Carrying out Surveys and Valuations throughout Middlesex and North West London for over one hundred and fifty years.
TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT
(REF:BS2)
Subject to express agreement to the contrary and any agreed amendments/additions, the terms on which the Surveyor will undertake the Building Survey are set out below.
1. The Surveyor, who will be a Chartered Surveyor will advise the Client by means of a written report as to his opinion of the visible condition and state of repair, of the property taking into account his survey findings. Photographs of principal defects or points of interest will be included.
2. The Surveyor will carry out such work as is reasonable in his professional judgement (bearing in mind the limitations of the inspection) and will inspect as much of the surface areas as is practicable, lift loose floorboards, and inspect lofts, where accessible, but will not inspect those areas of the property that are covered, unexposed or inaccessible. It should be noted where fitted floor coverings are laid, it is not possible on the day of inspection to have these raised unless a professional carpet fitter is present. Furniture and wall coverings will not be moved. It should also be noted that inaccessible roofs over 3 metres above ground level will not be inspected, pitched roofs above this height will be inspected with binoculars. Garages and principal outbuildings will be examined, but not sheds, coal-stores, greenhouses or other amenity structures, such as swimming pools or tennis courts. The boundaries and grounds will be inspected.
3. A visual inspection will be made of the service installation where accessible. Manhole covers will be lifted where accessible and practicable. No tests will be applied unless previously agreed. The Surveyor will report if it considered that tests are advisable and whether a specialist report should be obtained.
4. The Surveyor will identify any areas which would normally be inspected but which he was unable to inspect and indicate where he considers that access should be obtained or formed and, furthermore, he will advise on possible or probable defects based on evidence from what he has been able to see. Otherwise it cannot be confirmed that covered, inaccessible and unexposed areas are free from defect.
5. The Report is provided for the sole use of the Client and is confidential to the Client and his professional advisors. The Surveyor accepts no responsibility whatsoever to any person other than the Client and any Third Party relying upon this Report does so at his own risk.
6. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following assumptions will be made:-
(a) that no deleterious or hazardous materials or techniques have been used and that it is impracticable to comment on the state of any wall ties;
(b) that all bye-laws, Building Regulations and other consents have been obtained. In the case of new buildings, and alterations and extensions which require statutory consents or approvals, the Surveyor will not verify whether such consents have been obtained. Any enquiries should be made by the client or his legal advisors. Drawings and specifications will not be inspected by the Surveyor.
(c) that the property is not subject to any unusual or especially onerous restrictions, encumbrances or outgoings and that good title can be shown; its value is unaffected by any matters which would be revealed by a local Search or by a Statutory Notice, and that neither the property, nor its condition, nor its use is or will be unlawful.
7. The Surveyor will not comment upon the existence of contamination as this can only be established by appropriate specialists. Where, from his local knowledge or the inspection, he considers that contamination might be a problem he should advise as to the importance of obtaining a report from an appropriate specialist.
8. Lead water supply pipes and asbestos will be noted, and advise given, if these materials can be seen but it must be appreciated that such materials are often only visible after opening up which cannot be carried out at the risk of causing damage.
9. The Surveyor will advise if there are any transformer stations or overhead power lines which might give rise to an electro-magnetic field, either over the subject property or visible immediately adjacent to the property, but the Surveyor cannot assess any possible effect on health. For obvious reasons the Surveyor cannot report on any underground cables.
10. The Client will pay the Surveyor the agreed fee for the Report and Valuation.
These terms to be agreed
in writing, or by Facsimile Transmission, prior to our inspection.