THE SAVA HERITAGE Surveyors and Valuers Accreditation (SAVA) began in 1999 as an accreditation scheme for residential chartered surveyors offering the Homebuyer Survey and Valuation report. This expertise in surveying standards brought SAVA to the attention of Government and in 2000 SAVA was granted the contract as the lead developer for the new Home Condition Report and Home Inspector qualification, the central element to the proposed Home Information Pack. In 2003 SAVA was acquired by National Energy Services (NES) and became the leading training organisation for the new Home Inspector qualification until this was abolished by Government in 2010. To address the fallout of this Government U-turn, SAVA then created the Home Condition Survey, aimed at the buyer rather than the seller, and launched the new SAVA Scheme for qualified Home Inspectors. The Home
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Condition Survey is a report for home buyers who want an independent survey of a property before they buy in order to help protect their investment. The Home Inspector qualification ceased in October 2013 so the SAVA Scheme has since been unable to offer this opportunity to new members, until now. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors acknowledges that the increasing demand for surveys and valuations is stretching the available resource. As a result in 2014 the SAVA School of Surveying was created to address this skills shortage and offer a new way into the profession. Although the school is relatively new, SAVA has more than a decade of experience in training and accrediting residential surveyors. We can offer the next generation of surveyors and valuers a way forward.
WELCOME
WHY BECOME A MEMBER OF RICS The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the leading professional body for land, property and construction in the UK. Without an exempting degree it can be a real challenge to become a member of RICS. Although routes to membership exist, they are usually designed for people with university degrees. However, the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation offers direct entry as an Associate member once you have completed an online RICS ethics module. As a RICS member you will be able to produce a range of RICS products including residential valuations, Building Surveys and HomeBuyer Reports. Over 118,000 professionals worldwide are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Joining RICS not only provides you with a professional accreditation, it also offers you a genuine competitive advantage and demonstrates that you work to the highest standard of excellence and integrity.
Recognition By promoting the value of RICS standards, RICS aims to ensure that professionalism is embedded in the market, which provides public confidence and drives demand for surveying services. Market advantage By working to RICS standards you provide unrivalled confidence to the market and gain a competitive advantage. Knowledge RICS provides a range of practice standards, continuous professional development and best practice guidance to help you maintain the highest level of professionalism and continue to develop your technical and professional knowledge. Network With 118,000 professionals worldwide RICS connects you to other professionals and clients in local and global markets.
Status Your RICS credentials command respect from clients and peers by demonstrating that you work to the highest professional and ethical standard. The qualification is prestigious and an achievement of which to be proud.
WELCOME
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WHY BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SAVA SCHEME The Surveyors and Valuers Accreditation (SAVA) Scheme is designed specifically for residential surveyors. After you complete the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation you will be able to join the SAVA Scheme and produce the Home Condition Survey. Benefits of the scheme include: Use of the SAVA Home Condition Survey (HCS) The HCS is designed with the buyer in mind. It provides a clear 1,2,3 condition rating system, includes a section for the conveyancer (surveyors are the eyes of the conveyancer) and, crucially, allows for photographs throughout the report. It is much easier for a surveyor to report on a defect if they can show the client a picture. Comprehensive ‘pay per click’ insurance SAVA offers pay per click professional indemnity (PI) and public liability (PL) insurance for Home Condition Surveys created by members of the SAVA Scheme. In effect this means that the SAVA Scheme is like an ‘insurance pool’ – we have greater pricing stability and purchasing leverage and you can reduce your activity or even leave the pool without having to fund run off cover from other income sources. Easy to use software The HCS reporting software makes it easy to write up your reports. Our template ensures that your surveys are
comprehensive and professional every time. You also have automatic access to the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) for re-instatement cost calculations. Business, marketing and branding support SAVA members have access to targeted training events delivered with our training partners BlueBox, logos and copy for advertising and blogs, and are also able to purchase our dedicated HCS brochure to send to clients. Members also receive a copy of the Technical Bulletin, a regular industry bulletin from the SAVA team. Value added services for your client You will have free access to a range of fact sheets – generic information sheets that you append to your report as appropriate. Topics include Asbestos in the Home, Cavity Wall Insulation and Gutters and Downpipes. You can also create and append your own appendices, for instance on features specific to your local environment. A team focussed on residential surveys and surveyors Housing is what we do. The SAVA team is dedicated to supporting surveyors and their businesses. Once you have completed your qualification, we provide you with your first year’s membership to the SAVA Scheme.
WHY BECOME A MEMBER OF THE RPSA The Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) is a professional body representing the interests of specialist independent residential surveyors. The RPSA promotes, protects, and supports its members to property professionals and consumers alike. They deliver high quality products and work hard to raise overall standards of residential surveying in England and Wales. This includes providing the Home Condition Survey through a national panel, delivering work directly to its members and providing home buyers with
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independent advice on the condition of the property they hope to buy. The RPSA is actively involved at local and national level to promote the interests of its members, and sits alongside industry stakeholders working to develop the UK residential surveying industry. We provide you with your first year’s membership with the RPSA.
WELCOME
BECOMING QUALIFIED
TRAINING OPTIONS Training for the diploma will involve studying a number of modules delivered via face-to-face classes, pre-course tasks, online modules, webcasts and further reading. The training map depicted below outlines the path you will follow from enrolment to qualification.
AssocRICS
Join RICS as an Associate member and offer RICS products to your clients, become a registered valuer, work towards Chartered status, and use the AssocRICS designation after your name.
Assessment
The assessment process begins after your training when you will be expected to complete a portfolio of evidence based on what you have learnt. This portfolio can be completed in your own time.
Enrol
Choose your intake and pay your deposit to secure your place.
SAVA Scheme
Join the SAVA Scheme and offer the Home Condition Survey (HCS) to home buyers as a way to protect their investment.
Training Training includes a mix of face-to-face and online learning, perfect if you are hoping to qualify while you work.
Please note: Although RdSAP will be covered in training, this qualification does not allow you to practice as a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). If you wish to become a DEA you will have to undertake a separate qualification.
BECOMING QUALIFIED
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LEARNING RESOURCES Learners have access to a variety of learning resources – some will be mandatory for course completion, while others are provided solely for revision and reference purposes. You will be required to use these materials in addition to your own research, to carry out private study in preparation for upcoming training days. The learning resources for the diploma are made up of the following:
ONLINE COMMUNITY
TEXTBOOKS
COURSE VIDEOS
ONLINE LEARNING
Learners will have access to a dedicated Facebook group for their intake where they can correspond with other learners and course advisers.
Videos of the training days can be accessed and reviewed once the day has been attended, making sure that you can catch up on anything you may have missed.
All course information can be found inside the course textbooks, produced according to the demands and standards of the current surveying industry.
Additional content that can be used to enhance your learning experience such as The Surveyor’s Guide series that shows how to use various surveying equipment.
PRE-RECORDED WEBCASTS
MULTIPLE CHOICE SELF TESTS
PUBLISHED DOCUMENTS
FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING
A seminar or presentation that has been pre-recorded by someone from the surveying industry.
Industry relevant documents sourced by SAVA and provided as an additional learning resource.
Tests and revision designed for learners to gauge their knowledge and understanding of particular subjects.
Classroom and practical training delivered by expert trainers and practising residential surveyors.
SHADOWING A SURVEYOR
We highly recommend that all learners get some shadowing experience with a practising surveyor who has adequate experience during the course. If you already know of a local surveyor who may be able to help you, then we urge you to approach him or her. Alternatively, you may be able to find surveyors who are active in your area through local estate agents. We understand that this may be difficult for some and will therefore provide a shadowing pack that explains the diploma and the benefits for both you, the learner, and the surveyor. SAVA will assist wherever possible to pair learners with surveyors but we cannot guarantee this service.
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BECOMING QUALIFIED
BECOMING QUALIFIED
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COURSE MODULES Modules vary in size from 1 - 4 days of face-to-face training. Learners are required to complete pre-course task sheets in preparation for each training session. These will be circulated by email 21 days before the training session and can be accessed in advance via the online learner portal. The course modules include the following:
INDUCTION
• • • • • •
PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
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This training day examines a range of topics surrounding the requirement of surveyors to conduct inspections in an effective and professional manner. This includes: • Recognising and responding appropriately to pressures influencing the objectivity of judgement • Conflicts of interest and managing disputes • Maintaining health, safety and security requirements
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This day introduces the course and covers: Meeting the team Introduction to the qualification Technical appraisal case study Introduction to law Introduction to valuation Systems overview
VALUATION This module covers: • • • • • •
LAW
CONSTRUCTION This module covers: • • • •
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Tools: foundations, floors and walls Desktop research Scale drawings, floor plans and calculating U-values Building services
This module covers: • • • • •
INSPECTING PROPERTY This module covers: • • • • •
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Pre-inspection research Inspection ‘Agenda’ Inspection equipment Property measurements: floor, volume, ceiling Residential Cost-rebuilding Calculator (BCIS)
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Factors to consider when determining property value RICS mandatory requirements How condition affects value Regulatory and legal requirements Different types of valuations Assessment
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The law and its background Easements Restrictive covenants Contract law Negligence and Occupier’s Liability
LANDMARK (OPTIONAL)
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This day includes a visit to the Landmark building in Reading and covers: • • • •
The mortgage process Promap Quest & Q Mobile Environmental factors
BECOMING QUALIFIED
BUILDING PATHOLOGY
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This module focuses on the process of diagnosing the cause of building movement, damp and defects. It includes: • Ground and above ground based movement and brickwork expansion • Damp and condensation • Timber defects: roof and loft issues and problems with floors
REPORT WRITING
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This module advises on the production and distribution of condition reports. It covers: • • • • •
Principles of good report writing The limitations of the report Use of technology File management Communications with clients
CONDITION MASTERCLASS
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This day provides an introduction to the Home Condition Survey and covers: • • • •
How to carry out a Home Condition Survey How to attribute a rating using the SAVA Protocol Demonstration of the SAVA software Site visit
HCS PRACTICAL
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ASSESSING SERVICES
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This module looks at service systems and what can go wrong. It covers: • • • • •
Inspection and testing of service systems Electrical systems Heating services Plumbing Drainage
RDSAP MASTERCLASS
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RdSAP is a tool for measuring energy efficiency. This module introduces the RdSAP conventions and is essential learning for the energy module.
ENERGY
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This module concentrates on identifying appropriate energy improvement measures and renewable technologies (not as dictated by RdSAP conventions). It also identifies show stoppers that would prevent those measures being suitable as well as improving fabric and Low Carbon Technologies.
ACCOMPANIED INSPECTION
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This day focuses on SAVA’s Home Condition Survey as a product and covers:
This is an observed inspection and is carried out under exam conditions. The day includes:
• Product rules and terms of engagement • Site visit to carry out an inspection • Detailed analysis of a particular aspect of the property such as the walls or roof
• Briefing • Site visit • Structured professional interview
BECOMING QUALIFIED
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ASSESSMENT The last of your essential training modules is Valuation Day 4. This day goes through the evidence requirements in detail, outlining what is required to complete the qualification and demonstrating the use of the online portfolio system. You will also carry out group exercises and presentations to the class. Once you have attended this day you will be in a position to start building your portfolio. Assessors are allocated to each learner and you will be asked to upload a series of assessments to be reviewed by your assessor. When the assessor is happy that the evidence presented demonstrates the required competence, the assessments will be signed off. In summary, the portfolio of evidence will comprise: • 10 Home Condition Surveys and valuations • 3 energy reports • Multiple choice self tests (law and valuation) • Method statements • Learner statement – pre and post survey activities • Business and interpersonal skills. The surveys, valuations and energy reports will need to cover a range of property types and ages. Should learners not have access to a particular property type the centre will be able to assist. The Accompanied Inspection you undertake will provide you with one of the ten properties needed to complete your assessment portfolio. SAVA provides one residential valuation. In addition, you will need to source 8 of your own properties.
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Evidence is held in an electronic portfolio so learners and assessors have online access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The assessment process is rigorous and we recommend a minimum of 10 hours study per week.
ABBE EXAM
Learners will need to sit two exams. The Diploma in Residential Surveying exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes. Learners are given 5 minutes reading time before the exam begins. The pass mark for this exam is 70%. The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation exam covers valuation only. This exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Learners are given 5 minutes reading time before the exam begins. The pass mark for this exam is 70%. SAVA strongly recommends that you have at least 2 reports signed off before taking the exam. The exam can be taken at Pearson Vue test centres around the country. To find your closest test centre please visit www1.pearsonvue.com/abbe/. When you would like to book your exam the training team will provide you with your online booking details.
ACCOMPANIED INSPECTION
SAVA runs an Accompanied Inspection every month. This will be the final day/assessment you will attend. As soon as you have completed your ninth report, you will be invited to book a suitable date.
BECOMING QUALIFIED
GET IN TOUCH Enrolling on this qualification will be a big decision and we understand that you will want to talk to us first. Our dedicated course advisers are here to help you make the right decision; please call them with any queries you may have, no matter how small. They can be reached on any of the below contact details.
In order to book onto the qualification you need to complete a booking form. To request a booking form from one of our course advisers, please contact us using the details below. We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to helping you embark on your exciting new career.
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
To Birmingham
Tel: 01908 442158 Email: enquiry@nesltd.co.uk Web: www.surveyorqualifications.co.uk
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DATES & LOCATIONS
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The diploma commences at various points in the year from several locations. To find out more please visit www.surveyorqualifications.co.uk/dates.html
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Seebeck Close
National Energy Centre, Davy Avenue, Milton Keynes, MK5 8NA
PRICES
Davy Ave
For more information on prices please visit www.surveyorqualifications.co.uk/prices.html
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WHAT TO DO NEXT
Kelvin Drive
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The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation has been created through a unique collaboration between the following organisations:
SAVA
The SAVA Scheme is operated by NES Ltd, running premier schemes for energy assessors, surveyors and green deal assessor organisations. We are renowned for providing industry leading technical support as well as easy-to-use, intuitive and robust software. As proof of our commitment to quality, we hold BSI’s ISO 9001 accreditation.
BLUEBOX PARTNERS
BlueBox partners was established to provide support services to the residential surveying industry. They have worked with sole practitioners and small, medium and larger corporate organisations. Their main focus is to provide training and development services that help practitioners achieve their maximum potential.
ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS (RICS)
RICS promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Their name promises the consistent delivery of standards – bringing confidence to the markets they serve.
ABBE
ABBE is a specialist awarding body that provides nationally recognised qualifications that reside in the Built Environment industry sector. These cover such disciplines as energy assessment, installation of renewable technologies, Green Deal Advice, surveying, property, town planning, building control, conservation and valuation.
RPSA
The RPSA is a representative body for independent specialist residential surveyors. They are dedicated to working for their members to deliver a range of surveying products of the highest possible quality to serve the needs of consumers, and to raise overall standards of residential surveying for both home sellers and home buyers.
PSSB
The Property Surveying Standards Board exists to promote the use of surveys by home buyers and to ensure there are contemporary and easy to understand surveys for them to use. They also promote residential surveying as an enjoyable and rewarding career, with clear and relevant qualifications which ensure the competence of the surveyors to consistently produce high quality reports.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Errors and omissions excepted. SAVA School of Surveying is owned by National Energy Services. National Energy Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Trade House, Mead Avenue, Yeovil BA22 8RT. Company number: 1753762. FCA number 664650. 051115 v5.1
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
HEAD OFFICE
Tel: 01908 442158 Email: enquiry@nesltd.co.uk Web: www.surveyorqualifications.co.uk
SAVA, National Energy Centre, Davy Avenue, Milton Keynes, MK5 8NA