Homebuyers report

[Anonymous]

Hi All

Not sure if this is the correct place to ask this but......
A surveyor (doing a homebuyers report) removed an area of mortar from my property to inspect a suspect area of wall. Is he allowed to do this? Or has he a duty to know replace/fix the mortar that was removed?
Does anyone know??
Thanks
Dave

 

[Anonymous]

If you took your car to a garage because you thought there was a problem with the engine, would you ask the mechanic to diagnose any faults, without allowing him to open the bonnet?

I cannot imagine that the surveyor used any form of tools to remove the mortar, because they do not carry them. Therefore, notwithstanding that he was instructed by a potential buyer, all he might be considered guilty of is carrying out a thorough inspection and bringing the result to your attention.

 

[Anonymous]

We once had a surveyor turn up with a saw in order to saw through our (sanded aand polished) floor boards to inspect the underfloor void! Thankfully we had actually screwed a couple in place rather than nail them.

However, we have had surveyor's reports which stated that floors under carpets were not inspected as the floor coverings were not able to be lifted.

If you ask the AA to carry out an inspection on a car you are proposing to buy the bloke doesn't usually remove the cylinder head to check the bores for wear.

 

[Anonymous]

The AA guy might pull off flaking paint to see if the rust underneath has caused structural damage.

I am surprised that you know anything about cars. I did not think you would own one because you have a perfectly serviceable horse and they don't make cars with wobbly glass!

 

[Anonymous]

You really should keep up Jerry.

The aeroscreen is a wonderful invention.

 

[Anonymous]

You didn't deny the horse!

 

[Anonymous]

I have the stable but I have horsepower. Horses need too much looking after. Classic cars are much easier.

 

[Anonymous]

The answer to your question if you apply the strict letter of the law would probably be that he should rectify the "Damage". However, this would probably be restricted to replacing the motar he removed. This would not include re-pointing your entire house if the replaced mortar did not match!

 

[Anonymous]

NO he/she should not cause any physical damage to your property without your consent and even then the cost of making good should lie with the surveyor and/or the purchaser.

If the surveyor is working for you and it is your house it is perfectly reasonable for him to ask if he can open up suspect areas (within reason) and it is in your interest for him/her to do so.

If the surveyor is working for a purchaser it is not his/her house and nor is it the purchaser's (yet). There is no 'right' to cause any physical damage. If damage is caused without your consent you would be quite within your rights to ask for it to be made good at the surveyor's cost (or perhaps the purchaser's cost).

The argument may be put to you that without opening up the report may be more negative, but a good surveyor should be able to make a reasonable assessment of the likelihood of hidden damageed based on what can be seen and knowledge of the property type, etc. This type of argument is usually used by surveyors with poor knowledge, or a very defensive form of surveying and reporting. The only opening up a surveyor should reasonable undertake is that which causes no damage (i.e. opening up access hatches lifting boards not fixed down, etc, etc).

I am very surprised that a surveyor undertaken a Homebuyers report wants to open up. In any event, if the building is listed why are they doing a Homebuyers Report? It is not appropriate.

 

[Anonymous]

If you think they don't make cars with wobbly glass, you've never ridden in an old Triumph!

 

[Anonymous]

It's not glass in sidescreens! It's a sort of - er - um - placcy really... but aeroscreens are laminated. So keep out the noise and draughts. That's what Biff tells me anyhow.

 

[Anonymous]

Quite correct, Surveyors have no rights to carry out any form of destructive survey on a property without first obtaining the sellers permission and consent for doing so. The surveyor would be liable for any necessary making good required.

P.S - could someone please explain what the hell a car has to do with this question. I thought this was a useful and professional website - my view is sadly changing.

 

[Anonymous]

I believe Jerry raised the car issue as an analogy. Then there was a bit of gentle banter - between people who have posted here for quite some time and have 'disagreements' from time to time regarding DG and wobbly glass!

If you think we don't go off topic frequently then I suggest you do a bit of reading through past threads!

Try Mr Grimsdlae and Brunhilde for a start...

 

[Anonymous]

Dave,

I apologise for using an analogy that you found confusing, it was trying to illustrate the point that it is not always possible to provide a proffesional opinion without further investigation - Hence the requirement for the mechanic to "open the bonnet"

I did however go on to say that the surveyor has no right to do any form of destructive survey.

On the whole I thought my answer was more informative that just saying "NO", which would have answered your question.

 

[Anonymous]

Er - if you knew the answer why ask the question?

 

[Anonymous]

Perhaps it is a new tend on the site.

Let me have a go

--------------- er

What colour do you get if you mix red and white?
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