Architect or building surveyor?

Jesh1

Folks,

I need to get a residential structural survey done.
There seem to be a good few professional bodies knocking around…eg The Society of Chartered Surveyors, Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers…..to name but a few?

Do they all have the same processional recognition? Also, should I use an Architect or building surveyor?

Thanks!

janmc

For a structural survey, I'd personally get an engineer rather than a surveyor or an architect. Is it for buying a house?

Edit - see Victor's post below for more comprehensive answer.

Victor

If you are buying a house and you don't think there is anything particularly wrong with it, you could use either. If you think the house is "tired" (damp, ventilation, etc.) the building surveyor might be best. If you think its in need of remodelling, e.g. the kitchen and bathroom are too small, go for an architect. If you really don't like the look of the crack in the gable wall and the slope on the floor, go for an engineer. Any of them should be able to do the job, but pick one who's strengths match the property's major problems.

Some surveyors will also be able to do the valuation.

Shop around, plenty of people out there these days.

www.scs.ie
www.ipav.ie
www.riai.ie
www.iei.ie

Jesh1

@ Janmc.....yep its a house purchase

@ victor......cheers, that makes sense. There is no major issue's (to the naked eye at least). So i guess it's going to be a building suveyor. I've priced a few. They are coming in at the region of 330-400e