Terms of Engagement

1. We will advise on the condition, type and age of the building as far as possible, bearing in mind the limitations of the inspection, which are listed below.



2. We shall report defects and shortcomings likely to adversely affect the use of the property, or to give rise to expenditure in the future.



3. We will recommend further steps, if considered necessary, where there is thought to be a risk of failure of deterioration in areas not accessible for inspection. We would be pleased to re-inspect those areas, by prior appointment, once they are suitably exposed.



4. Comments will be made on the condition and durability of the building, bearing in mind its age and type, the need for repairs or special maintenance, and where appropriate, the suitability of the property for its proposed purpose or use.



5. We shall inspect those parts of the structure which are readily visible from any part of the building to which access can be reasonably obtained. Roofs will be inspected from ground level, but inaccessible flat roofs or similar areas over 3 meters (10') above ground level may not be inspected in detail, although reasonable efforts will be made to do so. The report will indicate where access could not be obtained.



6. We will not empty fitted cupboards, move heavy furniture, raise fitted floor coverings or remove floorboards unless specifically requested, and then only with the vendor's prior consent. If it is necessary to have close fitted carpets lifted then we would have to employ a specialist carpet fitter to re-lay them, and this must be at your expense.



7. Those parts of the structure, such as foundations or woodwork, which are covered, unexposed or inaccessible, will not be inspected, except where stated to the contrary.



8. The services will be inspected visually and a basic report will be given on the apparent defects. No tests of the services will be carried out , but we advise if these are considered desirable and, if required, can make subsequent arrangement for such tests to be carried out. In relation to any further inspections, additional charges will almost certainly be incurred, especially should tests be necessary, and in addition the vendors permission will be required prior to their implementation.



9. We have not arranged for, nor will the report provide for, any investigation to be carried out to determine whether or not High Alumina Cement, or calcium chlorate additive, or any other deleterious material has been used in the construction of the property, and we are therefore unable to report that the property is free from risk in this respect.



10. If the property is constructed with cavity walls, it will not be possible within the scope of this survey, to inspect the condition of the wall ties and therefore no comment on their construction or assurance as to their condition and life expectancy can be given.



11. In the case of the residential property, the survey will cover the main dwelling and garage. General comments will be made, as to the existence of other buildings, leisure installations such as swimming pools, tennis courts and ancillary equipment. Specialist inspections of leisure installations is recommended. General comments will only be made on such matters as gardens, paving and boundary structures.



12. If the property is part of a development, no other units will be inspected internally and comments will only include those matters which have a material effect upon the subject property. If the property is a flat it is important we are allowed to inspect a copy of the lease prior to inspection. This will enable us to report on those parts of the exterior, common parts and other areas of shared responsibility, which may have financial influence on the occupier of the subject property.



13. The fee quoted is based on the description given to us, but we reserve the right to amend this, should the property be substantially different from that envisaged or described. Should our inspection be varied in any way after the date of this letter, the fee may, at our discretion, by adjusted accordingly.



14. The report will be confidential to the named client(s) together with their normal financial and legal advisors, and should not be shown to any third party, such as the Estate Agents or vendors, nor can any liability of such be accepted.



15. Our report may contain recommendations as to necessary works of repair or for further investigation to be carried out, where we feel that defects may be concealed. These further investigations, or firm quotations from builders, specialist firms and contractors should be obtained prior to legal commitment to purchase, in order that you become aware of the potential maintenance expenditure required. We can accept no liability for any loss that you might suffer as a result of failure to comply with any recommendations contained in our report.



16. No enquiries will be made of the local authority in respect of road building, road widening, town and country planning proposals, the general planning history or building regulations applications made. Indeed Local Authorities no consider much of this information confidential to themselves, the original applicants and their professional advisers, and standard enquiries should be made in writing to the Local Authority concerning any planning, building regulations or drainage matters. These enquiries should be made by your solicitor. Any comments made within the report will be based upon the surveyors usual observations of immediately surrounding property and development sites.



17. Acceptance of these conditions is a prerequisite of us carrying out the survey and we would therefore ask you to sign and date one of the enclosed copies of these conditions which should be returned to us prior to our inspection together with your cheque for the full amount stated.



18. Hunt & Nash may have agreed to pay an introductory commission to your estate agent.