Surveys
Building Surveys London
Surveys
Very detailed appraisals of the property will be undertaken using lasers damp meters laser levels emf meters etc
The report produced will not purport to express an opinion about or advise upon the condition of un-inspected parts and should not be taken as making any implied representation or statement about such parts; nor will it mention minor defects which the surveyor considers do not materially affect the value of the property. It will contain the following concluding paragraph that we are obliged to attach to all reports.
The report is provided for the sole use of the named clients and is confidential to them and their professional advisors. No responsibility is accepted to others. This does not imply that the property is free from other such defects.
In preparing the report the surveyor will exercise the skill and diligence reasonably to be expected from a Surveyor / Valuer competent to advise on the subject property. The report will not identify the existence of contamination in or from the ground - this can only be established by specialists.
The Surveyor will undertake a visual inspection of so much of the exterior and interior of the property as is accessible with safety and without undue difficulty. Accordingly, the report will cover all that part of the property which is visible whilst standing at ground level within the boundaries of the site and adjacent public/communal areas and whilst standing at the various floor levels.
The report will not purport to express an opinion about or advise upon the condition of un-inspected parts and should not be taken as making any implied representation or statement about such parts; nor will it mention minor defects which the Surveyor considers do not materially affect the value of the property.
If the report does refer to some minor defects this would not imply that the property remains free from other such defects.
The following standard paragraphs may be included in the report if they are relevant
We have not inspected the woodwork or other parts of the subject property that are covered, unexposed or inaccessible and can give no warranty that these areas remain free from defect.
There are concealed areas in the structure only accessible by undertaking opening up or demolition works. We will comment, where appropriate, upon the likelihood of there being problems in these areas - however no liability is accepted for the existence of defects in those unexposed areas.
A Leasehold interest is to be acquired in the properties - the Landlords' costs for maintaining, repairing, replacing and redecorating the structures and common parts would usually be shared proportionately between the tenants of the buildings. Your Solicitors will advise you in this regard.
From the age and type of this building, contentious materials such as High Alumina Cement (HAC), Calcium Chloride additives, Alkali aggregates, Asbestos, etc, may have been used in its construction. You will have to rely upon your Solicitors' Searches for comfort in this matter.
If it is admitted that such materials have been used - then a Specialist report would almost certainly be needed to confirm the safety of the building (and/or of any remedial costs likely to be incurred).
Whether the building is free from Asbestos will need confirmation from the Vendors - but we found none at the time of our visit
The external parts of the building have been inspected from ground level only - using field glasses where necessary. Only those areas visible are commented upon.
No direct access was possible to get a proper view and perspective of the flank/rear elevations.
Radon gas penetration into buildings is believed to be a problem chiefly - but not exclusively - confined to areas where there are rock outcrops close to or at surface level. Areas having a granite base are most often at risk in this regard (and some limestone areas also).
If Radon gas is, upon enquiry with the local area Health Officer, believed to be a possible problem, tests can be undertaken (usually involving a metering device being left overnight) to measure the presence and concentration of any gas. Where present - the construction of a sump with special venting arrangements would be necessary.
In essence this means that an inspection will be carried out from safe and accessible vantage points, we will use a 3 metre ladder only and field glasses where necessary. If you specifically wish us to do so, we will need to engage a contractor for attendance at an extra charge.
Fixed floor boards and carpets or stored goods etc will not be lifted, unless prior notice is given, Vendors consent obtained and a written disclaimer of liability for any damage caused is provided.
We will make as detailed an investigation as possible, but will not have contractors in attendance to assist in removing heavy furniture, stored goods and chattels.
We will open hatches to roof and floor voids where reasonably accessible and will remove access hatches to inspect the, boilers, plumbing tanks etc.
We will advise you on matters relating to ventilation and insulation and comment upon any weakness in relation to sound transmission between the exterior and interior or between adjoining properties.
The exposed elements of all walls and brickwork will be inspected externally and internally in so far as is practicable, but it will not be possible to carry out an inspection of the foundations without excavation which we do not undertake .
If it is suspected that hidden defects exist which could have a material affect on the value of the property, the surveyor will so advise and recommend more extensive investigation prior to entering into a legal commitment to purchase. It may be appropriate in exceptional circumstances to defer making a valuation until the results of the further investigations are known.
Any obvious evidence of serious disrepair or potential hazard to the property will be reported, as will any other matters apparent from the inspection which are likely materially to affect the value.
Where the surveyor relies on information provided, this will be indicated in the report, with the source of the information.
The report will state the existence of any apparently recent significant alterations and extensions so as to alert legal advisors.
Where the subject property is part of a building comprising flats or maisonettes, the report will identify any apparent deficiencies in the management and/or maintenance arrangements for the whole building observed during the inspection which the surveyor considers materially to affect the value.
Flats, maisonettes or other similar units forming part of a larger building or group of related buildings will inspected to the extent that they are readily visible from positions to which the surveyor is entitled to gain access.
Leisure facilities will not be inspected. Drain and other inspection covers will not be lifted opened or raised unless it is easy to do so and the condition or adequacy of lifts will not be investigated or reported upon.
No conclusions should be drawn from the report about the properties compliance with regulations unless specifically commented upon - as regulations do change (regulations in respect of buildings are seldom retrospectively enforced although the compliance issues could occur should new works be contemplated requiring Building Control approval?
You should advise us of such matters in advance here in case for example �protected means of escape issues may arise?)
The building services will be visually inspected and tested by normal operation. In the event of the termination of gas or electricity supplies, it will not be possible for us to comment upon the physical operation of those fittings which operate in conjunction with these services.
A visual inspection will be made of the manholes and drainage connections where the cover is intact and able to be removed. In view of the age and location of the house we recommend that a CCTV survey of the drains be carried out prior to exchange of contracts.
We would emphasise that the Service installations (gas, electricity, heating, hot water and drainage etc.) will be visually inspected only - no contractor's tests will be undertaken. If you wish to have the Service installations tested (or if we recommend Specialist tests) you will be liable for the costs involved. We accept no liability to either party in respect of such tests carried out.