MEET THE EXPERT - SURVEYORS
Interview with ROBIN CHARLESWORTH BENG MSC MRICS Owner
CAPITALSURVEYORS.CO.UK 07354 188631
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF CAPITAL SURVEYORS Capital Surveyors is a Colliers Wood- based firm of Chartered Surveyors, founded by me, Robin Charlesworth MRICS. This year marks 20 years since I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. During that time, I have worked across residential, commercial and historic property, most recently managing the National Trust’s London property portfolio. Alongside my professional career, I have spent the last 15 years buying, renovating, extending and developing properties throughout South London. That hands-on experience has given me a practical understanding of buildings that complements my technical surveying expertise. I established Capital Surveyors to bring the knowledge, professionalism and experience gained in the corporate property sector directly to homeowners and buyers across South London. Clients benefit from both professional surveying expertise and real-world experience of owning, repairing and improving property. HOW CAN YOUR EXPERTISE SAVE WINKWORTH CLIENTS MONEY? Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will
with renovation plans already in mind. In these cases, the focus is often less on cosmetic issues and more on the building’s underlying condition. A thorough survey can identify structural, maintenance and fabric defects that may affect renovation plans or budgets. It can also help prioritise works, allowing buyers to distinguish between urgent repairs and longer-term improvements, making planning and budgeting far easier. HOW DOES YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOOTING AREA GIVE YOU AN ADVANTAGE? Living in Colliers Wood and surveying extensively across Tooting has given me a detailed understanding of local housing stock, from Victorian terraces to modern developments. Combined with my own experience of renovating and extending properties locally, this enables me to provide practical advice based on both professional expertise and first-hand knowledge. For buyers, there is real value in working with a surveyor who understands the area street by street and knows the common issues affecting local homes.
ever make, yet buyers often base that decision on only a few viewings.
A survey helps uncover issues that may not be visible during a viewing, from damp and structural movement to roofing defects and poor-quality alterations. I’ve inspected properties that appeared to be in excellent condition but concealed problems that would have cost thousands of pounds to rectify. The aim is simple: to help clients understand exactly what they are buying before they commit. Equally important is knowing what defects will realistically cost to repair. Local knowledge and experience allow me to provide practical guidance that can help buyers negotiate effectively and avoid expensive surprises later. HOW DOES YOUR CUSTOMER PROCESS WORK? Capital Surveyors is run solely by me, which means every client deals directly with the surveyor carrying out the inspection and writing the report. There are no call centres or account managers. From the initial enquiry through to the final report, clients have direct access to someone who knows their property in detail and can answer questions clearly and promptly. HOW CAN YOU HELP THOSE PLANNING TO RENOVATE? Many of my clients purchase properties
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