Best Chartered Surveyors in Derby

What do Derby surveyors look at during a house survey?

If you’re buying a home in Derby, whether it’s a Victorian terrace in Normanton, a 1930s semi in Littleover, or a modern new-build in Mickleover, booking a house survey is a wise move to protect your investment.

A Chartered Surveyor will carry out a detailed inspection of the property to assess its condition and highlight any issues that could impact its value or your future costs. 

Depending on the type of survey you choose this can include:

• All major interior features
• Signs of damp, mould, and condensation 
• Insulation and energy efficiency, especially important in Derby’s colder winters.
• Structural integrity and foundations - checking for movement, cracking, or signs of subsidence, which can be an issue in some older properties or those built on clay-rich ground.
• Timber damage - checking for woodworm, dry rot, or wet rot, particularly in older period homes with original floorboards and roof timbers.
• Electric, gas, and drainage systems - visual inspections for outdated or unsafe installations, with recommendations for further checks if needed.
• Environmental risks e.g. (especially near the River Derwent), proximity to old industrial land, and historical mining areas.
• Invasive or hazardous plants, such as Japanese Knotweed, which can be found in some areas of Derby and has implications for mortgage lending.
• Permanent outbuildings and external features; garages, garden structures, and extensions, which are assessed for condition and legal compliance.

It is highly recommended to get a house survey when looking to purchase a home. A survey can provide crucial information about the condition of a property and can help you avoid unexpected repair costs. 

If problems that were not disclosed previously are revealed, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price or request that the seller addresses the problems. 

What is the difference between a surveyor and a Chartered Surveyor?

Understanding the difference between a general surveyor and a Chartered Surveyor is essential before arranging a house survey.

Surveyors may have different levels of experience and training. While many offer useful property inspections, not all surveyors are formally qualified or professionally regulated. This means the quality of service and reporting can vary, and their advice may not be accepted by mortgage lenders or conveyancers.

A Chartered Surveyor is a property professional who has:

• Completed rigorous academic and practical training
• Gained accreditation through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Committed to strict ethical and professional standards
• Holds professional indemnity insurance
• Is subject to formal complaints and resolution procedures through RICS

This is especially important in Derby, where the property market includes a mix of older homes with hidden defects, converted buildings, and newer developments that require varying levels of inspection and legal understanding.

All surveyors on reallymoving are RICS-regulated and credit checked. This ensures you feel confident that your surveyor will provide a quality service. 

What are the different types of surveys you can get in Derby?

Choosing the right type of RICS survey is an essential step in the home-buying process.

There are three main types of property survey offered by RICS-accredited Chartered Surveyors. Each is suited to different property styles, ages, and conditions commonly found in and around Derby.

RICS Level 1 Survey - Condition Report:  This is a simplistic overview of a property's general condition. A traffic-light system can highlight any urgent issues but does not go into detail about repairs or maintenance suggestions. Can be used for new-build homes and modern developments. The average cost of a Condition Report is £300-£700.

RICS Level 2 Survey - Homebuyers Survey: The most commonly used survey in Derby, the Homebuyers Survey offers a more in-depth inspection of a property's condition, highlights potential issues, and offers repair and maintenance advice. Can include a valuation upon request, often at an additional cost. Suitable for 1930s-1990s homes in relatively good condition. The average cost in Derby is £450. 

RICS Level 3 Survey - Building Survey: A full, detailed inspection of a property. Includes a thorough breakdown of the condition, structure, and history of a building. Offers advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance. Ideal for larger or complicated properties such as period homes and converted farmhouses. The average cost of a Building Survey in Derby is £600.

The length of a survey varies depending on which level you get, the size of the property and its complexity.

• Level 1 Survey typically takes 1-2 hours
• Level 2 Survey can take 2-3 hours
• Level 3 Survey can take from 4 hours to a whole day

Most Derby surveyors aim to provide your report within a week of the inspection, depending on the property's complexity and availability.

How can I find a trusted building surveyor in Derby?

If you're purchasing a home in Derby, whether it’s a Victorian terrace in Normanton, a semi-detached in Littleover, or a new build in Mickleover, choosing the right surveyor is an essential step in your home-buying journey.

With reallymoving, you can quickly and easily compare quotes from RICS-accredited Chartered Surveyors who understand the local housing stock and property conditions across Derby.

Just provide a few details about your move, and you’ll receive up to five instant quotes from experienced Chartered Surveyors working in and around Derby.

All surveyors listed on Reallymoving are:

• Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Credit checked for added peace of mind
• Knowledgeable about Derby’s diverse property market

To find the best fit for your needs:

• Read genuine customer reviews to assess the quality of service
• Look for surveyors who are clear and open with their fees
• Choose someone with a proven track record of delivering reports on time

A trustworthy surveyor in Derby will keep you well-informed throughout the process and make sure your report is both thorough and easy to understand.