11/09/2026
When choosing a commercial surveyor, it's easy to focus on how many years they've been in the industry. But experience isn't just about the number of years. It's about having relevant experience for the property and the advice you need.
π’Experience with commercial properties:
Commercial buildings can vary significantly. Offices, retail units, warehouses and industrial properties can all have different construction methods, uses and potential issues.
π Experience with properties like yours:
Consider whether the surveyor has worked with properties of a similar age, construction, size, use and level of complexity.
Relevant experience can be just as important as the number of years someone has been working.
π Experience with the service you need:
Commercial surveying covers a wide range of services, from commercial building surveys and schedules of condition to dilapidations, defect analysis and planned preventative maintenance.
Make sure the surveyor has experience relevant to the specific advice you're looking for.
π Qualifications and professional standards:
Experience is important, but so are professional standards.
Consider the surveyor's relevant qualifications and whether the firm is regulated by RICS. RICS-regulated firms are required to follow professional and ethical standards, providing clients with additional confidence in the service they receive.
π· Who will actually carry out the work?
It's worth knowing who will be inspecting your property and providing the advice. Ask about their qualifications, experience and familiarity with properties like yours.
After all, they're the person assessing your property and providing professional advice that could influence an important business decision.
So don't just ask:
"How long have you been doing this?"
Also ask:
"Do you have the right experience for this property and the advice I need?"
The right combination of relevant experience, professional qualifications and high professional standards can give you greater confidence in the advice you're receiving.
Harrison Clarke is regulated by RICS, providing commercial property advice across a range of property types and services.
π - https://bit.ly/4qMXq1l
π - 023 8155 0051