Best Chartered Surveyors in Wiltshire

What do Wiltshire surveyors look at in a house survey?

During a building survey, a Chartered Surveyor will conduct a comprehensive inspection tailored to Wiltshire's distinctive rural property market. Building surveys are essential for protecting your investment in this sought-after county.

A building surveyor in Wiltshire will examine:

• All major indoor features, including structural walls, ceilings, doors, stairs, and period architectural details
• Signs of damp or mould (particularly important in thatched cottages and period stone properties)
• Insulation standards and energy efficiency in rural and period properties
• Structural integrity of the property and its foundations (crucial for older rural buildings)
• Timber damage, including woodworm and rot common in traditional construction
• Visual inspection of electric, gas, and drainage systems (often challenging in rural locations)
• Environmental issues specific to countryside locations
• Potentially dangerous vegetation and Japanese knotweed
• Traditional building materials like Cotswold stone, cob, and thatch
• Listed building features and conservation area requirements
• Rural outbuildings, barns, and agricultural structures
• Septic tanks and private drainage systems, common in rural areas

Wiltshire's property market features exceptional diversity, from picturesque villages like Castle Combe to market towns and modern developments. The county also benefits from parts of the Cotswolds region.

Your surveyor will provide a detailed report with findings, recommendations, and estimated repair costs. This is particularly valuable as it can create opportunities for informed negotiation based on survey findings.

A surveyor will also provide background information about the property's rural location, transport links, and local market conditions. They can offer a current valuation, though this may incur an additional cost.

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

While general surveyors in Wiltshire may have varying levels of qualification and experience, a Chartered Surveyor is a professional who has completed rigorous training and achieved accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Key advantages of choosing a Chartered Surveyor:

• Recognised expertise with strict professional standards
• Additional qualifications beyond basic surveyor training
• Professional indemnity insurance and consumer protection
• Access to RICS dispute resolution services if issues arise
• Ongoing professional development requirements
• Specialised knowledge of traditional building materials and rural construction
• Understanding of listed buildings, conservation areas, and planning restrictions
• Experience with unique property types including thatched cottages, period farmhouses, and converted agricultural buildings

All building surveyors featured on reallymoving are RICS-regulated professionals, ensuring you receive expert service backed by industry-leading standards. This is particularly crucial in Wiltshire's diverse property market, where traditional rural buildings, period properties, and listed buildings require specialist expertise.

What are the different types of surveys available in Wiltshire?

There are three main types of RICS surveys, each suited to different property types commonly found across Wiltshire:

RICS Level 1 (Condition Report): £300-£700. A basic visual inspection ideal for new builds or modern properties in excellent condition. Best suited to recently constructed homes or properties under 10 years old. Most appropriate for modern developments in Wiltshire's market towns rather than the county's characteristic rural and period properties.

RICS Level 2 (Homebuyers Survey): Around £500. A detailed inspection with advice on repairs and maintenance priorities. Suitable for conventional properties built after 1900 in reasonable condition. Works well for inter-war properties and well-maintained period homes, though may not adequately cover complex traditional building materials or techniques.

RICS Level 3 (Building Survey): Around £660. The most comprehensive inspection, essential for older, unusual, or extensively altered properties. In Wiltshire, this detailed survey is strongly recommended for most rural properties, thatched cottages, Cotswold stone buildings, listed properties, barn conversions, and any building with traditional construction methods.

How long a survey takes depends on the type, the size of the property, and its complexity:

• Level 1: 1-2 hours inspection
• Level 2: 2-4 hours inspection
• Level 3: 4-8 hours (often a full day for complex rural properties, large farmhouses, or buildings with multiple outbuildings)

You'll typically receive your detailed report within 3-5 working days after the inspection, allowing time to review findings and negotiate effectively in the current market conditions.

How can I find a trusted Chartered Surveyor in Wiltshire?

Finding the right surveyor for Wiltshire's rural and historic property market requires careful consideration of traditional building expertise, conservation knowledge, and rural property experience.

Use reallymoving to compare quotes from RICS-accredited surveyors in the Wiltshire area

• Receive up to five competitive quotes instantly
• All surveyors are credit-checked and professionally regulated
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

What to look for in a Wiltshire surveyor:

• RICS accreditation and comprehensive professional indemnity insurance
• Extensive experience with traditional building materials (thatch, cob, Cotswold stone, timber frame)
• Knowledge of conservation areas, listed buildings, and rural planning regulations
• Understanding of rural infrastructure challenges (septic systems, private water supplies, access rights)
• Experience with diverse property types from thatched cottages to Georgian manor houses
• Knowledge of agricultural buildings and barn conversions
• Positive customer reviews and testimonials from similar rural and period property surveys
• Clear communication and prompt response times
• Transparent fee structure reflecting the specialist nature of rural surveying
• Local knowledge of Wiltshire's villages, market towns, and rural areas

Wiltshire's property market is characterised by its rural nature, historic villages, and traditional building stock. The county features everything from medieval cottages and Georgian townhouses to converted agricultural buildings and modern rural developments. Many properties are located in conservation areas or are listed buildings, requiring specialist knowledge of heritage regulations and traditional building techniques.

The county's rural location means many properties rely on private drainage systems, have agricultural outbuildings, and may be subject to rights of way or agricultural restrictions that urban surveyors might not fully understand.

A qualified surveyor should understand Wiltshire's specific property characteristics, from the golden Cotswold stone construction methods to the challenges of maintaining thatched roofs and traditional timber-framed buildings. They should be familiar with local planning policies, conservation requirements, and the rural infrastructure considerations that affect property values and maintenance costs.

With property prices showing strong growth but current asking prices trending downward, professional survey advice is essential for making informed decisions about rural and period property investments in this historic and desirable county.

Choose a surveyor who demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of traditional building techniques, understands rural property challenges, and can provide clear guidance on the unique opportunities and responsibilities that come with owning property in Wiltshire's beautiful countryside and historic villages.