House surveyor Negligence

Bb2023

Hi,

Anyone have advice on what steps if any to follow when house surveyor negligence occurs. We purchased a second hand property and the survey noticed a few minor issues which were raised and fixed. However there is now evidence of structural issues which were never identified at survey stage. If we were aware we would not have proceeded with sale.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

muffler

Did you get a copy of their PI insurance at the time of the survey?

AnRothar

Was the structural fault obvious at the time of the survey?

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120731743#Comment_120731743

This is the key question here. surveys are non invasive

also use the word negligence with care

mickdw

A typical survey would include exclusions re hidden items and inexcessible areas. So if items were not clearly visible at time of survey, there will be no negligence.

That said, I've seen surveyors who deserve to be sued.

I do surveys and to be honest they don't really pay as I spend about 2 days on them between doing the inspection and the write up. On the other hand,I see surveyors running around 4 or 5 surveys per day with a very generic write up produced.

Bb2023

There was no insurance provided with the report, company has a very strong reputation. The structural issue was evident and is even visible in photos on report. Just wondering if we have any options. Starting to believe it was just a quick walk through as many other things were missed but the structural issue is my only concern.

Alkers

Was this a building surveyor or a structural engineer?

mikewest

As an FYI and anecdotal, I know personally of an instance where the surveyor was sued successfully for not reporting an issue. The property was resold recently with the issue fixed and noted on the sales prospectus.

AnRothar

The structural issue was evident and is even visible in photos on report. 

Who has identified the issues now?

What qualifications have they to make this call?

Should you progress with the issue will they stand over their position?

Bb2023

Survey was conducted by a Chartered Engineer surveyor.

muffler

So for a bit of clarity can you tell us more about these signs of structural defects. How long between survey and these signs being highlighted and who raised the issue. Was this raised by another construction professional? Can you tell us what the exact problems are now as to date there has been little or no indication of the issues stated. Have you discussed any of this with the engineer who carried out the survey?

Sorry for all the questions but a detailed response will give us a clearer picture.