Identifying the problem was only the first step
A recent residential survey demonstrated the value of going beyond simply identifying defects and listing them in a report.We were instructed to survey a house on behalf of a client who was not local to the property. Overall, the house presented reasonably well, and there were no significant concerns with the main structure of the property.
However, during the inspection it was noticed cracking to a large retaining wall. Although this was not necessarily something that could be fully assessed within the scope of a standard property survey, it was significant enough to warrant further investigation. Rather than simply recording the cracking in the report and leaving the client to arrange their own investigations, we explained our concerns and recommended that the wall be assessed by a structural engineer. The client was understandably concerned, particularly as they were not local and did not have an established network of local professionals who could assist.
Helping our client take the next step
We recognised the difficulty this presented, so we took the initiative to help arrange a structural engineer to inspect the retaining wall. The engineer subsequently identified a structural issue requiring attention and prepared a specification of works setting out what was required to address the problem.
This gave the client something far more useful than simply being told that there was a defect. They now had an independent professional assessment, a clear understanding of the work required, and a specification that could be used to obtain a cost for the remedial works.
From identifying the defect to finding a practical solution
We then recommended a reputable local builder who could review the engineer’s specification and provide a quotation for the necessary works. The builder provided a quotation of £5,000. This gave the client a clear picture of the likely financial implication of the defect and, importantly, put them in a much stronger position when negotiating with the seller. Following the negotiations, the client agreed a £5,000 reduction in the purchase price to reflect the cost of addressing the retaining wall.
More than just a survey report
The important point in this case is that the value provided was not simply in identifying a defect. A survey report can identify a potential problem, but for a client, particularly one who is not local, it can sometimes leave them asking:
What do I do now?
Who do I contact?
How serious is it?
How much might it cost?
In this case, we helped the client navigate those next steps.
We identified the potential issue, explained why further investigation was appropriate, helped arrange the structural engineer, facilitated the next stage by recommending a local builder, and helped the client obtain a clearer understanding of the likely cost of putting the problem right. The structural engineer provided the specialist diagnosis and specification, and the builder provided the quotation. Our role was to identify the concern during the survey and help the client navigate the process of establishing what was required and what it was likely to cost. The result was a much more informed client who was able to negotiate a £5,000 reduction in the purchase price, effectively addressing the anticipated cost of the remedial works as part of the transaction.
The wider lesson
This is a good example of why a survey should not simply be about producing a report and walking away. Finding a problem is important. Helping a client understand what to do about it can be just as valuable. The client didn’t just receive a report telling them there was a problem. They were given a practical route towards understanding and resolving it.
This is why we provide a genuine client-focused surveying service. If you would like to learn more about our RICS home surveys, please visit Contact | GJS Dillon The House Surveyors and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
We had a fantastic service from Jonathan at The House Surveyors. Initially, we enquired about a Level 3 RICS Home Survey but Jonathan advised that a Level 2 was sufficient for the property we were purchasing which saved us a lot of money.
The Level 2 home survey was extremely thorough. In the report, Jonathan highlighted a few issues with some retaining walls in the garden that needed further investigation. Firstly, we were offered a Zoom meeting to discuss the findings of the report and for Jonathan to answer any questions we had, and to make some recommendations which was invaluable. Jonathan advised that we obtain a structural report to establish what remedial work would be needed to the retaining walls and allow us to obtain costs for the work. Jonathan was able to put us in touch with a good local structural engineer and even offered to speak to the engineer about the concerns. After the report and costs were obtained, Jonathan advised us how to approach the negotiation with the vendors in order to secure a reduction in the sale price to cover the cost of the structural defects. Throughout the transaction, Jonathan kept in touch to see how things were progressing and continued to advise us on building related queries.
I would recommend The House Surveyors unreservedly to any purchaser. The service we received really exceeded our expectations and the advice and guidance we received from Jonathan made the whole process much less daunting.
Caroline Gentleman, Malvern