Having a Property Survey Done

BlueVeranda

user1977 said:

MultiFuelBurner said:

Been present for all surveys on our house sales.

Tough bells if they don't like being followed round the house lol

Yes, I would regard it as pretty normal for the vendor to be around (no idea why they would "have" to be out of their own house!), but the surveyor won't want their own client breathing down their neck and expecting instant verdicts about everything.

Though I have in the past (as a client) been offered a meeting at the end of their survey so they could point out anything of importance.

For the one that I can definitely remember, it was a more detailed survey and I think he did not want to be influenced by anything we might say/do in respect to that, or maybe he didn't want us breathing down his neck about it either. We didn't mind at the time, so we'll never know if he'd have turned up anyway if we'd said no to that request.

For surveys we've booked, we've received a quick telephone call with initial impressions after the survey, followed up later by the written report.

Tracet74

I've worked for various surveying companies for 10 years and a big chunk of my job is handling the process.  Each company is different, even down to the individual surveyor, so no correct answer.

The normal process is for you to put the surveyor in touch with the agents and step back.  We talk to the agent and we are usually informed if the vendor will let us in or if we should get keys from the agent if vacant.  It may also be the agent has to be present if the vendor requests.

It's incredibly difficult for us to dictate the vendor cannot be there as some will only allow access when they're in!  

Some companies are happy to be accompanied by the buyer whereas others will not allow it full stop.  If the vendor is present, we cannot freely discuss any findings during the inspection as we hold confidentiality to our client (the buyer).

You are always welcome to join the surveyor but either the agent or the vendor can say no, and that is outside of our control.  We have to disclose, even for a vacant property.
  
As you can see, there are lots of variables which fall into place for booking just one survey.

Irrespective, all surveyors should be happy to give you a debriefing call prior to the report so you know if there are any major issues.

Happy to answer any questions if helpful 

RHemmings

Thanks to everyone for the answers. I have all the information that I need. What I need now is for my offer (or a future offer) to be accepted so that I can instruct a surveyor and sit back and wait for the telephone call and report. 

Jonboy_1984

BlueVeranda said:

When we last sold, the buyer booked the surveyor then our EA got in touch with us to arrange a time when the surveyor could come round. They had two surveys done and we had to be out of the house as well for at least one of them, possibly/probably both.

Our buyers surveyor company booked a specific time and requested we be out as part of their Covid protocols ,and then the surveyor turned up two hours early - as I WFH full time that was fun...

Elaine853

RHemmings said:

When a surveyor needs access to a property for a survey, how is this usually arranged? Is it the EA or the owner who will provide access? Also, will the buyer usually be present, or not? 

EDIT: It seems that the surveyor may prefer that the buyer is not there: https://www.reallymoving.com/surveyors/faq/can-i-attend-a-house-survey

Just found this thread.  

Must admit I was a little shocked that the EA gave the surveyor the keys without checking with me first - I understood that the EA would accompany the surveyor and only found out afterwards that a stranger had been allowed into my house - I'm not being dramatic and if I had known in advance it would have been fine, but I had left a small amount of cash and some jewellery in the house and I would have secured had I known.

user1977

Elaine853 said:

RHemmings said:

When a surveyor needs access to a property for a survey, how is this usually arranged? Is it the EA or the owner who will provide access? Also, will the buyer usually be present, or not? 

EDIT: It seems that the surveyor may prefer that the buyer is not there: https://www.reallymoving.com/surveyors/faq/can-i-attend-a-house-survey

Must admit I was a little shocked that the EA gave the surveyor the keys without checking with me first - I understood that the EA would accompany the surveyor and only found out afterwards that a stranger had been allowed into my house - I'm not being dramatic and if I had known in advance it would have been fine, but I had left a small amount of cash and some jewellery in the house and I would have secured had I known.

I'd trust a surveyor more than I'd trust an EA...it's perfectly normal practice anyway, so not sure where you got your "understanding" from?