Jon Charlesworth, FRICS Chartered Surveyor
Expert property advice. Clear reporting. A name you can trust.
At the heart of Charlesworth Chartered Surveyors is Jon Charlesworth, FRICS, a highly experienced Chartered Surveyor with over 25 years of hands-on expertise in residential building surveys across Surrey and the surrounding areas.
With a background that includes serving as Operations Director at a leading national surveying firm, Jon founded Charlesworth Surveyors with a clear vision: to offer a more personal, transparent, and dependable surveying service, focused entirely on the needs of homeowners and buyers.
Charlesworth Chartered Surveyors was established to bridge the gap between technical excellence and straightforward communication. With over 250 5-star reviews, Jon’s approach is grounded in offering practical, sensible property advice and producing detailed building survey reports that clients can understand. Written in plain English and tailored to each property, our reports are designed to inform, not confuse.
“I’m particularly keen to help purchasers put defects into context,” reassures Jon. “I’m always happy to discuss any aspect of your survey.”
We understand that choosing a surveyor can feel daunting, especially when you're making one of the biggest investments of your life. That’s why we prioritise clarity, professionalism, and trust from the first point of contact through to the delivery of your report.
As a fully regulated RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) firm, we offer a full range of residential building surveys, including Level 2 Home Buyer Reports and Level 3 Building Surveys. We also provide drone inspections as part of our in-depth Level 3 surveys, allowing for thorough roof and elevation assessments that are otherwise difficult to access.
Jon is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), the highest level of professional recognition in the industry. Fellowship is awarded only to surveyors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, commitment to ethical standards, and exceptional
client care throughout their career. This honour reflects Jon’s dedication not only to technical excellence but to offering a consistently high standard of personal service to every client.
More than a survey – a personal service you can trust
Before founding Charlesworth Surveyors, Jon was the Operations Director of a national surveying firm. While this gave him valuable insight into large-scale operations, it also made him realise how important the personal touch is in this profession. That’s why he created Charlesworth Chartered Surveyors, offering a more tailored, client-first approach where the person you speak to is the person carrying out your survey.
Every survey is conducted by Jon himself, ensuring consistency, quality, and a clear point of contact throughout the process. He believes in speaking plainly, avoiding jargon, and ensuring his clients understand not just what a report says, but what it means for them and their property decisions.
Local knowledge that makes a difference
With years of experience working in Dorking, Reigate, Horley, and the surrounding areas, Jon has an in-depth understanding of local building styles, common defects, and construction methods. From Victorian terraces and 1930s semis to barn conversions and new-build developments, he brings regional insight that adds real value to each survey.
Where We Work
Dorking Reigate Horley
Jon has been practising for over twenty years in and around Surrey. During this time, he has built up a wealth
of knowledge to include specific quirks to the way houses were constructed, areas prone to structural movement and ground instability and defects
associated to certain types of housing. He has numerous contacts in the local property industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a building survey include?
A building survey provides a detailed assessment of a property's structure, condition, and any defects, including roofs, walls, and foundations.
Do I need a home survey before buying a house?
Yes, getting a home survey helps uncover hidden issues, giving you peace of mind and potentially saving you from costly repairs.
What’s the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?
A Level 2 (Home Buyer) survey is a general overview, while a Level 3 (Building Survey) is more in-depth and suitable for older or altered properties.
How much does a house survey cost in Dorking, Reigate or Horley?
Survey costs vary depending on the property’s size, age, and condition. Get in touch for a tailored quote based on your specific requirements.
Do all building surveys include roof inspections?
Yes,all our Level 3 Building Surveys include roof inspections using drone footage where appropriate, giving you a clear view of hard-to-reach areas.
How long does a home survey take?
Most surveys are completed in a few hours on site, with the full report typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days.
Can a surveyor help renegotiate the purchase price?
Yes—a detailed survey report highlighting defects or repairs needed can support negotiations with the seller or estate agent.
Is a chartered surveyor better than a general property inspector?
Absolutely. Chartered Surveyors are RICS-qualified professionals held to strict standards of ethics, quality, and client care.
What types of properties need a Level 3 Building Survey?
Level 3 surveys are ideal for older homes, properties with extensions, or buildings in poor condition—common in areas like Dorking and Reigate.
Title or Question Can I speak to the surveyor after I get my report?
Yes—Jon Charlesworth is always happy to walk you through the report and answer any questions, ensuring you fully understand your property. Add in piece about speaking after survey taken place on the same
