Building Surveyors in Chelmsford (4)

Buying, selling or renovating? A checked building surveyor can give you a clear picture of your property's condition, and help you avoid nasty surprises down the line.

Find a Building Surveyor in Chelmsford

From spotting structural issues to supporting planning permission, the right building surveyor can make a big difference. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help you get it sorted.

What to expect from hiring a building surveyor in Chelmsford

Common jobs building surveyors carry out:

• Full structural surveys
• Homebuyer reports
• Damp, dilapidation or snagging surveys
• Advice on extensions or planning
• Condition reports for listed buildings or heritage homes

What’s included in a typical survey?

• A detailed inspection of the inside and outside of the property

• Checks for damp, movement, damage, and safety issues

• A written report with recommendations

• Condition ratings, photos and (often) repair timelines

How much does a building survey cost?

It depends on the survey type and the property size.

Here are rough averages:

• Condition report: £300
• Condition and Homebuyer report: £450
• Building survey: £550
• Structural survey: £1,000 on average
• Damp survey (3-bed terrace): £400

Qualifications to check for

• Chartered surveyors registered with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
• Professional Indemnity Insurance is essential

How long does a survey take?

A homebuyer’s survey, which is not as detailed as a building survey, can take between one and four hours to complete. On the other hand, building surveys can take between six to eight hours.

Tip: If you’re on a tight timeline (e.g. during conveyancing), let your surveyor know early so they can prioritise turnaround.

Building surveyors in Chelmsford: Homeowners vs renters

If you’re a homeowner

• You’re usually responsible for organising (and paying for) a survey.

This is especially important:

Before buying a new home

• Before starting structural work or renovations.
• If you suspect issues like damp, subsidence, or roof movement.
• For mortgage lenders, a basic valuation might be enough. But to protect your investment, a full survey gives you the bigger picture.

If you’re a renter

• If you're worried about cracks, damp or unsafe features, start by contacting your landlord or letting agent. It’s their responsibility to arrange inspections and repairs.
• It might be a good idea to request a copy of any recent survey if available.
• Speak to your council's environmental health team for advice on unsafe living conditions.

Emergency building surveyors in Chelmsford

Some issues can’t wait. If you spot serious cracks, water ingress or a suspected structural failure, contact an emergency building surveyor in Chelmsford immediately.

These urgent call-outs typically cover:

• Sudden subsidence or shifting foundations
• Major damp or flooding
• Fire, storm or accidental damage
• Structural damage after renovations or impact

Need urgent help? Find emergency building surveyors using our search tool.

Find a building surveyor for the job you need in Chelmsford

Need help with a specific issue? Use Checkatrade to find building surveyors near you who specialise in:

• Structural surveys
• Pre-purchase surveys
• Damp or timber reports
• Subsidence investigations
• New build snagging
• Planning applications and building regs
• Heritage and listed buildings

Our checked tradespeople are reviewed by homeowners like you, so you can book with confidence with Checkatrade.