The house surveyor missed this - as did everyone else!!

[rabbitygirl]

Just completing refurbing a Victorian house. My husband, a painter, has found that the house, described by one and all, and the surveyor, as an end terrace, is actually detached.

There is a gap of a few inches between us and next door. No gap at the front tho, but bricks between the 2 houses are slightly misaligned, indicating a separate build.

A thorough look has shown other signs that a professional should have picked up, such as the roof.

It's a nice discovery but there are repercussions, eg my insurance is now wrong. Have we comeback on the surveyor? I will at least inform them and get them to revisit us. Advice please......

[Davethedog]

If the surveyor has made a mistake then yes you have a claim.

However what was his mandate? He has surveyed a property i.e No1 Elm Street he takes it that you know the property and it isn't up to him to descibe what sort of property just that it has no defects and its worth the money you paid for it.

[rabbitygirl]

The property was very run down Dave and he did a very thorough job on the survey. Except he didn't notice it was detached. I am surprised the out of line bricks or roofline didn't give it away as surely he would look at properties with a different eye to us, and even the estate agents.

Perhaps someone could advise if we are right to assume he should have noticed this.

[themas]

You might have a claim, but what have you los that you could claim for? Presumably a detached house is more valuable than an end terrace.

[rabbitygirl]

You're right themas, no real loss, tho as I say it is insured as a terrace meaning I may be underinsured. His, and our, valuation of the house may have been affected by this. Obviously I am better off having a detached over an end terrace. And on that basis I doubt there are damages to pursue.

But the question is still that should I not expect a professional, and mature, surveyor, to pick up the signs that it's basic description is wrong?

[happyjo]

You may want to just advise the surveyor of your discovery. They may have a word with the person who did the survey.

Aside that I can't see what harm has been done. You can change your insurance, and if there is any costs involved, send it to the surveyor.

You will find your house is worth more now!!!

I am sure Caveat Emptor applies in situations like this. ie. buyer should also be aware and make own enquiries.

enjoy your detached house!!!!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

The fault surely is with the land registry and your solicitor before you start taking on the surveyor? The solicitor should have picked this up from the plans, the estate agent should have marketed as a detached property etc. The surveyor comes at the end of a list of professionals!