Standard Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions relate only to the provision of Home Surveys. All other services will be subject to specific terms provided for in a bespoke quotation.

Contract

1. When a survey is order from Us, we will assign the work to the most appropriate surveyor depending on property type and location.
2. Terms of Engagement will be sent to you prior to the survey.

Service

1. All surveys are undertaken by professional members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors MRICS or FRICS.
2. All surveyors have the appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
3. Home Surveys –
   1. ‘Standard’ service is equivalent to the Level 2 service as defined in the RICS Home Survey Standard 
   2. ‘Premium’ service is equivalent to the Level 3 service as defined in the RICS Home Survey Standard

Referral Fees

1. We sometimes pay referral fees to third-parties for introducing our services to Clients.
2. Where this has occurred, you will be notified in the Terms of Engagement.

Cancellation and Refunds

1. Cancelling before inspection day – 100% of the fee refunded within 5 working days.
2. Cancelling on inspection day – 75% of the fee refunded within 5 working days.
3. Cancelling after inspection day – 0% of the fee refunded within 5 working days.
4. No refunds are offered on the basis of the report findings.

 

Standard Terms and Conditions for Home Survey Services

• The Service
  1. We provide RICS Home Surveys (Levels 2 or 3) following the RICS Home Survey Standard.
  2. Each survey includes a thorough inspection and detailed written report.
  3. The surveyor will be an MRICS or FRICS qualified member.
  4. We highlight defects, maintenance needs, and potential risks.
  5. We use condition ratings (1, 2, 3) to clearly indicate the severity of issues.
  6. We mark items requiring urgent attention or further investigation.

 

• Before the Survey
  1. Tell us about any agreed purchase price.
  2. Inform us of specific concerns about the property.
  3. Share any plans for alterations or extensions.
  4. Provide access contact details if we request.

 

• We Inspect
  1. Main aspects of the property including site location, structure, fabric, and services.
  2. Grounds and boundaries (up to one acre).
  3. Permanent outbuildings.
  4. Accessible roof spaces with hatches up to 3 metres high.
  5. Visible parts of services (electric, gas, water, drainage).
  6. External roof surfaces from ground level.
  7. Sample lifting of accessible floorboards and trap doors.
  8. Boundaries, fences and shared areas.
  9. Drainage inspection covers where safely accessible.
  10. Flats – Additional Checks
      1. We inspect communal areas leading to the flat.
      2. We check shared roof spaces if accessible from the flat.
      3. We assess visible external surfaces.
      4. We note but don’t test shared facilities like lifts.
      5. External wall systems require specialist investigation.

• •  

• We Don’t Inspect
  1. Areas that are inaccessible or unsafe – such as unboarded roof spaces.
  2. Individual roof or floor timbers
  3. Areas behind fixed furniture or fixed coverings.
  4. Inside chimneys.
  5. Areas requiring removal of secured panels without owner permission.
  6. Outer roof surfaces that cannot be seen from ground level.
  7. Swimming pools, tennis courts or leisure facilities.
  8. Service installations beyond visual inspection.
  9. Areas under thermal insulation in roof spaces.
  10. Secured panels or electrical fittings.

 

• Important Limitations
  1. We do not test services – we recommend specialist testing before purchase.
  2. We cannot comment on noise unless significant during inspection.
  3. We assume no hazardous materials unless visible.
  4. We can’t test for asbestos, but will note any suspected materials.
  5. We don’t test for contamination.
  6. We don’t verify planning permissions or building regulations.
  7. We don’t check legal matters, but suggest items that may need legal checks.

 

• Energy Performance
  1. We review any existing EPC if available.
  2. We comment on energy efficiency measures where appropriate.
  3. We don’t prepare new EPCs as part of the survey.

 

• Reports, Payments and Delivery
  1. Reports are confidential and for client use only.
  2. Share reports only with your legal advisors unless agreed otherwise.
  3. Payment is due before inspection.
  4. Late payments incur interest at 8% above Bank of England base rate.
  5. Reports are typically delivered within 5-10 working days after inspection.