What does a surveyor do?
A surveyor checks a building or piece of land and explains what condition it is in.
For example, when someone is buying a house, a surveyor may look for:
- Cracks, damp or roof problems
- Unsafe parts of the building
- Repairs that may be needed
- Problems with the land or boundaries
- Whether the property is worth the price being asked
A surveyor is a bit like a building detective. They inspect what is already there and report what they find.
How is a surveyor different from an architect?
An architect designs buildings. They decide what the building should look like, how the rooms should be arranged and how people will use the space.
How is a surveyor different from a structural engineer?
A structural engineer works out whether the building will be strong and safe. They calculate things such as the size of beams, foundations, walls and supports.
In simple terms
Surveyor: “What condition is this building in?”
Architect: “What should this building look like and how should it work?”
Structural engineer: “Will this building stand up safely?”
