Buyer presence during survey

Jaybee_16

When I sold my flat, the buyers arranged their survey. Two men arrived, one inside, the other outside in the pouring rain. I said hello when they arrived, and bye when they finished more than two hours later. Not sure I had much influence over their work.

ThisIsWeird

As DullGreyGuy points out, and it fits in with what I was told when arranging a survey for mil, the surveyor knows that their job could be dragged out if the buyer is there. Let's be honest, when the surveyor looks up in t'loft and tuts, are you really going to resist the urge to ask, "What? WHAT! What is it!"

Nope.

They just don't want you there :-)

RexItaliae

Thank you all for your hindsight! You all make good points, although again I'm spending hundreds of thousands of pounds in buying a property, I would've expected to be normal to be wanting to supervise part of that process... but if that's the norm, then I'm fine with it.

I'd probably then amend what it's written on the MSE "Buying a home timeline" page, as it states as one of the tips when getting the survey done:
"Make friends with the surveyor. It's worth going with them. They're likely to say far more than they'd write in a report."

propertyrental

Next thing, buyers wioll want to sit in on the solicitor's office and keep a close eye on what he's doing.......

oldernonethewiser

RexItaliae said:

Thank you all for your hindsight! You all make good points, although again I'm spending hundreds of thousands of pounds in buying a property, I would've expected to be normal to be wanting to supervise part of that process... but if that's the norm, then I'm fine with it.

I'd probably then amend what it's written on the MSE "Buying a home timeline" page, as it states as one of the tips when getting the survey done:
"Make friends with the surveyor. It's worth going with them. They're likely to say far more than they'd write in a report."

Which is why you are paying for a surveyor. Let them do their job and then you will be able to discuss the survey with them.  If you have any concerns prior to the survey then bring them to the attention of the surveyor in advance.

You don't need to supervise all parts of the buying process which is why you use professionals. 

Marvel1

RexItaliae said:

Thank you all for your hindsight! You all make good points, although again I'm spending hundreds of thousands of pounds in buying a property, I would've expected to be normal to be wanting to supervise part of that process... but if that's the norm, then I'm fine with it.

I'd probably then amend what it's written on the MSE "Buying a home timeline" page, as it states as one of the tips when getting the survey done:
"Make friends with the surveyor. It's worth going with them. They're likely to say far more than they'd write in a report."

Make sense if you as first timer and read this as a (not so helpful) guide.

housebuyer143

When I worked at the surveyor firm the surveyors absolutely hated the buyer or seller just turning up at the property at the same time and following them around room to room. 
They are trying to do their work and be thorough and don't really need someone following them asking constant questions or just making them feel awkward by following them around in silence. 
It sounds like a good idea to you, but put yourself in their shoes - by all means meet them at the end, but not the whole time.

Let them be and call them afterwards with any questions.

NameUnavailable

I doubt the surveyor would be too happy if you told them you would be turning up to follow them around when doing the survey!

The advice to 'get to know' the surveyor is a bit misleading but it's a good idea to speak to them after you get the report about any issues (they will be more frank giving advice over the phone to you on an informal basis rather than what they commit to writing in the report).

Much of the actual survey is cut n paste stuff they write in every survey (suggest an electrical survey, suggest a gas boiler check, suggest damp/timber rot inspections etc. etc.). so you need to focus on the 'unique' issues if any are raised.

dander

ProDave said:

It might not be normal practice, but it makes perfect sense.  When the surveyor finds an issue he could show the buyer (his client) exactly what the issue is.  This saves the buyer having to ponder or worry if it is something serious or not.  I can't understand why this is not normal.

I can see the sense in this, but it would be a different service really. To go through and discuss and explain "live" would be a much longer process and be a bit risky for misinterpretation. It would be good if it was an available option, but it would cost a whole lot more.

Soot2006

As a seller I was working from home during the survey. It lasted about 2 hours and I only saw the surveyor three times - once when I let him in (he declined a cup of tea), then when he did my home office room (I took the opportunity to nip to the loo), and again when he left. He did ask me a question about when a particular alteration had been made (before me). He was very friendly and smiley during those three interactions but I don't think I influenced him lol