The Damp & Timber Experts

Client Information for All Surveys

Dear Client

 

Thank you for instructing us to carry out an inspection at your property.   In those parts of the building instructed, we will be inspecting some or all of the following: 


The accessible structural timbers of the roof and floors for evidence of infestation by wood-boring beetles/wood destroying fungi. 

The walls at ground floor level for evidence of rising dampness or penetrating water from the ground. 

The walls below ground level in basement areas for evidence of penetrating water from the ground.  


Our inspection will incorporate a visual inspection of the exterior of the building from ground level, but will not, unless by prior arrangement, include use of ladders or scaffolds.  


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.  Internally, when instructed, our surveyor will inspect visible surfaces of fixed joinery timbers and exposed structural timbers. Timber floors will be inspected, where possible, by lifting loose floorboards or trapdoors.  To avoid damage, any wood block, strip, laminate or other decorative flooring, including fitted carpets, will NOT be lifted. 


The Surveyor is under no obligation to move furniture or floor coverings, raise fixed floorboards or to inspect those areas of the property that are covered, unexposed or is not readily accessible. Roof timbers are inspected only if a suitable access trap is available.   If a sub floor inspection is specifically required, the Client must arrange in advance for furniture to be moved and carpets to be lifted prior to the Surveyor's attendance and shall so advise the company in advance.  Any costs of such works will be the Client's responsibility.  

 

Areas of potential major defect, which cannot be inspected, will be listed with recommendations for further investigations or suggested courses of action.  Minor defects may not be listed. 


When instructed, the Surveyor will take moisture meter readings on internal wall surfaces to assess rising or penetrating water from the ground.  Panelled, tiled or dry lined areas cannot be inspected. 


If areas are not accessible at our first visit, we will be pleased to re-inspect when arrangements have been made by our client for the areas to be cleared of all restrictions.  Additional costs may be incurred and passed to the Client, if further visits are required. 


After inspection, and on receipt of any fees that are due, the Surveyor will produce a report detailing the observations and other points of relevant note at the time of the inspection.  Recommendations including advice, proposed repairs, any 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 and is confidential to the Client and his professional advisers. The company accepts responsibility to the Client alone for the stated purpose that the report will be prepared with the skill, care and diligence reasonably to be expected of a competent Surveyor, but 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) Act 1999.

 

For clarification on any of the above, please contact our office.