The scope of any investigation will be limited by our initial instruction/inquiery.
Internally, when instructed, our surveyor will inspect the visible surfaces of fixed joinery timbers and exposed structural timbers. Where possible, loose floorboards or trapdoors will be lifted to inspect timber floors. They will not be lifted to avoid damage to any woodblock, strip, laminate, or other decorative flooring, including fitted carpets.
The surveyor is not obligated to move furniture or floor coverings, raise fixed floorboards, or inspect areas of the property that are covered, unexposed, or not readily accessible.
When the roof space’s timbers are to be inspected, the client must provide a suitable access hatch 600x450mm in size. This hatch must be located in a safe location within the property and accessible from our standard survey ladder. This will allow safe access to the roof timbers, which will be visually inspected in suitable, safe, semi-random locations. This is typically carried out under the limitations of torchlight.
Areas of potential major defects that cannot be inspected will be listed with recommendations for further investigations or suggested courses of action. Moreover, minor defects may not be listed.
When instructed, the surveyor will use an electrical moisture meter to test areas the surveyor considers suitable for an accessible lower wall area. Moisture meters are restricted when walls are framed and lined. Also, the electrical moisture meter only gives a moisture content reading for timber and relative readings for masonry. The pattern of surface relative readings on plaster/masonry, combined with visual observations, helps to analyse a significant damp problem in non-timber materials. It is a first-stage inspection tool.
If areas are not accessible on our first visit, we will be pleased to re-inspect when our client has made arrangements for the areas to be cleared of all restrictions. Additional costs will be incurred and passed to the Client if further visits are required.
If a subfloor inspection is specifically required and a 1m gape is required under the joists, the client must arrange in advance for furniture to be moved and carpets to be lifted before the surveyor’s attendance. The client shall advise the company in advance. Any costs of such works will be the Client’s responsibility.
Our terms of engagement for full building inspection will incorporate a visual inspection of the accessible exterior of the building from ground level. Unless by prior arrangement, the use of ladders or scaffolds will not be included. The report may contain comments on external joinery (which is subject to natural weathering) only if this is causing an obvious source of rain penetration into the structure. Outbuildings, fences, gates and furniture are not inspected.
After the inspection and upon receipt of any due fees, the surveyor will produce a report detailing the observations and other relevant points made during the inspection.
Recommendations, including advice, proposed repairs, treatments, and associated works by others, may be included in the report or attachment. The Report is provided for the sole use of our named Client. It is confidential to the Client and his professional advisers.
The company accepts responsibility to the Client alone for the stated purpose. The report will be prepared with the skill, care, and diligence reasonably to be expected of a competent Surveyor. However, it accepts no responsibility whatsoever to any person other than the Client himself. Any such person relies upon the report at his own risk.
The report expressly excludes the provisions of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) (Scotland Act 2017 (The Act).