Vendor digging heels over Damp & timber survey

TamsinC

Actually that is a really nice email. I would really take a look at yourself and their advice. You are shooting yourself in the foot here.

fairy_lights

Bacon_Sandwich wrote: »

So its not just the fact that there might be dmap. it the attitude and the patronising way they write.

There's nothing patronising about that reply at all.
If you hire a damp proofing company to carry out a damp survey then obviously they're going to do their best to show evidence of damp and claim it's going to cost a small fortune to remedy.
You sound really naïve.

foxy-stoat

I cannot see any mention of cowboy or con-artist....maybe I didn't read between the lines close enough.

[Deleted User]

To be honest, I'd consider them very fair and honest vendors and bite their hands off in my eagerness to accept. They are making very reasonable points and have obviously researched their comments.

Would it be worth checking the reviews yourself?

Honestly, these firms do have a bias. You are much better off getting a straightforward surveyor.., and has been said ad infinitum.., the vendors are actually offering to pay for this.

All you'd hear from me would be a snapping sound followed by a thank you. I don't really understand why you are offended by their offer.

Sleep on it and think it over. They aren't refusing a damp survey, they aren't trying to hide anything.

bap98189

Bacon_Sandwich wrote: »

OK I've dug out what they said in email to the EA.
"While we acknowledge the requirement for a damp & timber survey, and are happy to accommodate, we have concerns regarding the company that **** have employed to carry out the survey. Having spoken the firm in question, and taking the liberty of researching them on the internet, we think we have valid reason to object to their employment on this occasion. Our concerns stem from the fact that they are not independent surveyors, but a contractor (one that is poorly reviewed at that). We are concerned that we will receive a sales person prospecting for work and commission, rather than the advice of an independent surveyor, which will likely suggest unnecessary works and potentially hold us to ransom.
We therefore suggest that **** employ a PCA registered independent surveyor to carry out the survey. We understand that the costs of employing such a surveyor would be around £200, and as a gesture of goodwill, and to ensure a fair and accurate survey, we would be more than happy to cover this cost ourselves."

So its not just the fact that there might be dmap. it the attitude and the patronising way they write. basically saying weve done something stupid and completely rejecting our choice of surveyor. naughty us.

I don't see anything patronising in their Email. It seems very well written and their offer is very generous. They are actually offering to pay for a proper surveyor to carry out a survey.

Rather than accusing them being patronising, accept that you have not chosen the best course of action here. Cancel the original company and accept their offer of an actually independent survey.

diggingdude

The sellers are absolutely right and op is absolutely wrong. They will pay, that's super generous

paddy's_mum

Flippin' 'eck!

That email screams out the word 'integrity' to me!

How lucky are you to have found a property with such honest and honourable sellers. I suggest that you drop the needless hostility and thank your lucky stars that your sellers are so obliging.

Good luck.

Tom99

They are doing you a favour and have offered to pay £200 to help you get the independent advice you need, that does not sound very patronising to me. They have not said you are stupid but have expressed concern at your choice and suggested an alternative.

Grezz24

Bacon_Sandwich wrote: »

OK I've dug out what they said in email to the EA.
"While we acknowledge the requirement for a damp & timber survey, and are happy to accommodate, we have concerns regarding the company that **** have employed to carry out the survey. Having spoken the firm in question, and taking the liberty of researching them on the internet, we think we have valid reason to object to their employment on this occasion. Our concerns stem from the fact that they are not independent surveyors, but a contractor (one that is poorly reviewed at that). We are concerned that we will receive a sales person prospecting for work and commission, rather than the advice of an independent surveyor, which will likely suggest unnecessary works and potentially hold us to ransom.
We therefore suggest that **** employ a PCA registered independent surveyor to carry out the survey. We understand that the costs of employing such a surveyor would be around £200, and as a gesture of goodwill, and to ensure a fair and accurate survey, we would be more than happy to cover this cost ourselves."

So its not just the fact that there might be dmap. it the attitude and the patronising way they write. basically saying weve done something stupid and completely rejecting our choice of surveyor. naughty us.

There is nothing patronising about that email. They are actually offering to pay for an independent survey to be done, so you wont lose any money and get a real survey back as opposed to someone trying to flog you some damp treatment that probably wont be needed.

I would have done exactly the same as them after reading the horror stories on here when the cowboys come in. I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill here. Take there offer and thank them for it. its going to save you both money this way.

KL0001

I’ve no idea to what you are objecting to! I’d does sound like they are more in the know and have done more research than you. You seem to be happy to employ a salesman, who will most likely tell you that the house needs damp proofing when it might not than allow an independent expert to perform a proper survey!

Based on your continued ignorance, if I were the vendors I’d probably be far more patronising. They instead are offering to pay for an independent inspector to protect you! And then from the cowboy you are choosing to employ!