RICS Residential Building Surveyor – Self-Employed Contractor / Associate Surveyor
Henderson Building Surveyors Ltd
Berkshire & Oxfordshire
Focus areas: Reading, Oxford, Newbury and surrounding areas
Self-employed contractor role
Fee split: 60/40 in favour of the surveyor, net of VAT
About us
Henderson Building Surveyors Ltd is a highly rated local surveying practice covering Berkshire and Oxfordshire. We specialise in private residential survey work, including RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3 reports.
We are looking for an experienced RICS-qualified Building Surveyor to work with us on a self-employed contractor basis. This role is suited to a surveyor who values high-quality work, careful inspection and well-considered reporting, rather than high-volume panel-style surveying.
This is not a volume-led role. Our focus is on higher-value private instructions, strong client service and detailed, professional reporting.
The role
You will undertake residential inspections and prepare RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3 reports across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, with a particular focus on Reading, Oxford, Newbury and nearby areas. There will also be opportunities to undertake defect pathology work.
We are looking for someone who can manage instructions professionally, inspect thoroughly, produce clear and technically sound reports, and communicate well with clients where required.
The expected workload will be by agreement and led by the surveyor’s availability and capacity. As a guide, this could range from around one instruction per week to approximately 15 instructions per month. All workloads will be considered; what is most important is your capability, professionalism, attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work. The focus remains on quality rather than volume; if you are able to complete high-quality work and would like more instructions, we expect to be able to provide them.
What we offer
A 60/40 fee split in favour of the surveyor, based on the net fee excluding VAT.
Henderson Building Surveyors Ltd will handle advertising, enquiries, admin, bookings, confirmations, client follow-ups and general client management as required and reasonable.
We will pay mileage at the national approved mileage rate.
We provide market-leading survey writing software to help improve accuracy, speed, consistency and compliance.
We offer a bonus scheme for receiving strong online client reviews.
We hold an annual day out as part of maintaining a positive working relationship with our associate surveyors, and we also organise various smaller events throughout the year for our staff.
You will invoice Henderson Building Surveyors Ltd for your agreed share of completed instructions.
We will provide practical support in the event of any client query or complaint, including assistance with reviewing the file, responding appropriately and dealing with the matter professionally.
You will be working with a respected local business with strong client reviews, a quality-led approach and a focus on private residential instructions rather than volume targets.
Key responsibilities
Carry out RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3 inspections.
Prepare clear, detailed and client-friendly reports in line with RICS requirements.
Identify defects, explain their implications and provide practical recommendations.
Maintain good inspection records, photographs, site notes and evidence to support your findings.
Manage your inspection and reporting workload to agreed timescales.
Communicate professionally with clients, agents and the HBS team where required.
Maintain appropriate CPD and comply with RICS professional standards.
Essential requirements
MRICS or AssocRICS status.
Minimum 3 years’ relevant residential surveying experience.
Experience producing RICS Level 2 and/or Level 3 residential survey reports.
Own Professional Indemnity Insurance, which must be maintained throughout the contractor relationship.
Strong knowledge of residential construction, common defects and building pathology.
Excellent written English and ability to produce bespoke, high-quality reports.
Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Reliable, organised and able to manage deadlines.
Desirable
Experience with older and traditional property types common across Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Strong local knowledge of Oxford, Reading, Newbury and surrounding areas.
Commercial arrangement
This is a self-employed contractor role.
The fee split is 60% to the surveyor and 40% to Henderson Building Surveyors Ltd, calculated on the net fee excluding VAT, and we ensure strong fees as a high-quality practice.
The surveyor must hold and maintain their own Professional Indemnity Insurance.
The surveyor will invoice Henderson Building Surveyors Ltd in line with agreed payment terms.
Mileage will be paid at the national approved mileage rate, subject to agreement and submission of appropriate mileage records.
Full-time equivalent earnings can reasonably be considered to be circa £90,000+ per annum, depending on workload, availability, fee levels and completed instructions.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and include details of:
Your RICS status and membership number.
Your residential surveying experience.
The areas you are able to cover.
Proof of a valid UK driving licence.
Confirmation that you hold your own Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Any relevant examples of Level 2 or Level 3 survey experience.
An anonymised report sample may be requested as part of the application process.
Pay: £12,000.00-£90,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Reading
