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residential building surveys
CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT AND GUIDANCE NOTES FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SURVEYS
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Subject to any express and agreed amendments, the property will be inspected by a Chartered Surveyor in order to advise you of our opinion of the structural condition and state of repair.

Our Surveyor will firstly become familiar with the lay-out and extent of the main building before proceeding to a thorough visual inspection from ground level and from within the boundaries of the property. Only parts of the structure that are reasonably accessible without excavation or breaking open the fabric of the building or flat roofs under 3m (10ft) above ground level will be inspected.

Our Surveyor will inspect reasonably accessible roof voids. Floor voids will only be inspected where a hatch or ready access is available. Fixed floor boards will not be raised. Every endeavour will be made to detect evidence of any hidden defects and if suspected, details and recommendations will be given in the report.

Unless specifically instructed, and the Vendor gives prior consent, we shall not move heavy furniture or raise fitted floor coverings. We would ask you to bear in mind that we will usually find ourselves intruding into a Vendor's home and there are inevitable limitations placed upon us over the potential damage and disruption a reasonable owner will allow us to cause. We shall not inspect those parts of the structure that are unexposed, or inaccessible and will therefore, be unable to report that such parts are free from defect. It will be assumed that inspection of those areas would not give cause for a significant alteration to the assessment of value.

Our Surveyor will carry out a visual inspection of the service installations where accessible. Inspection covers will be lifted to the drainage system where practicable. No tests will be applied unless previously agreed. If, as a result of this inspection it is considered that tests are required, this will be reported. Where it appears advisable that services should be inspected, independent specialist contractors will be engaged but strictly in the role of your agents. No responsibility can be accepted by Sheldon Bosley in relation to those inspections or any reports that result.

It will not be possible to indicate the internal condition of chimneys or flues and these will not be tested.

Our Surveyor will inspect substantial outbuildings, garages and the gardens/grounds, commenting briefly and indicating major defects and remedial works necessary. Leisure facilities such as tennis courts and swimming pools are excluded.

The report will set out in detail the construction of the building and any defects which are found. Depending upon the type of property, the report will usually extend to cover:

  • roof coverings, valleys, parapets and other abutments
  • roof frames and voids
  • rainwater disposal arrangements
  • main walls and chimney stacks
  • exterior joinery and decoration
  • internal ceilings, walls and floors
  • internal joinery, fittings and decoration
  • fireplaces and chimney breasts
  • rising or penetrating dampness
  • fungal attack and insect infestation
  • thermal insulation
  • the site, major outbuildings and boundary fencing

Unless specifically instructed to do so, we will not make enquiries of public authorities relating to planning, building regulation, highway or similar matters. These are usually the subject of searches and enquiries by your solicitor. For this reason it will be assumed that good title can be shown and that the property is not subject to any unusual or especially onerous restrictions, encumbrances, outgoings or that the property or its value are unaffected by any matters which would be revealed by these usual enquiries and neither the condition nor use is or will be unlawful.

Unless otherwise expressly stated it will be assumed that no hazardous deleterious materials or techniques have been used in the construction. The surveyor will advise, however, where there is reason to suppose that such methods or materials are present. Land contamination, presence of radon etc. may only be established by appropriate specialists. Recommendations will be given however where, from the local knowledge of the surveyor, it is considered that a problem may be present.

Advice will be given as to the necessary repair work required and on the proposed purchase price reflecting the factors which our inspection and report have covered. The fact that no reference is made to minor defects should not imply that no such defects exist, simply that they do not materially affect the value.

In the case of flats, an inspection will be made of the subject flat, related common areas and accessible parts of the building of which if forms part. Other premises will not be inspected. Restrictions to accessibility or visibility will be be reported. The Lease will not normally be examined but assumptions as to repairing obligations will be reported. The object of the inspection will be to provide guidance on the general standard of construction and maintenance and not to list minor defects likely to form part of routine maintenance.

The report will be prepared for your sole use and where agreed and notified in writing that of your mortgagee. Any other persons reply on the report at their own risk.

  • Please note that the agreed fee is based on the description of the property as given. If a substantial difference arises the fee may be subject to variation. Our fee plus VAT becomes payable immediately upon receipt of your instructions.
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Sheldon Bosley
The Corner House
Market Place
SHIPSTON ON STOUR
Warwickshire
CV36 4AG

Tel: +44 (0)1608 661666
Fax: +44 (0)1608 663920
sales@sheldonbosleyshipston.co.uk
Sheldon Bosley
Morgan House
58 Ely Street
STRATFORD ON AVON
Warwickshire
CV37 6LN

Tel: +44 (0)1789 292310
Fax: +44 (0)1789 261830
stratford@sheldonbosley.co.uk
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Partners
M.W.Faulkner BSc MRICS Mrs S.James BSc MRICS J.A.Richardson FRICS R.N.Smith FRICS J.K.Walton FRICS FAAV S.Wilkinson MRICS
Associate Partners
Sam Russell FFB
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