Finding a surveyor

[Lucy61]

We've had a survey done by the mortgage company's surveyor but it was just a basic one. We would now like to have a home buyers survey done and would appreciate tips on how to go about finding a good surveyor .

surveyors (unlike solicitors) do need to be local so they are familiar with the area, the houses in it, the local geography and geology etc.

ring/email round for some quotes. Have a chat with those that look of interest, make it clear you don't want a report that is full of 'get a specialist to look at x and y'. With the exception of electrical checks and gas safe, the surveyor should be able to give you a very good indication of condition on everything. And even for electrics he can comment on basic condition.

also make sure he will go in the attic and won't make excuses about too much storage preventing inspections.

Ensure they are registered with RICS and do a Google search.

Go local as the surveyor will give a good insight about anything specific to the area.

Impossible to know before they turn up.

I've dealt with three surveyors in short order on the same building (for different parties needing independent reports). All RICS certified.

Two were great. The third... I was left wondering how he made it out of bed safely. Fortunately his report was so outrageously wrong we just had a good laugh over it with one of the other surveyors, but he very nearly cost us thousands of pounds.

The RICS find a surveyor website is a good place to start.

Thank you. All very useful advice. Will find someone local through Rics.
Would you accompany the surveyor? I know they tend to prefer to be left to it but would also like to see them at work.