Understanding RICS Chartered Building Surveyors & Valuators: What You Need to Know

When you're considering purchasing a property, whether it's for personal or investment purposes, or you require an accurate valuation, working with a RICS Chartered Building Surveyor or Valuator offers you confidence, trust, and professionalism. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) sets the highest standards for professionals in land, property, infrastructure, and construction, making it a globally recognized and respected institution.

But how did RICS come into existence? What does it mean to be RICS registered, and why should you insist on working with a company or individual that holds this accreditation? In this blog post, we will explore the origins of RICS, the rigorous training and qualifications required for chartered membership, and why it's crucial to be cautious when dealing with non-RICS registered businesses.

The History of RICS: How It All Started

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) was founded in 1868 by a group of forward-thinking surveyors in London. At the time, the profession lacked regulation, and the need for a standardized body to oversee and elevate professional standards was growing. The founding surveyors, led by John Clutton, sought to bring integrity, professionalism, and consistency to the rapidly expanding construction and property industries.

Originally called the Institution of Surveyors, the organization was granted its Royal Charter in 1881, becoming the RICS we know today. Over the years, RICS has grown from its roots in the UK to become an internationally respected body with members operating in over 140 countries.

What Does It Mean to Be an RICS Registered Business?

Being RICS registered means adhering to the highest standards of professional conduct, ethics, and competence. Companies and individuals who achieve RICS registration signal to clients that they have been thoroughly vetted, trained, and are bound by strict guidelines.

Here are some of the key benefits of working with an RICS registered business:

1. Professional Expertise: RICS members are highly qualified professionals who undergo rigorous training to achieve their chartered status. Whether it’s a surveyor assessing the condition of a building or a valuator determining the worth of a property, you can trust their expertise.

2. High Ethical Standards: RICS imposes a strict code of conduct on its members. They are required to act with honesty, integrity, and transparency in all dealings, ensuring that clients receive fair and objective advice.

3. Global Recognition: RICS accreditation is recognized worldwide. If you're dealing with international property or construction projects, an RICS chartered professional brings global credibility.

4. Dispute Resolution: RICS members adhere to specific guidelines regarding professional conduct and handling complaints. If any disputes arise, RICS provides a structured framework for resolving them efficiently.

5. Accountability: RICS-registered professionals are held accountable for their work. This means that clients have a channel to report malpractice or poor service, ensuring protection and peace of mind.

What Training is Required to Become an RICS Chartered Surveyor or Valuator?

Achieving RICS Chartered status is no small feat and requires years of education, training, and practical experience. Here’s a brief overview of what it takes:

1. Education: The journey to becoming a Chartered Surveyor or Valuator typically begins with a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as surveying, construction, property management, or engineering. Many opt for an RICS-accredited degree, which streamlines the process of becoming chartered.

2. Professional Experience: After completing their degree, aspiring RICS professionals must gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. This usually takes the form of a two- to three-year structured training programme known as the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). During the APC, candidates must demonstrate their ability to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios under the supervision of a senior RICS member.

3. Assessment and Interview: Once the required level of professional experience has been achieved, candidates must pass a rigorous final assessment. This typically includes a written submission of casework and an in-depth interview with a panel of senior RICS assessors. The assessment is designed to test the candidate’s technical expertise, ethics, and problem-solving skills.

4. Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Even after achieving RICS chartered status, members are required to continue their professional development through ongoing education and training. This ensures that RICS members are always up to date with the latest industry standards and best practices.

What to Be Wary of With Non-RICS Registered Businesses

When you're dealing with non-RICS registered companies, it's important to approach with caution. Here are some potential risks:

1. Lack of Accountability: Without RICS registration, companies or individuals are not held to the same professional or ethical standards. If something goes wrong with the service provided, you may find it harder to hold them accountable or seek recourse.

2. Unregulated Work: Non-RICS professionals might not follow standard protocols for surveys or valuations, meaning the results could be less reliable. This could lead to costly errors in property valuations or missed structural issues in a building.

3. No Dispute Resolution: RICS-registered companies are bound by dispute resolution mechanisms. If you use a non-RICS surveyor or valuator, you won’t have the backing of RICS to mediate or resolve any problems.

4. Inconsistent Qualifications: Non-RICS surveyors may not have undergone the rigorous training and assessment that comes with RICS membership. As a result, they may lack the technical expertise or experience to deliver accurate and reliable surveys or valuations.

Choosing a RICS Chartered Building Surveyor or Valuator is a wise decision for anyone buying or valuing property in the UK or internationally. With RICS' long history of professionalism, high ethical standards, and rigorous training, you can trust that you're receiving expert advice and reliable services. Whether you're buying your first home, managing an investment portfolio, or need a detailed property valuation, working with an RICS-registered professional ensures peace of mind and protection.

While the market may offer less expensive alternatives, the risks involved with using non-RICS professionals can far outweigh the savings. Always insist on RICS registration for your surveying and valuation needs—your investment is too important to leave to chance.