Building Survey Terms and Conditions

The survey takes the form of an appraisal of the main structure, including roofs, walls, floors and finishes both internal and external and is followed by a report expressing an opinion on the condition and standard of construction and recommending the extent of any necessary repairs and significant future maintenance requirements. It should be noted that the appraisal will not include an exhaustive list of every defect, only those deemed to be significant as they affect the subject property.

The building is inspected so far as the nature, design and structure, and conditions of occupancy and furnishings reasonably allow. Every effort is made to inspect as much of the building as is practically possible. We do not undertake the movement of furnishings, fixtures or fittings, or the removal of fixed floor coverings or fixed floorboards.

Where parts of the structure are so covered, unexposed or inaccessible, or for any reason inspection is not practicable, we do not undertake to inspect that part, but attention will be drawn to this fact as no opinion can be given thereon. Further, it will not be practical to examine every single item of woodwork/timber.

All Services including electrical and gas installations and equipment, drainage installations, sanitary fittings and associated pipework, plumbing installations, hot and cold water supply, boilers and central heating are not specifically tested or examined. It is recommended that the aforementioned are tested by the appropriate specialist to be conclusive. The specialist(s) appointed will be responsible for undertaking the tests for which an additional fee will be levied. It is the responsibility of the client to confirm the connection of main services (electricity, gas, water, drainage). No undertaking or test is made or given in this respect.

All specialist services and equipment, including swimming pools and associated plant, fire alarm systems, burglar alarm systems, lifts, escalators and air conditioning are not specifically tested or examined. It is recommended that they are tested by the appropriate engineer to be conclusive.

The external roof surface and upper reaches will be inspected from ground level. Flat, single storey roofs will be assessed with the aid of a ladder, not exceeding 10ft (3 metres), where safe to do so. Long ladders will not be employed. With regard to inspection of roof spaces in flats, these will be inspected only where there is direct access from the flat itself unless there is a readily removable access hatch from the common parts of arrangements have been made by the purchaser for access to the top floor flat to an access hatch. If a separate visit is necessary an additional charge will be made. The inspection will also exclude outer surfaces of the roof in they cannot readily be seen.

The accuracy of the report is based solely on the condition of the property at the time of survey.

The survey does not include for the preparation of any form of drafted plans, or inspection of any form of plans in respect of the subject property, nor will enquiries be made to ascertain whether relevant permissions were sought where applicable. No other enquiries involving the services of a solicitor or matters forming the subject of the pre-contract enquiries will be made.

No form of inspection or exposure will be undertaken where in our opinion, or in the opinion of the occupier, vendor, or their agent, it is considered that any consequent damage may occur to the fabric, structure, contents, fittings, boundaries, surfacings or finishes of the property under examination or adjacent units.

No structural calculations shall be carried out. However, where any structural member is showing signs of deflection or failure, this will be stated in the report and recommendations made accordingly.

The report is private and confidential, and prepared solely for the use of the aforementioned client, on the understanding that it will not be sold, assigned or in any way used by a third party.

No investigations or examinations in relation to sub soil conditions, water courses, geological or other subterranean phenomena will be undertaken, nor will any inspection be made of geological drift maps or Ordnance Survey maps unless specifically instructed so in writing by the client, and in consideration of a further fee for this additional service.

In examination of service installations, no operation will be undertaken of any stop valves, isolating valves, thermostatic valves or the like, owing to the risk of leakage and consequent damage. No tests of the systems/installations efficiency will be undertaken without prior written instructions.

Where specialists reports and tests are obtained, these should be read and considered in conjunction with the main survey report. No liability for the contents thereof is accepted by MAP, and it is recommended that further reports and competitive fee quotes be obtained where appropriate.

No comment can be made upon the efficiency of the chimneys.

Outbuildings, boundary structures, garden features and leisure installations will be the subject of general comments only and will be visually inspected for obvious defects only. The same conditions will apply to temporary structures, whether or not attached to the main building. Permanent structures, however, (such as garages), will not be subject to the same inspection and limitations as the main building.

In the report it will be assumed that: (i) no deleterious material was used or has been incorporated in the construction of the property. (ii) The property is not subject to any onerous restrictions encumbrances outgoings or any other matters affecting enjoyment of the property and that good title can be shown. (iii) The value of the property will be unaffected by the outcome of usual pre-contract enquiries.

These terms do not affect your statutory rights.

There are many building products which contain asbestos fibre in one form or another, and in many cases these will not be detected during a normal survey. Whilst these remain in good condition and are left undisturbed, the current informed view is that they will present no significant hazard to health. However, some potential purchasers may be deterred by their presence and in the event of damage or disturbance, the applicant should anticipate potentially significant costs to have them removed safely. Legislative trends are likely to increase the liabilities and cost implications with such elements.

Conflict of Interests. MAP is a member of the Acorn Group of companies and as such shares directors with other companies in the Acorn Group. However, MAP is a legally distinct and separate entity. Maintaining MAP independence is a priority and is achieved through strict implementation of the following basic principles:

the shared directors are not in any way involved in the daily running of Maitland’s surveying business;
the management structure of MAP is completely separate from any other company in the Acorn Group;
there are no employees in common between the companies;
the companies are physically separate; and
all sensitive and confidential information is protected.

MAP is confident that due to the separate structure of the companies and the principles in place, no possible conflict of interest should arise as a result of MAP membership of the Acorn Group. If you believe that a conflict of interest has arisen then please bring this to the attention of your contact immediately. MAP and the Acorn Group can not be responsible for any failure on your part to do so. By signing this [Engagement Letter] you acknowledge the above and consent to MAP acting on your behalf in this matter.

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