Terrible survey, fine structural engineers report

Coffeecup28

Hi
We've had an offer accepted on a 1930s semi in London. Level three survey came back awful including written advice not to proceed due to possible structural movement (SM) and repeated advice to carry out long term monitoring. Very clearly advised not to proceed, not "get a second opinion" stuff.
We were going to pull out but a few things worried us:
This was the 2nd survey we had done by same surveyor citing likely structural movement (same sort of area but not close together houses) based on very little evidence.
Experienced builder felt the report seemed far worse than it should be as the possible SM was based on a small number of hairline cracks
No one else on the small cul de sac has had SM issues (we have friends already living there) including recent purchases and therefore recent surveys
A few inaccuracies and odd claims (won't go into detail based on length of this post, but enough to question validity of survey)
Very sound evidence from vendor to contradict aspects the report

So we paid for a structural engineer who has found no issues with structural movement and has no major concerns. The engineer is local, familiar with the area and soil and very experienced. The surveyor qualified 2 years ago and is not local.

So what next? From an insurance perspective, can we discard the original survey, given the greater experience of the engineer? I'd also like to make a complaint as this surveyor has already cost us one purchase and nearly lost us another. Or should I just avoid bringing any scrutiny from the insurance companies....

Tabieth

In my (very non-expert) opinion, I’d be cautious. In your situation I’d probably get another survey for best of three. Or withdraw. 

martindow

Tabieth said:

In my (very non-expert) opinion, I’d be cautious. In your situation I’d probably get another survey for best of three. Or withdraw. 

I don't think I would.  The structural engineer's opinion trumps that of a normal surveyor who will often list a whole range of alarming possibilities of matters that are outside their field of expertise.  If a SE puts in writing that there is no movement that really clears up the matter.

Section62

martindow said:

Tabieth said:

In my (very non-expert) opinion, I’d be cautious. In your situation I’d probably get another survey for best of three. Or withdraw. 

I don't think I would.  The structural engineer's opinion trumps that of a normal surveyor who will often list a whole range of alarming possibilities of matters that are outside their field of expertise.  If a SE puts in writing that there is no movement that really clears up the matter.

....Although I'd be checking (and making a note of) their professional indemnity insurance.

lincroft1710

Coffeecup28 said:

No one else on the small cul de sac has had SM issues (we have friends already living there) including recent purchases and therefore recent surveys
....

From experience, you can get one (or two) houses in a street which have SM and the rest are fine.

LHW99

How busy was the surveyor? Ours told us to be careful about the wooden double-glazed frames, as traffic vibration would definately cuse the units to blow in a few years.

Unfortunately the relevant windows were (obviously) single glazed - with original 1920's stained glass panels.

He also said there was obvious damp and water ingress throughout - which there wasn't, only a leaking gutter.

We think he had a lot of properties on the go, and mixed up what he saw!

ReadingTim

Do you need a mortgage?  What survey information has been shared with the bank?  You may not want to pull out, but if you can't get a mortgage on the place and need one to buy it, you don't have a choice. 

It might be worth finding that out before you spend any more time, effort or money on this place, or even going after this surveyor.  

DullGreyGuy

Section62 said:

martindow said:

Tabieth said:

In my (very non-expert) opinion, I’d be cautious. In your situation I’d probably get another survey for best of three. Or withdraw. 

I don't think I would.  The structural engineer's opinion trumps that of a normal surveyor who will often list a whole range of alarming possibilities of matters that are outside their field of expertise.  If a SE puts in writing that there is no movement that really clears up the matter.

....Although I'd be checking (and making a note of) their professional indemnity insurance.

Professional Indemnity insurance is written on a claims made basis so you would need to know who their insurers are at the date you make a claim against them not who was the insurer at the time the advice was given. 

Coffeecup28

ReadingTim said:

Do you need a mortgage?  What survey information has been shared with the bank?  You may not want to pull out, but if you can't get a mortgage on the place and need one to buy it, you don't have a choice. 

It might be worth finding that out before you spend any more time, effort or money on this place, or even going after this surveyor.  

The mortgage company did their own (online) valuation and have sent an offer. As I understand, it's up to us to share the survey and can send the structural engineer's report if we are asked, and the SE's opinion trumps that of the surveyor's, but I may be wrong?

gazb_2

You’ve got to think, the house has been up for almost 100 years! I wouldn’t worry about a few hairline cracks.