UK Building Surveyors Guide

How much money are you outlaying on your business premises? According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the average business owner spends more money on their business premises than on any other single expense except staff wages, and many of you are over-paying.

Building surveyors can advise on a whole host of issues regarding your premises, including lease agreements and renewals, rent reviews, service charges, business rates and tax relief for property-related spending.

When buying or renting new premises, building surveyors will provide a schedule of condition or carry out a commercial building survey. These record the nature and condition of the building and can be used if you need to claim for any loss or damage to the property. Equally, a survey can also provide protection if a claim is made against you.

If you do enter into any dispute with a landlord or third party, building surveyors can assist by providing an Expert Witness report. They can also advise you on boundary disputes and party wall issues.

If you own your premises and want to undertake building projects or refurbishment work, building surveyors offer comprehensive services. These include planning and design (in accordance with all regulations and statutory requirements), the appointment of contractors, and project management throughout the whole process, leaving you free to run your business.

When hiring building surveyors, always check their qualifications. A chartered surveyor will have the letters MRICS or FRICS after their name. Professionals offering specialist services should be a member of the relevant trade association.

To find building surveyors or for more information on the services they provide, please click on the links below: