Who Foots the Bill for the Unnecessary Survey?

FlippyDip90 · 13 June 2016 at 10:42PM

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!

Hoploz · 13 June 2016 at 11:08PM

I think I'd be on the phone to the person who did the homebuyers report asking them to foot the bill.

davidmcn · 13 June 2016 at 11:14PM

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 · 14 June 2016 at 7:25AM

Def can claim of the first survey as its grossly inaccurate.

AnotherJoe · 14 June 2016 at 8:20AM

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.