Buyer accompanying surveyor?

MelodyBelle

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm not doubting the surveyor's competence. I had assumed that a full survey would include all the obvious things like taps etc that we need to know, so didn't go round checking those while the estate agent was there (and OK perhaps I found that a bit too embarrassing). Our surveyor has said that they are not included in a full survey. We would need a plumber to check the taps etc, and an electrician to check the electrics. I'm not expecting any specialist plumbing or electrical knowledge, but I thought a surveyor would be able to tell us if there were any obvious need to get an electrician or plumber to look (e.g. wiring hanging out, centuries old fuse box design, slow draining sinks). Perhaps I should have engaged MrsNubs' surveyor!

I'm sure I've seen advice to be there for the survey, but if that is not normal, fair enough. I do find the health and safety argument hard to buy, though. I'll ask the EA for another look round ourselves.

seashore22

Didn't this come up on here recently as a norm in the US? Definitely not the norm here and I hope it never becomes the done thing. I imagine surveyors will hate it.

seashore22

Isn't it going to cost more to have a survey if this takes off though? It must slow down the process of surveying a house and the surveyor would need to recoup the cost of extra time spent. I suspect it's for the better off amongst us.