Frequently Asked Questions - surveys

Below you will find some of the common questions we are asked about our Survey Service. If your question is not answered here then please get in touch and we will endeavor to answer your queries.

We are telephoning for quotes to see who is the cheapest…?

We produce a product at a price which we believe gives good value for money, and we try to be as competitive as possible.

We have a professional, high technology office and our fee reflects the time reasonably spent inspecting & reporting, with some subsequent time answering the inevitable follow up queries by telephone. We do not charge any extra than the amount quoted.

The majority of our instructions derive from personal recommendation by solicitors, other surveyors and previous satisfied clients.

We have been offered a Home Buyer's Report and Valuation for less than the cost of a Full Building Survey. Why?

Because it is a simpler form of reporting, suitable only for modern suburban houses in a good state of repair. We do not provide this service as we believe that the information given within the report is not comprehensive enough for our clients to make a judgement on purchasing a property.

When can you do the survey?

We usually have a lead-in period of three to five days from receipt of instructions.
If your enquiry is especially urgent we will seek to carry out your survey as early as possible.

Does the survey include a valuation?

No, we do not undertake any valuations.

How soon do we receive our report?

On return from the property we aim to telephone you with a verbal report of the principal findings, we will then forward our invoice for the full amount, on receiving the settlement we will forward the written report immediately. The process from us undertaking the survey to you receiving the report usually takes around 10 days.

Can you do a partial survey?

Yes – We are often instructed to undertake a Diagnostic Survey which reports on one specific defect on your property.

Can you find hidden defects?

No. If defects are hidden we can not.
What we do is use our knowledge and experience to recommend that further exposure work be carried out and thereby try to find the defect. We also use non destructive high technology equipment to help us.
We will open unfixed hatches and raise any loose and easily accessible floorboards, gaining access into lofts and under floors.

What are the limitations of your inspection?

Our standard conditions of engagement set out the practical limitations of our inspection.
In the case of each individual instruction we will set out our Scope of Services, so as to avoid misunderstanding.

It would be impractical to examine every detail of the structure without partially dismantling it, which destroys what it is sought to preserve. Most vendors would not permit such damage! We will make any limitations clear in our report.

If you are inspecting a flat, do you inspect other flats in the building?

It is impractical and the cost would be unattractive to survey the whole building or buildings.
We make a detailed inspection of the subject flat, an inspection of the related and accessible common parts of the building and the exterior of the building in which the flat is situated to ascertain its general condition and state of repair.

If access is easily available to other parts of the property then a random investigation will be carried out at the surveyor's discretion.

Do you inspect and test the services?

A Full Building Survey includes a visual inspection to confirm the presence or absence and apparent condition of the services and their operation by normal use - drainage, hot and cold water, central heating, electricity, gas.

We will provide you with guidance on having tests undertaken, should we feel this is necessary. The technology involved in central heating systems and electrical installation is such that these should only be checked by qualified specialist technicians.

Do you have professional indemnity insurance?

Yes. The Chartered Institute of Building operates a compulsory professional indemnity scheme.

Are you qualified?

Yes. All building surveys are carried out by the principal who is professionally qualified.

Do you confirm our agreement in writing?

Yes. We have standard letters of confirmation of instruction for surveys of houses, flats and commercial property which are amended to suit the circumstances of the particular instruction, these are sent out with the Conditions of Engagement in the first instance and require your signature and returning before we can proceed with the Survey.

 
 
 
building survey questions answered