Best Chartered Surveyors in Stockport

What does a surveyor in Stockport look for during a house survey?

Booking a professional house survey is a vital step in the buying process in Stockport.

A Chartered Surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection of the property to check its condition, highlight any potential risks, and ensure you're making a well-informed decision.

In a Stockport house survey, a surveyor inspects various aspects of the property depending on the type of survey commissioned. Here’s a breakdown of what surveyors typically examine:

Structural Integrity

• Foundations (where visible)
• Walls (signs of cracks, bulging, movement)
• Roof structure and coverings
• Chimneys and their stability

Damp and Moisture

• Signs of rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation
• Damp-proof course and ventilation

Roof and Loft

• Condition of the roof tiles or slates
• Flashings, gutters, and downpipes
• Loft insulation and structure (if accessible)

Windows and Doors

• Frame condition (wood rot, warping)
• Double glazing seals
• Operation and security

Internal Features

• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Stairs, handrails, and landings
• Fireplaces and flues (visual inspection)

Plumbing and Electrical (Visual)

• Age and type of boiler
• Radiators and pipework (leaks, corrosion)
• The fuse box (for age and the potential need for upgrade)

Exterior Elements

• External walls and render/brickwork
• Boundary walls, fences, and gates
• Driveways, patios, and paths

Drainage

• Evidence of blocked drains or poor drainage
• Manhole covers lifted if accessible

Subsidence Risk

• Trees close to the property
• Soil conditions (Stockport has some clay-based soils, increasing movement risk)

A professional survey helps you avoid costly surprises, gives you leverage to renegotiate the price or request repairs, and ensures you're fully informed before exchanging contracts.

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

The difference between a surveyor and a Chartered Surveyor lies primarily in professional qualifications, regulation, and credibility. While both roles involve inspecting properties and land, not every surveyor holds the formal recognition or professional standing of a Chartered Surveyor.

A 'surveyor' is a general term for someone who carries out property or land surveys. It may refer to:

• Building surveyors
• Quantity surveyors
• Land surveyors
• Valuation surveyors

Anyone can call themselves a surveyor, regardless of formal qualifications. Therefore, a surveyor in Stockport may vary in experience and may not have the appropriate insurance.

However, a Chartered Surveyor is a surveyor who has achieved membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - a globally respected professional body.

A Chartered Surveyor:

• Must complete RICS-accredited education.
• Undergo rigorous Inspection of Professional Competence (APC).
• Subject to RICS ethical standards, professional rules, and disciplinary procedures.
• Required to maintain professional indemnity insurance and keep skills updated via CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

All Stockport surveyors on reallymoving are RICS-regulated and credit-checked to ensure you get a reliable and quality service.

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

When buying a property in Stockport, or anywhere in the UK, it's crucial to choose the right type of house survey to fully understand the property's condition, potential problems, and future costs.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) offers three main levels of home surveys, each suited to different property types and buyer needs.

Level 1 Survey - Condition Report

This survey is suitable for new builds or relatively modern properties in good condition. The average price is £300-£700.

What it includes:

• A summary of the property’s overall condition
• "Traffic light" ratings to highlight defects (green, amber, red)
• Basic assessment of key features (roof, walls, electrics, etc.)

What it doesn't include:

• No advice on repairs or maintenance
• No property valuation or detailed investigation

Limited usefulness in Stockport unless you’re buying a new flat or modern house with no history of issues.

Level 2 Survey - Homebuyers Survey

A Level 2 Survey is best for conventional properties in reasonable condition (e.g. 1930s semis, post-war terraces, standard construction homes). The average cost of a Level 2 Survey in Stockport is £498.95.

What it includes:

• All elements from the Level 1 survey.
• More detailed inspection of major systems (heating, damp, woodwork).
• Highlights issues like subsidence, damp, rot, and illegal alterations.
• Optional market valuation and rebuild cost estimate (for insurance).
• Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance.

Ideal for many homes in areas like Cheadle, Edgeley, Offerton, and Hazel Grove, where the housing stock includes solid, mid-century and 20th-century homes.

Level 3 Survey - Building Survey

Crucial for older, large, or altered properties - or those in poor condition. Typically costs £661.29 in Stockport.

What it includes:

• Thorough, top-to-bottom inspection (structure, materials, and hidden defects).
• Evaluation of major and minor issues.
• Advice on repairs, risks, and likely future maintenance costs.
• May include diagrams and detailed condition descriptions.
• Does not usually include a market valuation (can be added for a fee).

Highly recommended for Victorian or Edwardian houses (e.g., in Heaton Moor, Stockport Central), properties with loft conversions or extensions, and Listed buildings or homes over 100 years old.

How long a survey takes will depend on which type you get. You will typically receive the report back from your surveyor within a few days to a week after the inspection has been completed.

How can I find a trusted surveyor in Stockport?

Whether you're buying a Victorian terrace in Edgeley, a 1930s semi in Heaton Moor, or a modern apartment in Stockport town centre, a reliable property survey is a key step in making a confident and informed purchase.

With reallymoving, you can easily compare quotes from Chartered Surveyors who understand the unique characteristics of the Stockport housing market.

Just enter a few basic details about your property or move, and you'll receive up to five instant quotes from trusted, credit-checked surveyors operating across Stockport and Greater Manchester.

You’ll be matched with professionals experienced in assessing everything from period properties to new builds.

When choosing the right surveyor for your needs:

• Check testimonials from real customers to find surveyors with a strong reputation for accuracy and reliability.
• Choose surveyors who are open with their fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
• Look for excellent communication and turnaround times — a good surveyor will keep you informed and deliver your report without delay.