Builder or Surveyor? Who Should You Trust When Buying a Property?

When you’re on the brink of buying a property, one of the most important steps is making sure the building is sound. Cracks in the walls, damp patches, uneven floors — these can all send shivers down a buyer’s spine. So, who should you call in to check things over: a builder or a surveyor?

At first glance, it might seem tempting to ask a local builder to have a look. After all, they work with bricks and mortar every day. But when it comes to unbiased, professional advice, a qualified surveyor is the person you really want on your side.

Let’s explore why.

1. A Surveyor’s Job: To Tell You the Truth — Good or Bad

A surveyor’s role is straightforward: they are paid to give an honest, independent assessment of a property’s condition. Whether that means confirming the house is in great shape or flagging up potential issues, their loyalty lies with you, the buyer.

Surveyors don’t profit from repairs. They have no incentive to exaggerate a problem or play it down. Their reputation — and professional accreditation — depends entirely on their accuracy and impartiality.

In other words, a surveyor is there to protect your investment, not to generate future work.

2. A Builder’s Perspective: Not Always as Neutral as It Seems

Builders, on the other hand, are experts in construction — but their motivation is very different. A builder’s business relies on securing building work. So, if they spot (or think they spot) something that might need fixing, it’s in their interest to make the problem sound as serious as possible.

That doesn’t mean builders are dishonest, but their report is naturally coloured by a financial incentive. If they recommend major works, they may well be hoping you’ll hire them to carry it out.

The result? A builder’s “report” can sometimes exaggerate issues or suggest unnecessary repairs, leaving you worried — and potentially out of pocket — for no good reason.

3. Professional Accountability and Peace of Mind

Surveyors are regulated professionals. In the UK, most are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which sets strict standards for ethics, accuracy, and professionalism.

If a surveyor makes an error, you have recourse through their professional indemnity insurance. A builder offering informal advice doesn’t provide that level of protection — so if their opinion turns out to be wrong, you’re on your own.

Having a proper survey not only gives you peace of mind but can also strengthen your position in negotiations. A clear, unbiased report can help you make informed decisions — and, if needed, renegotiate the purchase price.

4. The Bottom Line: Get the Right Expertise

If you’re serious about buying a property, a surveyor’s report isn’t just a formality — it’s a vital safeguard. It gives you a true picture of what you’re buying, without bias, sales talk, or hidden agendas.

A builder may know how to fix problems, but a surveyor knows how to identify and explain them objectively. When it comes to one of the biggest financial commitments of your life, that objectivity is priceless.

In Summary

• Surveyor: Independent, qualified, and accountable — they tell you exactly what’s there, no more, no less.

• Builder: Skilled, but financially motivated — their “findings” may lead to unnecessary worry or cost.

So before you put pen to paper on that dream home, make sure the person inspecting it is there to protect your interests, not to create new business for themselves.

A surveyor won’t just spot the cracks — they’ll help ensure you don’t fall through them.