Surveyor defect report? What should it cost?

[Munter]

My house is still under part of it's NHBC warranty/insurance thingy (New in 06).

The render on the front is falling off, probably because the flat roof/balcony it supports is leaking, and water/moisture got behind the render, froze, and "pop" off it comes. That's my assumption anyway.

To action this apparently I require a surveyor to write a report suggesting what he/she thinks is the problem. And if it's covered, (if the building is not watertight, which given the water stains inside....) NHBC pick up the tab for the report. Of course if it's not covered I pick up the tab for the report. So I'm keen to get a reasonable price.

So does anybody know what a surveyors report for failing/falling off render should cost?

[Dr_Gonzo]

Specific defect reports can be around £250. Best bet would be to try a few local firms via the RICS site for a few quotes.

[Munter]

Dr_Gonzo said:

Specific defect reports can be around £250. Best bet would be to try a few local firms via the RICS site for a few quotes.

Sent out a few e-mails this morning using names from the RICS site. I just got the 1st response of £145 +VAT + £20 for a hard back version. I don't think I'll need a hardback copy will I?

It's better than I feared anyway. Having no idea what this costs I was worried it could be £500+! £145+VAT I can live with even if NHBC sidestep...which is quite likely what they'll try I'd think.

[davidjpowell]

Sounds suspciously low to me. I would suggest asking around to see who is good - try asking a couple of local agents if all else fails.

[lost in espace]

I would get hold of a copy of the NHBC policy and read it carefully. There will be a loophole somewhere for them, or just write to them explaining the problem and asking if in the event you take it further that the claim would be paid out.

You might be able to get your insurance company involved, or do you have one of those legal insurance policies often taken with house insurance?

[TorqueVR]

I'm a surveyor and Dr Gonzo is spot on - I'd have quoted £250 incl vat. £145 is dirt cheap but if he's prepared to to it at that price then accept it.

[Munter]

lost in espace said:

I would get hold of a copy of the NHBC policy and read it carefully. There will be a loophole somewhere for them, or just write to them explaining the problem and asking if in the event you take it further that the claim would be paid out.

You might be able to get your insurance company involved, or do you have one of those legal insurance policies often taken with house insurance?

The house is part rent part buy. So the housing association hold all the buildings insurance, and I'm 1 step removed from the NHBC.

It's NHBC 1st, then if they weasle out of it the insurance company get their shot at it as well.

Apparently (if you believe the people who didn't know what a condensate pipe is...), the NHBC warranty is in a period where the building is covered if it's not watertight. (But you can't claim if the condensate pipe is leaking behind the kitchen cabinets/within the wall where it's inaccessable)