PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Who Foots the Bill for the Unnecessary Survey?

Options
Hi all

Quick question - we had our home buyers report completed around 3 weeks ago. This highlighted the following problem:

"The chimney breast in the rear bedroom has been removed. Brickwork remaining above is unsupported. You now need to instruct a structural engineer or chartered surveyor to carry out an investigation to identify the full extent of the problem and the necessary repairs required, together with an estimate of the cost. I cannot give a valuation until I have seen the report"]

We instructed a structural surveyor, who visited the property today and advised that there had never been a chimney breast in this room and that some repointing of the chimney was required but nothing major to worry about.

As this has delayed the moving process and cost us an additional £380, I wondered if anyone else had experienced this and if you felt there was any scope to complain to the original surveyor asking for compensation? Its clear from what the surveyor today said that the 2nd survey wasn't really needed apart from to tick a box so that a valuation can be given.

Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • Hoploz
    Hoploz Posts: 3,888 Forumite
    I think I'd be on the phone to the person who did the homebuyers report asking them to foot the bill.
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Given how bold the first surveyor's comments are (none of the usual "there's a possibility that..." etc) I think more than justified in asking for some compensation (arguably not the full amount given you do now have some added information and reassurance from the structural report).
  • m0bov
    m0bov Posts: 2,690 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Def can claim of the first survey as its grossly inaccurate.
  • AnotherJoe
    AnotherJoe Posts: 19,622 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Just another vote to agree that it seems a clear cut case for compensation due to the definitive nature of the wrong statement. Theres no ifs buts maybe or caveats. No doubt s junior surveyor who hasn't learned to pepper every paragraph with a CYA statement.
  • elverson
    elverson Posts: 808 Forumite
    If the first survey was done by a RICS-registered company then see here:

    http://www.rics.org/uk/regulation1/complaints1/
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 256.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.