The Property Surveyors – Terms & Conditions

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1. Introduction

1.1 These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern all services provided by The Property Surveyors (“we”, “our”, “us”), including snagging inspections, pre-purchase surveys, building surveys, and specialist inspections.

1.2 By booking or using our services, the client (“you”, “your”) agrees to these Terms in full.

1.3 These Terms supersede any prior communications, proposals, or agreements unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

2. Scope of Services

2.1 Services provided may include:

• Snagging inspections of new or refurbished properties

• Pre-purchase building surveys (general, visual, and structural assessments)

• Specialist inspections (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating, hazardous materials, land contamination, invasive species, fire safety, energy performance)

• Ancillary reporting and advisory services

2.2 Inspections are primarily visual and non-invasive. We do not carry out destructive testing, structural engineering certification, or statutory compliance assessments unless explicitly agreed.

2.3 Any commentary on specialist matters is for guidance only and not definitive.

 

3. Customer Obligations

3.1 You must:

• Provide safe, unrestricted access to the property

• Confirm access arrangements in writing with both us and any third-party contractors

• Disclose all known issues, hazards, or restrictions

3.2 You warrant that:

• You have authority to instruct the survey

• Information provided is accurate

• You will comply with these Terms and cooperate fully with our inspectors

 

4. Access, Scheduling & Cancellations

4.1 Inspection Scheduling:

• Standard inspection duration is 2 hours unless otherwise agreed

• Time reductions requested by builders, developers, or third parties are at the client’s risk

4.2 Inspector Access Issues:

• If our inspector is refused entry, asked to leave, or cannot access the property, 50% of the inspection fee will be charged to cover incurred costs

• If the refusal or access issue results from our failure to confirm arrangements in advance, no charge will be incurred

4.3 Customer Cancellations:

• 48 hours before inspection: no fee

• 24–48 hours: 25% of inspection fee

• <24 hours or no-show: 50% of inspection fee

4.4 Inspector Cancellations / Rescheduling:

• We may reschedule inspections due to safety, weather, or unforeseen circumstances

• We disclaim liability for any losses caused by rescheduling

4.5 Force Majeure:

• We are not liable for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond our control, including severe weather, pandemics, or government restrictions

• Safety of inspectors is paramount; inspections may be rescheduled at short notice

 

5. Inspection Scope & Limitations

5.1 Areas Inspected:

• Habitable and ordinarily accessible areas of the property, garages, and grounds

• Roofs and lofts where safe ladder access is available (loft entry above ladder height may not be possible)

• External areas, drainage, and gutters as reasonably practicable

5.2 Areas Not Inspected:

• Concealed, obstructed, or unsafe areas

• Roofs above 3 meters unless binocular inspection is feasible

• Unsafe or hazardous areas

5.3 Excluded Defects / Limitations:

• Latent or concealed defects

• Seasonal or intermittent defects (dampness, leaks, frost, condensation)

• Deleterious or hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, pyrite, alkaline cement)

• Invasive plants, tree root impacts, or vegetation issues

• Land contamination (oil spills, chemical leaks, dumped waste)

• Technical compliance with building regulations or design requirements

• Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating, or specialist systems

5.4 Specialist Inspections:

• Required for certainty on mechanical systems, hazardous materials, contamination, or invasive plants

• Any commentary in general reports is informational only

5.5 Apartment / Duplex / Maisonette Surveys:

• Inspection limited to the unit and accessible common areas

• Management company or body corporate issues are outside the scope

5.6 Boundary Checks:

• Optional, requires maps provided in advance

• Large or complex sites quoted separately

 

6. Inspection Reports

6.1 Reports are delivered electronically (PDF or Word). Hard copies may incur additional fees.

6.2 Reports detail only the issues identified during inspection; follow-up inspections will be documented in addendums.

6.3 Reports may include photos and, where applicable, thermal imaging. Thermal images are indicative only and may require further specialist investigation.

6.4 Clients are responsible for reviewing reports prior to purchase or contractual commitments.

6.5 Unauthorized third-party reliance on reports is prohibited.

 

7. Pre-Close Walkthrough

7.1 A pre-close walkthrough is recommended after vendor possessions are removed to identify newly revealed defects.

7.2 Any discovered defects should be reported immediately; additional inspection fees may apply.

 

8. Payment

8.1 Payment must be made in full prior to report issue.

8.2 Accepted payment methods: cash, card, or bank transfer.

8.3 Valid quotations are issued for 30 days.

8.4 Discounts offered must comply with terms at booking.

 

9. Liability & Indemnity

9.1 Limitation of Liability:

• Our total liability is capped at the fee paid for the service

• We are not liable for: latent defects, third-party claims, indirect or consequential losses

9.2 Indemnity:

• You indemnify us against claims arising from:

  • Misleading information

  • Interference with inspections

  • Unauthorized third-party reliance

 

10. Mechanical, Electrical & Heating Systems

• Inspectors are not qualified engineers

• No testing is conducted; comments are cursory only

• Specialist inspections are strongly recommended

 

11. Hazardous Materials

• No testing for asbestos, lead, pyrite, alkaline cement, or other hazardous materials

• Specialist inspections are required for certainty

 

12. Trees, Vegetation & Invasive Species

• No inspection or testing for Japanese knotweed, invasive plants, or tree root impacts

• Specialist inspections required for certainty

 

13. Land Contamination

• No investigation into potential contamination

• Specialist inspections required for certainty

 

14. Photography & Marketing

• Photos may be taken for reports and documentation

• May be used for marketing purposes without revealing personal details

• Objections must be raised within 7 days

 

15. COVID-19 & Health & Safety

• Inspector should have sole access to the property

• No physical contact permitted; hygiene protocols followed

• Symptomatic clients or close contacts must not attend

 

16. Termination

• Clients may terminate services with at least 7 days’ notice

• Cancellations within 48 hours may incur fees as outlined in Section 4

 

17. Governing Law

• Irish law governs these Terms

• Exclusive jurisdiction of Irish courts