Questions to Ask a Building Surveyor Before Booking
Last Updated: 28 October 2026
Quick Summary
Ask a building surveyor about their RICS membership number, experience with your property type, and whether they will inspect the property personally. Confirm which survey level they recommend, what the report excludes, and when you will receive it. Request a sample report before you book.
Check the surveyor's RICS membership number and any additional qualifications before booking.
Ask whether they have surveyed your construction type in the last year.
Request Level 3 for pre-1900 properties, major renovation plans or visible structural issues.
Ask what is excluded from the survey, including roof, loft and underfloor areas.
Confirm how long after the inspection you will receive the report.
Table of Contents
Why the Questions You Ask a Building Surveyor Decide the Report You Get
Qualifications and Experience: What to Verify Before You Book
RICS Level 2 Home Survey: Which Questions Confirm It Is the Right Report
RICS Level 3 Building Survey: When to Ask for the Fuller Inspection
Scope, Exclusions and Access: Questions That Prevent Nasty Surprises
Building Survey Report Turnaround Time and What Happens After the Visit
Why the Questions You Ask a Building Surveyor Decide the Report You Get
The questions you ask a building surveyor before booking help clarify what you can expect from the report.
Here is the thing nobody tells you. The surveyor is not the expert on your plans. You are. They know buildings. You know whether you want to knock through a wall, extend the kitchen, or rent the place out. Those plans change which questions matter. Electrical safety checks often complicate these renovation schedules, making it essential to understand how EICR timescales impact your overall project timeline.
A building surveyor is a qualified professional who inspects a property's condition and reports on defects, repairs and risks before you commit to buying.
Below are questions grouped by credentials, property type, survey level, scope and timing.
Qualifications and Experience: What to Verify Before You Book
Start by asking about credentials.
Ask these questions before you book:
Are you a Chartered Surveyor, and can you confirm your RICS membership number?
Do you hold any additional qualifications, such as Chartered Building Engineer status?
How many years have you surveyed properties in this area?
Will you carry out the inspection personally, or send a junior?
Can you share a sample report so I can see the format?
For practical guidance on checking credentials and comparing providers, see how to find and hire surveyors in the UK. It walks through the vetting process step by step.
The RICS guidance on choosing a surveyor sets out what a regulated surveyor must provide. Use it as your checklist.
How to Choose a Building Surveyor for Your Property Type
Property type is one factor to consider when choosing a surveyor.
Match the surveyor to the building:
Period and older properties: look for experience with solid walls, damp, timber and roof structures.
New builds: ask about snagging inspections and defects liability periods.
Non-traditional construction: ask specifically whether they have surveyed this build type before.
Flats and leasehold: confirm they will review the lease, service charges and communal areas.
When you choose a building surveyor, ask directly: "Have you surveyed this construction type in the last year?"
RICS Level 2 Home Survey: Which Questions Confirm It Is the Right Report
Ask these to confirm Level 2 fits:
Is this property conventional construction, or does it need a fuller inspection?
Will the report include a condition rating for each element?
Does Level 2 include advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance?
Can you flag anything that might affect my mortgage or insurance?
Will you comment on damp, roof condition and services?
The RICS Home Survey Standard explains the differences between levels in plain terms. Read it before you compare quotes.
You can also see the full range of RICS Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys available if you want to compare before deciding.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey: When to Ask for the Fuller Inspection
Ask for Level 3 when:
The property is pre-1900 or has been significantly altered
You plan major renovation or extension work
The building is non-traditional construction
There are visible signs of movement, damp or structural issues
You want a full picture of repair costs before negotiating
Ask the surveyor: "Will this report tell me what is critical versus cosmetic?"
Scope, Exclusions and Access: Questions That Prevent Nasty Surprises
Ask about the survey's scope before the visit.
Ask these scope questions:
What exactly is excluded from this survey?
Will you inspect the roof, loft and underfloor areas?
Can you access services like electrics and drainage, or is that extra?
Do you use thermal imaging or drone roof inspections where needed?
What access do you need on the day, and who arranges it?
Ask how the surveyor handles limited access.
Building Survey Report Turnaround Time and What Happens After the Visit
Ask about the expected turnaround time before booking.
Questions worth asking:
How long after the inspection will I receive the report?
Will I get a verbal summary on the day?
Can I call you to talk through the findings?
What happens if you find something serious?
Do you offer follow-up advice on repairs or contractors?
After the visit, read the report with your priorities in mind.
Question area | What to ask | Why it matters |
Credentials | RICS number, experience, sample report | Confirms competence before you pay |
Property type | Have you surveyed this build type? | Avoids missed defects |
Survey level | Level 2 or Level 3? | Matches report depth to risk |
Scope | What is excluded? | Prevents surprise gaps |
Turnaround | When will I get the report? | Keeps your purchase on track |
Book Your RICS Home Survey with Volarex
When choosing a surveyor, consider credentials, property experience, scope and communication.
Volarex is an independent Chartered Surveying practice providing residential and commercial property consultancy across Yorkshire and selected areas of the UK. Volarex Home Surveys provides RICS Level 2 and Level 3 reports and specialist surveys of older, period and non-traditional properties. Depending on the service selected, inspections can incorporate thermal imaging, photographic evidence and drone roof inspections where conditions permit.
If you are searching for a building surveyor near me, Contact Volarex to discuss your survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I ask a building surveyor before booking?
Ask about the surveyor's qualifications, which survey level they recommend and why, and what the report includes and excludes. Getting clear answers before you book can help you understand the proposed scope.
How do I choose a building surveyor in Barnsley?
Ask about the surveyor's qualifications and compare what each quote covers. Ask which RICS Level 2 Home Survey or Level 3 report is proposed for the property.
How long does a building survey take, and how soon will I receive my report?
Ask the provider for an estimate of the inspection and report timescales before booking, and confirm the timescale in writing.
Can I speak to the surveyor after receiving the report?
Ask before booking whether you can speak to the surveyor after receiving the report.
The right questions turn a survey from a box-ticking exercise into real buying confidence. Get started with Volarex and book a RICS home survey with direct access to your surveyor from first call to final report.
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