Strutural surveyor - Do they carry a ladder around with them?

ahfh1

Hi,

I'm having a full structural survey done soon on a house that I'm buying.

I'd like the surveyor to check the loft to see if the roof support and joists are in good order. However the house is completely empty and there's no ladder around.

Do structural surveyors normally carry a ladder around with them to get access to the loft? I'm paying a lot of money for the survey so definitely want the loft checked out.

Thanks

maninthestreet

IIRC, they do carry ladders.

Jonbvn

I would suggest you let the surveyor know that no ladder will be available for him to access the loft, to ensure he brings his own.

Fire_Fox

Some surveyors seem to fill most of the report by commenting they couldn't gain access to the roof/ loft/ timbers under the carpets. Best thing is to get the written permission of the owner or the estate agent that you can move furniture/ lift corners of carpets carefully etc. and check with individual surveyors what they are willing and able to do.

ahfh1

I don't want a lame excuse that he 'couldn't get access' to the loft.

The house is completely empty i.e. no furniture in the way that will 'prevent access'.

I'll check that he brings his own ladder.

poppysarah

Does he know you want him to look at the loft?

Surveyors generally have a ladder with them from what I can tell. Whether it's the right sort of ladder or whether they need a special letter from their mum (sorry, the H&S EXEC) to use it is another matter.:)

maninthestreet

IIRC, when I sold my last house, the buyer's surveyor had a collapsible ladder with him that he used to gain access to my loft (which didn't have a ladder installed).