Questions and answers

In the building preservation industry what is regarded as an independent survey or opinion?
An independent survey or opinion is provided by a person that does not have any commercial or rewarding relationship, either directly or indirectly, with any individual, organisation or company that carries out building preservation work found necessary as a result of their survey or opinion. Whilst commercially trading contractors may offer an opinion, this is not regarded as independent since their primary source of income is derived from treating what they consider to be necessary. They therefore have a vested interest in the result of their survey and it is for this reason that it is not considered to be independent or impartial, irrespective of whether or not a fee is paid.

What is the difference between a free survey and one that is paid for?
From a 'liability' point of view a surveyor or company is liable for the accuracy of their survey and the content of their report irrespective of whether or not a fee is paid. From the 'correctness of the survey' point of view it is argued by some that those who charge a survey fee have less reason to prescribe an 'over zealous' treatment programme. Whether or not this is true is open to debate. Considerations such as the amount charged for the survey and the primary source of income of the individual or company concerned should all be borne in mind. It is also worth noting that if a fee is paid for a survey to be undertaken then a contract would also exist. Any acts or omissions that cause the client to suffer a loss could, in these circumstances, be held to be a breach of contract.

How might a PGA independent survey save me money?
Because we have no commercial interest in the outcome of a survey we have no incentive or reason to prescribe an 'over zealous' treatment programme. We do not have the commercial pressure to achieve sales targets or to earn commission based upon the value of treatment work that is considered necessary. We will only suggest treatment that is considered to be absolutely necessary and justified. Very often this saves unnecessary expenditure and disruption.

Do you have any examples where a PGA independent survey saved money?
Example 1:
A large damp-proofing company wanted to install a complete new damp course at a cost of £876.00 (excluding re-plastering) into an ex-police house built in the 1960s in Cumbria. The property had been vacant for some time. Upon entering the property it was obvious that flood damage had recently occurred caused by a burst water pipe in the roof that had run undetected for a considerable time. The damp-proofing company failed to mention the flood damage at all! The original physical damp proof course was exposed and found to be in good condition. Other than continued drying as a result of the burst pipe no damp proofing work was necessary and the property dried satisfactorily.

Example 2:
In West Yorkshire a contractor was proposing to treat the whole of the first floor and roof of a two bedroom house for £420.00 due to 'evidence of woodworm infestation'. The ground floor had solid floors throughout. Upon inspection it was very obvious that all roofing and flooring timbers had been meticulously treated on a DIY basis using a green stain preservative but this was not mentioned by the contractor. A subsequent timber analysis revealed that insecticide levels were well in excess of the lethal dose requirements for Common Furniture Beetle (woodworm) infestation and no further treatment was considered necessary.

The above are two examples where a PGA independent survey saved our clients money. Naturally there are occasions where treatment is justified but even in these circumstances our fee is often more than compensated for by preventing treatment that is not fully justified.

Should you wish to book a PGA independent survey please contact our office on 01274 669712 or via the contact button.