Charterhouse Surveyors have earned a solid reputation as one of the most trusted chartered surveyors in the Northwest, particularly in Chester.
For more than 15 years, Charterhouse Surveyors has provided expert, down-to-earth surveying services across the Northwest, all while making the most of Obsidian Offices’ professional business support.
As a well-established family firm, they combine decades of experience with a friendly, approachable style that sets them apart in the property surveying world.
We caught up with Jake and Gerard to hear more about how it all began, what they’ve learned along the way, and what the future holds for this dynamic surveying team.
Tell us the Charterhouse story, how did it all begin, and what inspired you to get into the world of property and surveying?
CharterHouse was established in May 2012. At the time, Gerard had already built a strong career in the industry, having worked in London and abroad.
When he relocated to the Northwest to be closer to family, it felt like a natural opportunity to start something of his own. Around the same time, I was studying to become a surveyor.
With a shared interest in the built environment and complementary skills, we decided to launch CharterHouse Surveyors together. The goal from the outset was to combine experience with fresh perspective and deliver high-quality, client-focused surveying and engineering services across the region.
You’ve worked with a wide range of clients over the years, what’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving time and time again?
One piece of advice we consistently give is: “Don’t underestimate the value of early professional advice.”
Whether you are a homeowner planning a renovation, a developer working on a larger scheme, or a commercial client managing a portfolio, getting a qualified surveyor involved early in the process can save a great deal of time, cost, and stress.
We often see issues that could have been avoided with a simple assessment. Clients sometimes hold off until a problem arises, but in our experience, the most successful projects are always the ones where there’s a proactive approach from the outset.
Surveying is such a specialist field. What do you think people get wrong or misunderstand about what you do?
A common misconception is that surveying is just about valuing properties or identifying obvious defects, but in reality, it’s far broader and more technical than that.
As chartered surveyors in the Northwest, we often find that clients aren’t fully aware of the depth and technical range of our work. We’re also involved in understanding how buildings are constructed, how they perform over time, and how changes, whether structural, legal, or environmental, can impact them.
There’s also sometimes a misunderstanding about how critical our role is in risk management.
We don’t just point out problems, we interpret what those problems mean, assess the implications, and help you make informed decisions.
After 30+ years in the industry, you have truly earned your reputation as a trusted chartered surveyors Northwest. What’s one thing you’ve learned that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
Communication is just as important as technical expertise.
When I started out, I was focused on getting the technical side right: specifications, measurements, regulations.
I’ve realised that even the most accurate report or well-designed solution can fall short if it’s not clearly explained and tailored to the client’s level of understanding.
Clients rely on us to interpret the complex, and to give them the confidence to make decisions.
So being able to explain things in plain terms, to listen properly, and to guide people through the process, that’s just as vital.
Your work ranges from family homes to legal expert witness reports. Is there a type of project that’s especially rewarding or satisfying for you?
Each type of project has its own challenges and rewards, but for me, the most satisfying work often comes from helping people through complex or high-stress situations.
Expert witness work, for example, can be quite rewarding because it allows us to bring clarity to what are often quite difficult situations. It’s about being thorough, balanced, and fair, and knowing that your expertise can help resolve a conflict.
That said, there’s also something very grounding about inspecting someone’s future home, catching issues early, and helping them move forward with confidence.
What’s been one of the most unexpected or unusual properties you’ve come across in your careers?
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to survey a remarkably diverse range of properties. Each type brings its own unique challenges, but one of the most unexpected properties I’ve worked on was a small historic castle.
What made it unusual was how tricky it was to balance its historic features with modern needs. Preserving original features like stonework, timber beams, and period details while advising on necessary structural upgrades really tested my knowledge.
It was a fascinating challenge. Properties like that remind me why I love this profession.
Every project is different, and you never stop learning.
If you weren’t working in surveying, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Jake: I’ve always been passionate about football, so I’d probably be involved in something sports related. The teamwork, strategy, and discipline in football have a lot in common with surveying. It’s something I really enjoy outside of work.
Gerard: For me, it’s snooker. I’ve been playing for years and have a real love for the game. Playing snooker takes focus and accuracy, just like surveying
How do you stay current in a world where property law, valuation standards, and client needs are always evolving?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is absolutely central to how we operate at CharterHouse. We both have been deeply involved in the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) for many years, Gerard as a former regional Chairman organising CPD events, and I as a previous board member.
This involvement has given us great insight into industry trends and access to high-quality learning opportunities.
We regularly attend CPD events, workshops, and seminars. We also engage with industry publications, technical forums, and networking with other professionals.
Staying current is essential to ensure we deliver the best possible advice to our clients.
Outside of work, how does the team unwind or recharge? Any go-to rituals, lunch spots, or guilty pleasures?
As a father and son team, we make a point of catching up regularly outside of work. It’s a great chance to step away from the day-to-day and chat about everything.
I find football a great way to switch off and stay active. Playing regularly helps me clear my head, especially when work gets busy.
We love finding new local places to eat and drink. It’s a great way to switch off and support other small businesses. And you can’t beat a good coffee or a sweet treat now and then!
Looking ahead, what’s next for Charterhouse Surveyors? What’s exciting you about the future of your work or the industry as a whole?
CharterHouse has now been running successfully for over 12 years, and we’re proud of the strong reputation we’ve built.
We plan to expand the team by bringing on additional surveyors and engineers within the next 12 to 18 months. This will allow us to broaden the range of services we offer and take on larger or more diverse projects.
What excites me most about the future is how technology and evolving industry standards are shaping the way we work. Things like digital tools and drone surveys, are enabling us to provide more detailed, reports to clients.
At the same time, more people are thinking about sustainability and building safety, so there’s a growing need for expert advice.
Charterhouse Surveyors have earned their name as trusted Chartered Surveyors Northwest, through experience, honesty, and a real passion for helping people make the right property choices.
It’s been great to support them, and we’re excited to see what’s next.
We are looking forward to being part of their journey for many more years to come.
For a free quote or to learn more about how Charterhouse Surveyors, trusted Chartered Surveyors Northwest, can support your next property move, project, or investment, visit www.charterhouse-surveyors.co.uk. With decades of experience and a down-to-earth approach, you’ll be in safe hands from the start.
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