Standard Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions relate only to the provision of Home Surveys. All other services will be subject to specific terms provided for in a bespoke quotation.

Parties

1. ‘Us’ or ‘We’ means Mickleson, Mickleson Chartered Surveyors, or MCS, which is the trading style for three independent Chartered Surveyors operating across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
2. ‘You’ means our Client.

 

Contract

1. When a survey is order from Us, we will assign the work to the most appropriate surveyor depending on property type and location.
2. Terms of Engagement will be sent to you within 1 hour of your order which will detail the scope of work and the surveyor’s details.

 

Service

1. All surveys are undertaken by professional members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
2. All surveyors have the appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
3. Home Surveys –
   1. ‘Standard’ service is equivalent to the Level 2 service as defined in the RICS Home Survey Standard 
   2. ‘Premium’ service is equivalent to the Level 3 service as defined in the RICS Home Survey Standard

 

Referral Fees

1. We sometimes pay referral fees to third-parties for introducing our services to Clients.
2. Where this has occurred, you will be notified in the Terms of Engagement.

 

Cancellation and Refunds

1. Cancelling before inspection day – 100% of the fee refunded within 5 working days.
2. Cancelling on inspection day – 75% of the fee refunded within 5 working days.
3. Cancelling after inspection day – 0% of the fee refunded within 5 working days.
4. No refunds are offered on the basis of the report findings.

 

General Terms and Conditions for Home Survey Services

1. Scope: The survey involves appraising the main structure and providing a report on its condition, necessary repairs, and future maintenance requirements. Only significant defects will be included.
2. Inspector: An MRICS or FRICS surveyor will carry out the inspection using reasonable care and skill, covering key aspects of the property and noting any further investigation needed.
3. Report: The Report is for the Client’s use only and should be kept confidential. The Client will pay all fees and disbursements on time to avoid late payment interest.
4. Assumptions: Unless agreed otherwise, the Surveyor assumes vacant possession, mains services connection, and appropriate access rights.
5. Access: The Surveyor will inspect accessible internal and external areas but will not move substantial obstructions or lift fixed floorboards.
6. Roof Spaces: The Surveyor will inspect roof spaces if safe access is available via hatches not more than three meters above the floor.
7. Grounds: The inspection includes boundaries, grounds up to one acre, and permanent outbuildings. Temporary structures and specialist leisure facilities are excluded unless agreed.
8. Services: The Surveyor will visually inspect main service installations where accessible and lift accessible drainage covers. Specialist testing is recommended before purchase.
9. Hazards: Obvious health and safety hazards will be noted if apparent during the inspection. Specific noise and disturbance will only be reported if significant.
10. Materials: The Surveyor assumes no deleterious or hazardous materials were used in construction unless evident, in which case further investigation will be advised.
11. Environmental Factors: The Surveyor will not inspect environmental maps or assess underground features unless agreed. A specialist search is recommended.
12. Contamination: The Surveyor will not test for contamination or assess the subsoil unless agreed.
13. Legal Matters: The Surveyor assumes the property is not subject to unusual restrictions or covenants, has necessary consents, and is unaffected by other legal issues. The Client should make their own inquiries.
14. Further Reports: Any recommended further reports should be obtained and considered before committing to purchase.
15. Insurance Rebuild Cost: The Surveyor will provide an insurance rebuilding cost assessment if agreed upon instruction.
16. Market Valuation: The Surveyor will provide a market valuation if agreed upon instruction, based on the property’s condition and assuming no significant unforeseen defects.