1. A building survey is a
detailed report of a property and gives indication as to the future
maintenance liabilities. It cannot be guaranteed, however, to reveal
each and every defect that may exist due to the limitations of the
inspection, particularly where a house is fully furnished and
carpeted.
2. Short ladders are taken on
site for gaining access to loft voids of pitched roofs and the
exterior of a low flat roof. Inaccessible flat roofs over 3 metres
(10ft) above ground will not be inspected, nor will flat voids where
the access hatch is sealed or inaccessible. Valley roofs cannot be
inspected unless there is access from the interior of the property.
3. A damp meter is used to
take random readings for dampness throughout the property,
particularly to the ground floor to check for rising damp. The
presence of a damp proof course can often not be determined from a
visual inspection, but we will make recommendations if our tests
indicate that damp proofing treatment is required. If you know of
any previous damp proofing treatment carried out on the property,
you should forward to us the specification and any guarantees.
4. We shall inspect flooring
where not covered by carpets, both from the surface and from
accessible cellars, but where floors are covered with carpets and
hardboard the information given will be very limited. We will lift
loose floorboards in accessible areas, but not those that are nailed
in position unless they are short lengths which can be lifted with
comparative ease without causing damage to the property. Large items
of furniture will not be moved during the survey.
5. We do not carry out tests
of the services - e.g. gas, electricity, water and drainage - and
the information given in respect of these items will be as a result
of visual inspection only. An indication of the age, condition and
adequacy of the electrical wiring, plumbing and central heating will
be given, but these can only be fully determined by a test by an
appropriate specialist. We shall be pleased to arrange for such
tests should you require them on receipt of our survey.
6. We will make a careful
examination of the surface of all accessible timber for dry rot and
other timber defects and will also advise on further investigation
where we consider there is a risk of dry rot occurring. However,
because of the nature of dry rot which develops in concealed areas
and only becomes visible after considerable damage has been caused,
we can accept no liability if an outbreak is revealed after our
survey.
7. Where a survey relates to a
flat, the lessee of which would be liable for a proportion of
structural costs, we examine as much of the structure as possible
from the exterior but do not gain access to other flats in the
block. We inspect roof voids accessible from common areas providing
we would not be trespassing by doing so or likely to cause damage.
If the flat is part of a large purpose-built block, we examine the
structure around the flat from ground level and make a more cursory
examination of the remainder. You should send us a copy of the lease
so that we can advise you on the extent of your shared repairing
liability.
8. Except where the contrary
is stated, parts of the structure and of the woodwork which are
covered, unexposed or inaccessible will not be inspected and will be
assumed to be sound and in good repair.
9. The report is provided for
the sole use of the named client and is confidential to the Client
and his professional advisers. No responsibility will be accepted
towards any other party who may rely on the report.
10. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, in making the report, the following assumptions will be
made:
