Home Buyers Survey Problems

Driskell01

Hi

We had Connells do our survey and for us back in July and we moved into the house in October. Shortly after moving in we found out that the flat roof on the garage was shot and has been for some time and is going to cost between £2-4k to get replaced as it is a big garage. The homebuyers report said is was a condition 1 and didn't need any repairs!! I have compained and the area Director has come out and agreed with the original report and that they have nothing to answer to even though the water pouring in was clearly visible as was the damage to the roof boards and external fascias.
We then complained again, following their complaints procedure and finally got an offer of £1500, which we have accepted. When the paper work finally came out they want us to sign a 'Form of Discharge' which is in 'final settlement of all claims against Connells in respect of the Homebuyers Report'.
Is this legal? By accepting the payment for the garage roof I am then signing away all rights with regards to the survey they carried out?
Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

Paul

jk0

Yeah, sounds like you are right to be concerned. IIWY, I would amend the agreement so that you are only agreeing regarding the garage roof.

(Initial amendment, sign it and take a photostat.)

G_M

1st mistake was using the agents for th survey. Were Connells selling the property too? They were hardly likeley to be impartial and show you defects that might jeopodise the sale!

but you are learning.

Amend the agreement to read 'final settlement of all claims against Connells in respect of the garage in the Homebuyers Report'.

edit:

in fact:

'final settlement of all claims against Connells in respect of the garage roof in the Homebuyers Report'.

Driskell01

Hi

Thanks for the advice, did find the following slightly uncalled for;)

1st mistake was using the agents for th survey. Were Connells selling the property too? They were hardly likeley to be impartial and show you defects that might jeopodise the sale!

but you are learning.

No, they were not the selling agents. Sadly they were the surveyors that are used by Skipton BS who made it sound like we had to use their people to do the survey. Won't be falling for that one again, also won't be using Skipton as they have been awful but that is another issue.

Finally got a reply from Connells and apparently the form of discharge is a requirement from the insurers and it is only in relation to the garage roof. I agree with both of the posters who replied, I will amend the form and send back.

Thanks for the feedback.