When booking a RICS surveyor for a homebuyers survey, structural survey, or building survey, many clients wonder if they should be present during the inspection. While it’s understandable to want to oversee the process, attending the survey isn’t always beneficial—for you or the surveyor. Here’s why allowing your self-employed, RICS-accredited surveyor to work independently ensures the most thorough and efficient property assessment.
1. A More Efficient & Focused Inspection
A property survey requires precision, detail, and uninterrupted focus. When clients are present, the process often takes twice as long, as surveyors must navigate questions and conversations while conducting their assessment. Self-employed RICS surveyors are trained to work methodically, ensuring nothing is overlooked - something that can be compromised with distractions.
Faster results – A focused surveyor means a quicker turnaround for your report.
Thorough inspections – No disruptions, just a complete and detailed assessment.
2. Reducing the Risk of Oversights
Surveyors follow a structured routine to ensure every detail of the property is assessed. Unplanned interruptions - even well-intended questions - can break their concentration and increase the risk of missing key structural issues.
Peace of mind – A distraction-free survey reduces the chance of human error.
Comprehensive reporting – Every element of the property is carefully inspected.
3. Surveyor Scheduling & Flexibility
Many RICS surveyors schedule their appointments within time slots (e.g., between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM) rather than fixed start times. This allows for travel adjustments and unpredictable survey durations, ensuring each job is completed to the highest standard. If a client is present, it can add time pressure, potentially affecting the depth of the inspection.
More flexibility – Surveyors work at their own pace, ensuring nothing is rushed.
Less stress for you – You don’t have to wait around for the surveyor to arrive or finish.
How to Get the Most from Your Survey
If you have concerns or specific areas of the property you’d like the surveyor to focus on, the best time to discuss these is before or after the inspection. Survey Network’s self-employed RICS surveyors are always happy to provide detailed insights, explanations, and recommendations, ensuring you understand the findings in your report.
Book your survey today with a trusted, independent RICS self employed surveyor and gain clear, expert guidance on your property purchase. Alternatively, if you have any questions feel free to get in contact here or if you're ready to get the ball moving, book a survey with a Network Surveyor here.
