Can conveyancing solicitor charge extra for raising issues in a survey?

amanda123456

Hello,

I was wondering if it is usual practice for a solicitor to charge extra to speak to a sellers solicitor regarding issues that have arisen from a building survey? Eg building problems or valuation being less? My solicitors fee is already very high in comparison to others I could have chosen but he seemed to be very attentive and promised a personal efficient service so I though he was worth the extra £400 compared to another local reputable firm.

I thought this was part of his job but there is small print in his contract that says I need to pay extra for any extra work he does?

My question is, isn't raising issues from a survey standard practice? otherwise I can see my bill rocketing to higher that it already it.

An advice is appreciated, thanks.

sirmosh

I don't know what the standard is but I can tell you that my solicitor did lots of inquiring about survey results and other things and didn't ask for a penny more than I was originally quoted.

G_M

It is unusual for solicitors to get involved in surveys- they are not surveyors, they are legal professionals!

It is also unusual for them to negotiate price - again, this is normally done by the buyer either via the estate agentor direct with the seller.

the buyer tell his solicitor what price has been agreed - the solicitor puts this price into the contract.

I believe in Scotland solicitors also negotiate price but I'm not sure.

In Eng/Wales you can ask a solicitor to do this, but it would be an additional responsibility for them.