Home Survey Terms & Conditions

As of February 2023 Version 1

Home Survey Terms and Conditions

Based on the inspection as defined below, I am a chartered surveyor and I will provide you with a written report that describes my opinion of the visible condition and state of repair of the subject property. It should be noted that the report we prepare tells you about the condition of the property on the date it was inspected. I will carry out my duties with the skill and care that can be reasonably expected from an experienced chartered surveyor.

Please note that we do not include an open market valuation as part of our offering. Any reinstatement value provided for insurance purposes will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue or until significant alterations are made to the property which affects its size or condition (whichever is sooner).

As part of our service, we offer a 30-minute phone call to answer any questions relating to the survey report. This is an informal conversation for which no liability for information or advice provided is assumed or accepted. The content of the written report takes precedence. Any additional time taken to respond to further queries or telephone calls will be chargeable at an agreed rate.

Upon completion of our work, your file will be archived for seven years prior to secure destruction, if you would like to retain any part of your file beyond this time you must contact us at least six months beforehand.

Where it is recommended in the body of our report that specialist reports/tests are sought and/or that further investigations are advised, we would stress that these reports, tests and results of investigations must be obtained prior to legal commitment to purchase.

These Terms are governed by English law. Both you (as our client) and Calsurv agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Assumptions

Unless otherwise expressly agreed with me, while preparing the report I will assume that:

the property (if for sale) is offered with vacant possession and the property is unoccupied during the course of our inspection. We cannot be held liable for any defects not detected if (an) individual(s) is/are present during the inspection.
the property is connected to mains services with appropriate rights on a basis that is both known and acceptable to you; and
access to the property is as of right based on terms both known and acceptable to you.

Dangerous materials, contamination and environmental issues

I make no enquiries about contamination or other environmental dangers. If I suspect a problem, I will recommend further investigations.

I will assume that no harmful or dangerous materials have been used in the construction, and I do not have a duty to justify making this assumption. However, if the inspection shows that these materials have been used, I must report this and ask you for further instructions.

I do not carry out an asbestos inspection or act as an asbestos inspector when inspecting properties that may fall within the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

With flats, I assume there is a ‘dutyholder’ (as defined in the Regulations), an asbestos register and an effective management plan all in place and none of these presents a significant risk to health. I do not consult the dutyholder.

I will note the presence of lead water supply pipes and give general advice if these materials can be seen, however, you must appreciate that materials are often concealed within the construction of the building. If I am concerned about lead pipes I can see, I may recommend a specialist inspection and report.

I will advise if the property is in an area where, based on information published by the Health Protection Agency, there is a risk of radon. In such cases, I will advise further tests to establish the precise radon level.

I will advise if there are transformer stations or overhead power lines that I can see during the normal course of the inspection. If present, I cannot assess any possible effect on health. For obvious reasons, I cannot report on any underground cables.

Consents, approvals and searches

I will assume that the property is not subject to any unusual or especially onerous restrictions or covenants which apply to the structure or affect the reasonable enjoyment of the property.

I will assume that all building regulations, planning permissions and other consents required have been obtained. In the case of new buildings, alterations and extensions which require statutory consents or approvals, I will not verify whether these have been obtained but I will identify where these consents may have been required. You should ask your legal adviser to follow up on these matters. I will not inspect drawings and specifications unless you specifically ask.

I will assume that the property is unaffected by any matters which would be revealed by a local search (or their equivalent in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) and replies to the usual enquiries, or by statutory notice and that neither the property nor its condition, its use or its intended use is or will be unlawful.

Referral fees

I do not pay a referral fee or equivalent inducement to any party who may have recommended my services to you.

Restriction on disclosure

The report is for your private and confidential use. You must not reproduce it completely or in part. Third parties (with the exception of your professional advisers) cannot use it without my express written authority. Any other persons rely on the report at their own risk.

As an RICS member, I may be required to disclose the report to RICS Regulation as part of its work to ensure that RICS professional standards are being maintained.

Complaints

I shall do my very best to provide you with excellent service. However, if you believe that you have cause for complaint, my company has a complaints procedure, a copy of which can be given to you on request.

Access to roofs

I will inspect roofs from ground floor level and from a 3m ladder. Where possible and safe to do so, I will also inspect the roof coverings by gaining access through windows.

Survey level one specific terms and conditions

General description of level one service

This service is designed for people (who may be buyers, sellers and owners) who want an objective report on the condition of the property at an economic price. As a result, it is less comprehensive than a level two or three service.

The focus is on making an objective assessment of the general condition of the main elements of a property. The inspection is not exhaustive and no tests are undertaken. There is, therefore, a risk that certain defects may not be found that would otherwise have been uncovered if testing and/or a more substantial inspection had been undertaken. You must accept this risk. Consequently, this service best suits conventional houses, bungalows and flats in a better condition.

A level one inspection of an unusual property or one in a poor condition is likely to result in a high number of recommendations for further inspections that many people would find disappointing, however, where I am concerned about a hidden problem or defect, I will identify these and what action you should take. This may often be further investigations.

The level one inspection

The extent of an inspection will depend on a range of specific circumstances (including health and safety considerations). The following points may help you distinguish this from inspections at other levels of service.

Windows

I will attempt to open only a limited sample of the windows.

This might typically include one on each elevation.

Roof space

In recent years, the lofts of many homes have been insulated with thick layers of thermal insulation. This may restrict what I can look at in the roof space.

Floors

I will closely inspect the surfaces of exposed floors but I will not lift carpets, floor coverings or floorboards. I will not lift hatches or look below the floor.

Furniture and occupiers’ possessions

I will not move furniture or possessions.

Services (for example, heating and hot and cold water)

I will not test the service installations or appliances in any way and I will not lift inspection chamber covers over the drains.

I will advise you when further tests and inspections are required if the owner does not provide me with evidence the services have been installed and/or maintained properly.

The grounds

I will inspect the inside and outside of all permanent outbuildings not attached to the main dwelling - this includes garages, summer houses, substantial greenhouses, follies and leisure buildings but not the leisure facilities inside, for example, swimming pools, saunas, fitness gyms and so on.

I will use a ladder to inspect a roof that is not visible from a window or another part of the building that is not more than three metres above ground level using a ladder if it is safe and reasonable to do so

The level one report

For each part of the building, my report will:

describe it in sufficient detail so it can be properly identified
describe its condition and explain my judgment
provide a clear and concise expression of my professional assessment of each part. This assessment should help you get an objective view of the condition of the property, make a purchase decision and, once in ownership, establish appropriate repair/improvement priorities. To achieve this, I will use a condition rating system (or explain the alternative methodology). This will be explained within the report.

Survey level two specific terms and conditions

General description of level two service

This level of service is designed for people (who may be buyers, sellers and owners) who want a professional opinion of the property at an economic price. The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main parts of a property. The inspection is not exhaustive and no tests are undertaken. There is, therefore, a risk that certain defects may not be found that would have been uncovered if testing and/or a more substantial inspection had been undertaken. You must accept this risk.

This level of service suits a broad range of conventionally built properties although it is unlikely to suit:

complex buildings, for example, those that have been extensively extended and altered
some unique and older historic properties
those in a poor condition; or
properties where you plan to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work.

Where I am concerned about a hidden problem or defect, I will identify these and what action you should take. This may often be further investigations.

The survey level two inspection

The extent of an inspection will depend on a range of specific circumstances (including health and safety considerations). The following critical aspects may help distinguish this from inspections at other levels of service.

Windows

I will attempt to open a sample of the windows. For example, this might include one on each side of the dwelling and one of each different type of window (where there is a variety).

Roof space

I will carry out an inspection of roof space that is not more than three metres above floor level using a ladder if it is safe and reasonable to do so. I will not remove secured access panels and/or lift insulation material, stored goods or other contents. I will enter the roof space and visually inspect the roof structure if it is safe and reasonable to do so, with particular attention paid to those parts vulnerable to deterioration and damage. In these places, I will use a moisture meter where I consider it to be appropriate.

In recent years, the lofts of many homes have been insulated with thick layers of thermal insulation. Usually, it is not safe to move across this material and this may restrict what I can look at in the roof space.

Floors

I will closely inspect the surfaces of exposed floors but I will not lift carpets, floor coverings or floorboards or move furniture. Where floors have unfixed access hatches or floorboards, where appropriate, I will look in any spaces below the floor by an inverted ‘head and shoulder’ inspection only. I will not enter the sub-floor area.

Furniture and occupiers’ possessions

I will not move furniture or possessions.

Services (for example, heating and hot and cold water)

I will not test the service installations or appliances in any way but I will lift the inspection chamber covers over the drains where it is safe and possible to do so.

I will advise you when further tests and inspections are required if the owner/occupier does not provide me with evidence the services have been installed and/or maintained properly.

The grounds

I will visually inspect the garden/grounds during a general walk around and, where necessary and appropriate, from adjoining public property. I will include such external features as retaining walls, gardens, drives, paths, terraces, patios, steps, hard-standings, dropped kerbs, gates, trees, boundary walls, fences, non-permanent outbuildings, rights of way and so on. Where I think the condition of these features may affect your purchase decision, I will describe these problems thoroughly. Examples include retaining walls in danger of collapsing, deeply sunken paths or driveways, dilapidated boundary walls or fences and so on.

I will inspect the inside and outside of all permanent outbuildings not attached to the main dwelling; this includes garages, summer houses, substantial greenhouses, follies and leisure buildings but not the leisure facilities inside, for example, swimming pools, saunas, fitness gyms and so on.

Other issues will typically include listed building/ conservation areas matters and unauthorised development (including sustainable drainage, safety issues, invasive species, automatic gates and so on).

I will use a ladder to inspect a roof that is not visible from a window or another part of the building that is not more than three metres above ground level if it is safe and reasonable to do so

The level two report

For each part of the building, my report will:

describe it in sufficient detail so it can be properly identified
describe its condition and explain my judgment
provide a clear and concise expression of my professional assessment of each part. To achieve this, I will use a condition rating system (or explain the alternative methodology). This will be explained in the report
include comments where I think the building will need more frequent and/or more costly maintenance and repairs than would normally be expected
broadly outline the scope of the likely remedial work and what needs to be done by whom and by when
concisely explain the implications of not addressing the identified problems.

Survey level three specific terms and conditions

General description of level three service

This level of service is for people who are seeking a professional opinion about the condition of a property and is based on a detailed assessment, therefore, my inspection is more extensive than for other levels of service and I will spend a considerable amount of time at the property.

I will closely inspect all parts of the dwelling and will assess the interdependence of the different parts of the structure, especially the way in which the roof, walls and floors act together.

Where I am concerned about a hidden problem or defect, I will try to identify these and explain the risk they pose and what action you should take. Recommendations for further investigations will usually be the exception.

This level of service will suit any domestic residential property in any condition, depending on the competence and experience of the practitioner.

The level three inspection

The extent of an inspection will depend on a range of specific circumstances (including health and safety considerations). The following critical aspects may help you distinguish this from inspections at other levels of service.

Windows

I will attempt to open the majority of the windows.

Roof spaces

I will carry out an inspection of roof spaces that are not more than three metres above floor level using a ladder if it is safe and reasonable to do so. I will enter the roof space (if it is accessible) and visually inspect the roof structure, with particular attention paid to those parts vulnerable to deterioration and damage.

Although I will not move thermal insulation, I will lift small corners if I consider it safe so its thickness, type and the nature of the underlying ceiling can be identified and assessed.

Where I have the permission of the owner, I will move a small number of lightweight possessions so a more thorough inspection can take place.

Floors

I will closely inspect the surfaces of exposed floors and I will lift the corners of any loose and unfitted carpets and other floor coverings where practicable. I will assess all floors for excessive deflection. Where the boards are lifted, I will look in the space beneath by way of an inverted ‘head and shoulder’ inspection. If it is safe to do so, I will enter the under-floor area to carry out a more thorough inspection, as long as the access panel is big enough, the space beneath the floor is deep enough and it is safe to do so.

Furniture and occupiers’ possessions

I will move lightweight, easily moveable non-fitted items where practicable, safe and where the owner/occupier gives permission.

Services (for example, heating and hot and cold water)

I will not perform or comment on design calculations or test the service installations or appliances but I will observe their normal operation in everyday use. This usually means:

operating lights and extract fans where appropriate
asking the owner/occupier to switch on the heating appliances/system
where I consider it appropriate to the assessment of the service system, turning on water taps, filling and emptying sinks, baths, bidets and basins and flushing toilets to observe the performance of visible pipework
lifting accessible inspection chamber covers (where it is safe to do so), identifying the nature of the connections and observing water flow where a water supply is available. On dry days, this may involve pouring water into open gullies so drainage layouts can be identified.

I will advise you that further tests and inspections will be required if the owner/occupier does not provide evidence of appropriate installation and/or maintenance or the client requires assurance as to their condition, capability and safety.

The grounds

I will carry out a thorough visual inspection of the grounds and, where necessary and appropriate, from adjoining public property. My assessment will include such external features as retaining walls, gardens, drives, paths, terraces, patios, steps, hard-standings, dropped kerbs, gates, trees, boundary walls, fences, non-permanent outbuildings, rights of way and so on.

My inspection will also include the inside and outside of all permanent outbuildings not attached to the main dwelling. This includes garages, summer houses, substantial greenhouses, follies and leisure buildings but not the leisure facilities inside, for example, swimming pools, saunas, fitness gyms and so on.

Specific defective features and other matters associated with the grounds can be costly to resolve and may affect your purchase decision. Consequently, I will fully account for these. Examples include assessing retaining walls in danger of collapsing, deeply sunken paths or driveways, dilapidated boundary walls or fences and the legal and insurance implications.

The level three report

My report will reflect the thoroughness and detail of the investigation and I will:

describe the form of construction and materials used for each part of the building in detail and outline their performance characteristics. This is especially important for older and historic buildings
describe obvious defects and state the identifiable risk of those that may be hidden
outline remedial options and, if I consider it to be significant, explain the likely consequences if the repairs are not done
propose a timescale for the necessary work including recommendations for further investigation prior to commitment to purchase (only where appropriate and necessary)
discuss future maintenance of the property and identify those elements that may result in more frequent and/or more costly maintenance and repairs than would normally be expected
identify the nature of risks of the parts that have not been inspected.

Home Survey T&C

Home Survey Terms & Conditions

Home Survey Terms and Conditions

Calsurv