RICS Designations

[David Wheeler MISVA]

I have been instructed to conduct a Level 3 Building Survey but have now received a copy of the Clients mortgage valuation report which called for a report from a structural engineer or a chartered building surveyor.

Is there such a thing as a Chartered Building Surveyor any more?  I qualified as a General Practice Surveyor but have specialised in Building Survey work for almost 35 years.   Is that sufficient to call me a Building Surveyor or is there still a specific designation?

[Paul R E Dyer FISVA]

Hi David,

 

Yes there is a Chartered Building Survey and there is a different APC route, although General Practitioners carry out fairly similar work to CBS, CBS’s are really a mixture of QS and GP.

If the mortgage Valuer has requested a CBS or Structural Engineer then only a CBS should carry this out. (Otherwise check with the lender beforehand to see if they will accept your report.)

 

 

[AC Surveys]

Glad I read the comments, because I can confirm what Paul Dyer said!
Also RICS Regulation Department can get really cross if you use the Wrong Designation! Be warned!

[John Gearing FISVA]

More to the point does the Mortgage Company seeking the Report know the difference between a CBS a GP Surveyor or a Structural Engineer – I suspect not causing confusion all round and a GP Surveyor with 35 years experience unable to take the job on. Outrageous. I feel your pain David.

[Owen Grainger FRICS, FISVA]

Have you thought of joining the Chartered Association of Building Engineers?   See:

https://cbuilde.com/page/cabe_member_grades

You may be able to join on the strength of your MRICS qualification and work experience.

I suspect that the jobsworth at the mortgage lender would then be quite happy – but I always advise that the client checks first.

 

[John Stewart FISVA]

I have encountered this on numerous occasions.  In some vases the client approached the lender and was able to ‘clear’ me so that I could carry out the task.  I suspect, however, that most of the time this results from simple inertia: it’s what they’ve always said, or what the last person said, perhaps without understanding why.

I’d be interested to know whether the referral is warranted, because all too often I find it is merely the valuer passing the buck, especially when it concerns past structural movement.  It should often be possible to draw a conclusion or arrive at a reasoned view.  If that’s not possible it’s quite unlikely that another professional can either, except by monitoring over time.

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