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Structural Survey

  • 24-04-2013 8:14am
    #1
    alxmorgan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,893 ✭✭✭


    Hi guys,

    In the process of buying a house and going to get a structural survey done.
    I got some names and they all seem to be 350 + vat
    One guy is retired and will do it for 350 without vat
    My question is - does it matter if I take the cheaper guy in terms of insurance/standing over the report etc ?

    Do they even stand over it if an issue arises that they missed ?
    Reading some threads on here suggest it is unregulated and all you are getting is an opinion and nothing that can be pursued if they get it wrong

    Any info appreciated

    thanks,
    alx


Comments

  • #2
    Ush1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,482 ✭✭✭✭Ush1


    I can speak for the report on my house which includes a rather lengthy disclaimer that it is superficial in nature and therefore limited with regards commenting on certain structural elements.

    Basically meaning that if they didn't pick up on anything it's not their fault.


  • #3
    StillWaters
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,799 ✭✭✭StillWaters


    If he is retired he might not have insurance. Whoever you get, make sure they have professional insurance and membership of a professional body.


  • #4
    alxmorgan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,893 ✭✭✭alxmorgan


    StillWaters wrote: »
    If he is retired he might not have insurance. Whoever you get, make sure they have professional insurance and membership of a professional body.

    What difference does this make ?


  • #5
    Bullseye1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,731 ✭✭✭Bullseye1


    Insurance covers you and the surveyor and membership of a professional body ensures your surveyor/engineer is professionally competent. There is a good reason for disclaimers as the surveyor/engineer does not have permission to drill holes, exposé foundations or carry out CCTV surveys on these types of inspections. Unless of course the vendor gives permission.


  • #6
    alxmorgan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,893 ✭✭✭alxmorgan


    Bullseye1 wrote: »
    Insurance covers you and the surveyor and membership of a professional body ensures your surveyor/engineer is professionally competent. There is a good reason for disclaimers as the surveyor/engineer does not have permission to drill holes, exposé foundations or carry out CCTV surveys on these types of inspections. Unless of course the vendor gives permission.

    That's fair enough. I'm just wondering is it worth me paying an extra 70-80 euro when the disclaimers mean I'm not covered anyway in case it all goes pear-shaped.
    Assuming of course the guy I get is competent - which i have on good authority he is


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  • #7
    The_Conductor
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    If the guy is retired, he may be below the threshold for registering for VAT. Providing he actually declares the income to Revenue, he could still be fully tax compliant. Just a point to make- as there is a presumption that the person is cooking the books if they're not charging VAT- which is not always the case.


  • #8
    Bullseye1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,731 ✭✭✭Bullseye1


    You don't have to be retired not to be paying VAT. Many professions are now operating below the VAT treshold due to significant drop in income. If your not purchasing equipment for your business there would be no point in maintaining a VAT number until things picked up. OP just ensure you get an invoice/receipt with the report.


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