing a property, we look at the property's condition and use comparable evidence provided by Estate Agents in the same locality of the property. We focus solely on ‘sold' prices (within the last three months) and use the ‘sold' prices provided on the Land Registry's website as confirmation of value.
Do SW17 Surveyors undertake 'lending' valuations?
SW17 Surveyors Ltd is not listed on the “panel of surveyors” for lending organisations, therefore, we are unable to carry out property valuations for lending purposes. Most property valuations are carried out for lending purposes, providing guidance to lending institutions such as banks and building societies for persons buying properties. This tends to be restricted to larger surveying companies.
How soon can you carry out a survey or valuation?
We tend to book appointments a couple days in advance, but this generally depends on how busy the practice is at the time.
Why not give us a call, and we try and book your instruction in at the earliest time possible.
I need to make a complaint, what do I do?
Please give us a call. SW17 Surveyors Ltd aim to resolve any matter of dissatisfaction with our services. We will aim to resolve any matter through our internal ‘complaints handling procedure'.
If we are unable to resolve the matter, you can contact the Ombudsman Services: Property. This is the complaints handling organisation for RICS Surveyors.
Contact Us
Contact our experienced team of RICS Surveyors in London by calling 020 3327 2235 or emailing info@sw17surveyors.com.
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SW17 Surveyors Ltd is registered as a limited company in England and Wales under company number 06637656.
We are RCIS Registered Valuers, and full members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.
