The offering of a FREE Property survey is undoubtedly an excellent marketing ploy to attract new clients, however, as with any company offering a free service, it’s advisable to proceed with caution!
Many companies offering a free survey will conduct it on the basis that you have any recommended remedial works in the report, carried out by the company conducting the survey, or a named contractor they have an agreement with.
In either situation, the surveying company will more than likely be receiving financial reward from the cost of the recommended building works required. (if they didn’t, it would mean they are literally working for free).
That might sound rather groovy but remember, the survey may become chargeable if you don’t agree to instruct that company to carry out the work. (it always pays to read the small print, or ask!)
Furthermore, the surveyor may be under pressure to secure remedial works on your property in order to recover his costs, such as: time, fuel, equipment, overhead costs etc. It may be that the surveyor is working on commission and in such cases, may inadvertently, or deliberately (it does happen) misdiagnose the source of the issue in order increase his/her share of the commission. Rarely have we heard of a “free survey” not requiring some form of remedial work, whether it’s the correct way to resolve the issue or not.
This can therefore, at times, produce an unbiased report, in order to qualify the free survey for additional costs and those costs will need to factor in the time and effort taken to complete the original survey.
Putting right what was done wrong
Alpine Surveys are all too often called to properties to conduct a survey whereby the above has caught our clients out and they have sadly fallen foul of this unscrupulous method. Either because they want a second opinion, or the works carried out did not resolve the original issues.
Our property surveys (which are completely independent) often determine that the remedial works recommended and carried out, were completely unnecessary or ill-advised, and in some cases, have only exacerbated the problem, due to poor diagnosis.
Quite often, the root cause of a damp or structural property issue, can be resolved without unnecessary construction work, or heavy financial costs, this is because our surveyors have no financial interests in providing remedial works and only offer professional, impartial and unbiased advice.
Totally independent
In fact, we don’t recommend ANY company, if construction/remedial work is required following our reports, we leave that up to you to decide, by using a reputable builder, or specialist that can be found on websites such as Checkatrade.
Our advice is to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. Check the credentials of the surveying company and make sure the surveyors have suitable qualifications and experience.
It is also wise to make sure you source an independent surveying company, like Alpine Surveys, so that all surveys and reports are carried out without additional financial incentives in mind.
For more details visit www.alpinesurveys.co.uk