Building Surveyors in West Sussex (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 West Sussex

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 West Sussex

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 West Sussex: 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 West Sussex

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

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.