Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common enquiries that we experience and we hope that they answer some of your questions. If you would like to discuss things in more detail then please feel free to contact us.

• Q: What different type of surveys are available and which is best for me? Answer:

  This is dependent on many factors, including the type and age of the property and the level of detail required in the report.

  Please see our different Services under Residential or Commercial.

  It is always best to discuss your requirements with one of our local surveyors so we can fully understand your concerns and ensure you get the best survey advice.

• Q: How much will a survey cost me and is it worthwhile? Answer:

  We offer a professional service but also aim to provide value for money.

  A survey may highlight unexpected problems with a property and therefore can often lead to potential savings when a purchase price is renegotiated.

  It may even be that you decide not to proceed with your purchase on the basis of the necessary repairs highlighted by the survey, in which case there may be even greater notional savings on expenditure that you would have had to pay out if you had proceeded with the purchase.

  If you would like to discuss your particular requirements in more detail with one of our Chartered Surveyors, please feel free to contact us.

• Q: How long will I have to wait until I get my report? Answer:

  We understand that there are often time sensitive issues affecting property purchases and we always endeavour to complete and issue our reports as soon as possible after inspecting the property. It is often helpful to us if we are made aware of any impending deadlines.

  We are happy to verbally chat through our findings with you but always recommend that you wait until you receive the written report before making a legal commitment to purchase. Timescales for issuing the report inevitable vary due to the type of work we are undertaking and prevailing workloads.

  However, we always do our best to provide a competitive and efficient service, issuing reports as soon as practicable.

• Q: Is the surveyor qualified? Answer:

  All our surveyors are Chartered and members or fellows of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), with either MRICS of FRICS qualifications.

• Q: Are the surveyors local and experienced? Answer:

  Our surveyors are locally based in the areas in which they work and have extensive experience and local knowledge.

• Q: Will the surveyor go in to and inspect the roof space? Answer:

  Where access is available and it is safe to do so, our surveyors will inspect within the roof space so far as possible, in accordance with the agreed Terms and Conditions.

  If considered appropriate a head and shoulders inspection of the roof space may only be undertaken during an inspection for a private market valuation, mortgage valuation or Insurance reinstatement Cost Assessment.

• Q: Will the surveyor check for damp? Answer:

  Yes.

  Our surveyors all use moisture meters to check for damp as part of their inspections; in random locations within the property, where it is common to find damp problems and where dampness is suspected.

  Whilst damp conditions may be identified during our inspection it may be necessary to recommend a more detailed analysis carried out by a Damp Specialist to accurately diagnose the problem.

• Q: Can you test the services (Electrics, gas, heating, drains etc.)? Answer:

  Our surveys are based on a visual inspection of the property and do not include tests.

  If you require specific tests on services we may be able to arrange this on your behalf at an additional fee.

  Please contact us directly with your requirements.

• Q: I am concerned about Asbestos within the property, will this be detected during your inspection? Answer:

  Asbestos is a common element in building materials, which was used in many different guises in a variety of properties up until the mid 1990's.

  It was intensively used in properties built, altered or refurbished during the mid to late twentieth century.

  Whilst Asbestos is a hazardous material, its presence does not always mean that there is a risk of immediate danger.

  We will advise of materials that may contain elements of asbestos but confirmation of its presence and type can only be provided by laboratory analysis, not by a visual inspection.

  If we find materials that could possibly contain asbestos then we will give the appropriate advice, recommending further investigations if necessary.

• Q: What about the parts of the property that cannot be seen? Answer:

  There will always be limitations on what can be seen at the time of inspection, as parts of the building will be hidden by furniture, fixtures and fittings or concealed at the time of construction.

  Areas that could not be seen will be highlighted in the report together with an assessment of whether further investigation is required.

  The building will be methodically inspected so far as possible, without causing damage or endangering the health and safety of the surveyor.

• Q: What about further reports and estimates? Answer:

  Where appropriate a valuation or survey may recommend further reports and estimates from specialist contractors or other professionals.

  Common items include for example; further investigations by a Structural Engineer, a Timber and Damp report, or a test of the electrical installations or drainage system.

  This is to help you to accurately quantify the scale of any discovered or suspected problems and to clarify what costs are involved in putting the problem right, before you commit yourself to buying the property.

• Q: Can you comment on specific concerns or plans to alter or extend? Answer:

  We will undertake our inspection and complete our report in accordance with the agreed Terms and Conditions of Engagement.

  Within the scope of the survey report we will comment on items that you have specifically requested.

  We may be able to comment in general terms regarding a proposed alteration or extension but a survey is not a feasibility study or specification of work.

  You may therefore require more detailed specialist advice from a number of different professionals.

  We will be happy to advise further so please contact us.

• Q: Can you email the report to me? Answer:

  Yes, upon request we can email copy reports in 'read only' PDF format.

• Q: Can I give my report to the estate agent or someone else? Answer:

  The report we produce for you, our client, is confidential and for your purposes only and that of your Legal and Financial Advisers.

  Whilst Estate Agents often request a copy of survey reports it is considered prudent to provide them with copy extracts of the relevant sections rather than the report in its entirety.

  We have no liability to any third party who may rely on the report.

• Q: We are aware that you have previously carried out a survey on a property for a purchaser who has now pulled out of a sale on the property. Can we purchase a copy of their report? Answer:

  The report we produce for our client is confidential and for their purposes only and that of their Legal and Financial Advisers.

  We have no liability to any third party who may rely on the report.

  Therefore we will not provide copies of reports to anyone who is not our client without their expressed written permission.

  However, we will often be happy to re-inspect the property as a completely new and separate job and produce a new updated report at a discounted fee.

• Q: Will a Private Market Valuation or Homebuyer Survey and Valuation Report be accepted by a mortgage lender? Answer:

  Generally speaking a mortgage lender will not accept a privately commissioned valuation or survey as they will require an assessment of the property as suitable security for mortgage purposes in accordance with their own guidelines and requirements and in their specified format.

  We are on the panel of the majority of major mortgage lenders, who should be able to instruct us directly to undertake a mortgage valuation on their behalf.

  If this can be done at the same time as a more comprehensive private survey, we can often pass on a time and cost saving to our clients. If we have already completed a Private Market Valuation for you then it may be possible for us to offer a Transcription service to the Mortgage Lender.