What Is a Building Surveyor?
If you’ve ever searched online for a building surveyor, you’ve likely come across a mix of services – from homebuyer reports to commercial property inspections. So what exactly does a building surveyor do? And how does a commercial building surveyor differ from the kind you’d appoint for a residential property?
In this article, we’ll break it down clearly and explain what sets Ivy Lees apart as a commercial surveying consultancy.
What does a building surveyor do?
A building surveyor assesses the condition of buildings and provides expert advice on construction, maintenance, repair and compliance. Their work can range from inspecting a structure’s fabric to managing building projects and advising on property-related legislation.
The scope of work depends heavily on the type of property and the purpose of the instruction – which leads us to a key distinction: residential vs. commercial.
Residential vs. commercial building surveyors
Most people are familiar with residential surveyors. These are the professionals who conduct RICS Home Surveys when you’re buying a house or flat. The focus is typically on identifying defects, valuing the property and advising the buyer on condition-related risks.
A commercial building surveyor, by contrast, deals with offices, warehouses, retail units, industrial buildings, and mixed-use developments. The work is broader, often more complex and highly tailored to the client’s role – whether that’s a landlord, tenant, developer or funder.
Here are a few key differences:
Residential Surveyor
Property Type – Homes and flats
Focus – Buyer protection
Services – Homebuyer reports, building surveys
Clients – Homeowners, buyers
Commercial Surveyor
Property Type – Offices, retail, warehouses, industrial units
Focus – Investment risk, lease liability, asset performance
Services – Pre-acquisition reports, dilapidations, PPM, project monitoring
Clients – Landlords, tenants, developers, investors
What does a commercial building surveyor offer?
At Ivy Lees, our role as commercial surveyors and consultants extends far beyond a simple condition report. We help our clients:
Understand risk before acquiring or leasing a property
Navigate lease liabilities, break clauses and reinstatement clauses
Identify and manage building defects
Forecast long-term maintenance requirements
Comply with building regulations and health and safety standards
Negotiate and defend dilapidations claims
Review Licence for Alterations
Every instruction is tailored – because every client has different priorities, whether that's protecting an investment, managing a portfolio or preparing for sale.
Ivy Lees: Commercial surveying and consultancy
Ivy Lees is an independent commercial building consultancy based in Manchester and operating across the North of England. We work with landlords, tenants, developers and funders – providing clear, honest advice rooted in technical expertise and sector-specific experience.
If you're looking for professional insight into your commercial property – whether before signing a lease, buying a new asset or resolving a building issue – we’re here to help. If you're unsure about the type of surveyor you need or if you'd like to speak to a commercial consultant, we’d be happy to advise.
Email us at hello@ivylees.co.uk or connect with us via LinkedIn. We’re based in central Manchester (visitors are welcome!) and work with clients throughout the region.