Holes drilled during Building Survey

L-Matt

Hi,

My house is on the market and the potential buyers had a Building Survey conducted. Two holes were drilled in the living room (with a diameter of about a 10p coin). The sale has now fallen through - nothing to do with the survey. Is it fair and reasonable for me to expect the surveyor to return to repair the holes or cover the cost of a contractor to fix the problem? Especially as the buyer/surveyor didn't ask for permission to drill the holes in the first place.

Thanks

davidmcn

Probably not.

Does it need a "contractor" or just some Polyfilla?

kinger101

If no permission was sought, I'd demand the surveyor arranged to have it repaired. It's a simple fix, but they have no right to do this. I'd phone the firm of surveyors tomorrow and ask to lodge a formal complaint.

On another note - can you give me the name of the surveyor. I'll use them next time I buy. Usually we find they've not looked at anything because of exceptionally light pieces of furniture being in their way. I'd love to find a real nooks and crannies type who asks demanding questions using all tools at their disposal!

POPPYOSCAR

Where were you when they were drilling these holes?

G_M

She was in the bath the other side of the wall?

Davesnave

POPPYOSCAR wrote: »

Where were you when they were drilling these holes?

And what were they for? It seems strange that the reason for exploratory work like this isn't known to you.

Usually, holes are only drilled when there is doubt about some aspect of the structure, especially things like alterations, where its not clear if a supporting beam/RSJ has been provided.

In that context, a couple of fillable holes is actually the minimum level of invasiveness.

If that kind of situation is the reason for the holes, then you might leave them, because it's likely another surveyor will be along in due course......

L-Matt

I don't live in the property so I wasn't present at the time. The surveyor was given access by the estate agent.

The house is conventional build with no alterations and nothing came back on the survey, so I've no idea why the holes were made.

Davesnave

L-Matt wrote: »

The house is conventional build with no alterations and nothing came back on the survey, so I've no idea why the holes were made.

Then you are owed an explanation, and possibly an apology + the services of an odd job person, although if it were me, I'd probably do the job myself to ensure a good match to the surroundings.

davidmcn

Davesnave wrote: »

If that kind of situation is the reason for the holes, then you might leave them, because it's likely another surveyor will be along in due course......

Indeed - if the OP is still intending to sell the property, and isn't even there to stare at the holes, I don't see the big deal.

mparter

G_M wrote: »

She was in the bath the other side of the wall?

Lol :rotfl:

eddddy

Standard RICS surveys are non-intrusive. If the surveyor wants to do anything intrusive (like drilling holes), they should always ask the property owner's permission.

You say the EA provided access. Could the EA have given permission on your behalf? If so, your argument would be with the EA rather than the surveyor.

Like you, I would be very angry if somebody drilled holes in the living room walls of my house without my consent.