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Yes. SJM Surveyors are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This means our work is carried out in accordance with strict professional, technical, and ethical standards, with appropriate professional indemnity insurance in place.
RICS regulation ensures surveyors are suitably qualified, follow recognised professional standards, and are subject to independent oversight. It also provides clients with access to formal complaints handling procedures if required.
Yes. SJM Surveyors are members of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), a professional body representing experienced residential surveyors and promoting high standards of service, transparency, and consumer protection.
Yes. SJM Surveyors are registered with The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme. This provides clients with access to an independent alternative dispute resolution service should a complaint remain unresolved after our internal complaints procedure has been followed.
RICS recommends selecting a survey based on the property’s age, construction, condition, and complexity. Conventional, modern properties may suit a Level 2 Home Survey, while older, altered, or non-standard buildings are better suited to a Level 3 Building Survey.
A Level 2 Home Survey provides a general overview of condition and significant risks. A Level 3 Building Survey is more detailed and technical, offering in-depth commentary on construction, defects, and repair options, and is recommended for older or more complex properties.
You should consider a Level 3 Building Survey if the property is:
Yes. We regularly inspect listed buildings and historic properties and provide advice consistent with conservation best practice, including the use of traditional materials and repair methods.
No. RICS surveys are non-intrusive visual inspections. We do not lift fixed floor coverings, remove finishes, or carry out opening-up works. Any limitations are clearly stated in the report.
Where safe and accessible, we inspect roof coverings from ground level and inspect the roof space internally. Fixed coverings are not lifted, but visible defects and risks are reported.
No. RICS surveys do not include testing of services. We comment on visible condition only and recommend further investigation by appropriately qualified specialists where concerns are identified.
Yes. Accessible boundaries, permanent outbuildings, and surrounding grounds are inspected as part of the survey. Restricted access or concealed areas are noted.
Reports are typically issued within a few working days of the inspection, depending on the property type and survey level. We will confirm timescales at instruction.
Yes. We actively encourage post-report discussions so findings can be explained clearly and any concerns addressed. However, we ask that you either call or email to arrange a phone call as you surveyor is regularly on site.
Yes. Our reports include photographs to help illustrate key defects and observations.
Yes. We provide RICS-compliant valuations for a range of purposes including purchase, probate, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, matrimonial matters, and private instruction.
In many cases, yes. A valuation can often be added to a survey instruction, subject to suitability and the purpose of the valuation.
Fees vary depending on property size, type, location, and survey level. Instant fee estimates are available online, or we can provide a tailored quotation on request.
To guarantee your booking, we request payment upfront. However, we appreciate the cost of moving can be expensive, so providing we have received signed Terms & Conditions, we will still proceed with the instruction, but cannot release the report until payment has been received.
Yes. Survey findings are often used to support price negotiations or to inform decisions on future repair and maintenance costs.
No. Surveys do not confirm legal title, planning permission, or building regulation approval. Where relevant, we advise clients to raise these matters with their legal adviser.
Our Knowledge Base is periodically updated with practical guidance and professional insight into the UK property market, home surveys, and common building defects, helping homeowners and buyers make informed decisions with confidence.
