Building surveyor damaged property

[Iamthedom]

My buyers arranged for a building survey yesterday
I’ve just gone to the property to collect any mail and he’s done the following
Tried to remove a period tile and had broken it in half
Didn’t leave the tile anywhere
Ripped up laminate flooring under the bay window - obviously to check for damp but the flooring can’t be replaced
Removed a kicker and not replaced it
Ripped wallpaper of the bedroom wall to check a crack
Removed a floorboard didn’t put it back and left nails sticking up
No idea if he has done in
I’m furious and upset .Yes the house is old and is a dooer upper but it’s being sold as such

The period tile in the entrance hall can’t be replaced its been there since 1870s so can’t exactly get it from B & Q
What do I do
Im sending a email to my estate agent with photos and I have spoken to them and they were really shocked and said this should not have done this

[godmum56]

@Thirtytimesround

That’s criminal damage. I would be LIVID.

When directing your anger try to remember that the agent did not do this and the buyer did not do this.

If the sale goes through asap I guess the damage becomes the buyer’s problem, but if it doesn’t I’d be reporting the criminal damage to the police and also suing in the small claims court for the cost of repairs.

I would be amazed if that was a real qualified surveyor, my guess is a cowboy builder they’re asking to quote for work.

IIRC, if the buyer chose and employed the surveyor then they are responsible for their (the surveyor's) actions...the survayor is the agent of the buyer. Its years ago now but we had a full structural survey when we bought this house and the surveyor broke a weyrock floorboard (cheap as chips) when checking a crack in an outside wall. they were very apologetic to us as we would have been responsible for the making good had we not bought the house.

[DeliriaSkibbly]

I can understand why you're upset, but as you're looking to sell the property surely this is what matters ? You're not going to continue living there.

Assuming the buyers continue as planned and pay the price you've asked none of this is really your problem.

In some ways it reminds me of the House Doctor - she used to get rid of peoples (usually horrible) decor and replace it with something neutral and impersonal. They used to kick up quite often because they couldn't see they wanted to move and not continue to live there - so the decor is not something they'll be with long term.

In your shoes, I'd be keeping my powder dry. You've done the right things by letting your solicitor and estate agent know. Until you find out what has actually happened and who has been sent in you can't really do much more. Save the righteous fury until you know it's actually needed.

[Iamthedom]

@DeliriaSkibbly
Oh don’t worry I am venting on hear and I wanted people opinion on if what they did was wrong
And if the sale goes through fine although I’m really angry that they have caused damage to my house and yes it’s my house not there house .

But if it falls through then I’m left with a damaged house through no fault of my own

[bcc89]

@DeliriaSkibbly

I can understand why you're upset, but as you're looking to sell the property surely this is what matters ? You're not going to continue living there.

Assuming the buyers continue as planned and pay the price you've asked none of this is really your problem.

In some ways it reminds me of the House Doctor - she used to get rid of peoples (usually horrible) decor and replace it with something neutral and impersonal. They used to kick up quite often because they couldn't see they wanted to move and not continue to live there - so the decor is not something they'll be with long term.

In your shoes, I'd be keeping my powder dry. You've done the right things by letting your solicitor and estate agent know. Until you find out what has actually happened and who has been sent in you can't really do much more. Save the righteous fury until you know it's actually needed.

If the buyer pulls out, OP is left with a damaged home to sell. So obviously this is why it matters. Bloody hell.

[bcc89]

OP, this is criminal damage. I would seriously consider reporting this to the police.

[Salome61]

So sorry to see what this madman has done, I thought it was bad my enough my buyer's surveyor pulled the curtain rail down.

I hope you get a satisfactory explanation as to who this person was, and are compensated for the damage.

[MrsTrumpton]

DeliriaSkibbly If you're buying a period house to renovate, an original tiled hallway is a massive selling point. If these buyers pull out for whatever reason, the damage could really affect OP's reselling. I'm surprised you think what the surveyor/builder did shouldn't concern her. It's still her house!

[Legodout]

Agree it sounds like a builder, and it most likely a miscommunication that he thought your buyers already owned the house.

Given they asked him to quote for a complete overhaul (new floor in hallway, new floorboards in sitting room etc) he simply did what was needed to give an accurate quote, knowing that they weren't planning to keep any of those features, and assuming they owned it.

If the sale falls through, then they will have to pay.

But you may find this works in your favour - they might be so mortified about the damage, that they are too scared to negotiate any post-"survey" discounts they were planning!

[CharlotteRose90]

Christ I’d be burning up their phones to get it sorted. That’s bang out of order. I’m a First time buyer and any place I buy will get a full survey but Christ it doesn’t include this. Please get something in writing that should they pull out it will get fixed.

[Summerfun54321]

Anyone that knows anything about construction doesn’t need to be ripping finishes off the wall or floor! If (and it’s a big if) intrusive investigations need to be made, a tiny 5 pence piece sized hole is drilled to put a tiny inspection camera in. That is not a reputable surveyor or builder that’s done that.

[billy1966]

@Summerfun54321

Anyone that knows anything about construction doesn’t need to be ripping finishes off the wall or floor! If (and it’s a big if) intrusive investigations need to be made, a tiny 5 pence piece sized hole is drilled to put a tiny inspection camera in. That is not a reputable surveyor or builder that’s done that.

I agree.

It is the work of an absolute cowboy who has zero respect.

If they are very young, the may simply not know.

But a builder that would do that to a property I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw!

[DeliriaSkibbly]

Christ on a bike - people should learn to fucking read a post.

I advised the OP to 'keep her powder dry' and 'save the righteous fury until you know it's needed'

In other words, if the buyer pulls out then is the time to start raising merry hell. Not before. Sorry some of you are too fucking thick too quick off the mark to get that.

[Isthisprivate]

keep her powder dry

Not a saying I’ve ever heard so maybe others haven’t either - your post could have been clearer

[Iamthedom]

@Isthisprivate
It’s an old saying “keep your powder dry”
It’s sort of means don’t go in with all guns blazing
You Keep quiet hear what they have to say - then shoot the fuckers 😂😂

A bit like keep your friends close but your enemy’s closer

[FurbleSocks]

That is totally shit! That's actual damage to a house that doesn't belong to them (yet). It must be a builder not a surveyor because in my experience if the surveyor can't see something because it's behind or under something the report just says 'unable to see X because of Y'.

[DreamTheMoors]

@Iamthedom

The photos are shocking and appalling and the damage is completely unacceptable and unnecessary. Stupidity at its finest, or worst. UNPROFESSIONAL doesn’t come close.

Have you considered, just considered, that the buyers would be appalled by this too? In particular, the irreplaceable tile? There’s always the chance they had no idea their “surveyor” or “builder” or whatever TF he calls himself would do such damage to your home. Of course, I’m speculating, but it could be possible, right?

It IS criminal damage, and if the buyers are shocked and outraged too, you could always sue the guy’s ass off together.

Then, they can continue to purchase your period home at the pre-damage, agreed-upon price, since they hired Mr. Destructo.

I’d also be looking for the guy to kick his ass. I’m little, but I’m wiry. And this would incense me beyond all measure. Just give me one good swing, lol. (I’m joking, for those of you who might think I’m advocating violence — even though violence was done to OP’s home).

[DreamTheMoors]

[quote Iamthedom]@Isthisprivate
It’s an old saying “keep your powder dry”
It’s sort of means don’t go in with all guns blazing
You Keep quiet hear what they have to say - then shoot the fuckers 😂😂

A bit like keep your friends close but your enemy’s closer[/quote]
@Iamthedom

And “smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.”
I think that meant “while you’re waiting around…” or “this might take awhile…”

All phrases my dad learned in WWII or from his dad, who served in WWI.

I am so very sorry this happened to you. It most certainly should not have. Not to you, nor to anyone.

[Iamthedom]

@DreamTheMoors
I actually think the buyers must have said do XYZ because it’s all quite specific stuff especially the tile
My attitude is the buyer engaged him so it there problem to sort out
I’m not chasing a builder
But also the estate agent let the surveyor in the house as well so not sure where they stand
So far they have been really great

[Soontobe60]

@Iamthedom

I’m not sure how I would get compensated
If the sale goes through then I’m ok as it’s not my problem
But if it doesn’t then I’m left with damaged house
I would have no problems in taking them to court for this as I have there name and address where they live atm

Can I point out that judging from the state of the bay window wall where he removed the laminate, my guess would be that he’s not actually done anything that would devalue the house. There’s obvious damp on the skirting board and floorboards under the laminate, and it’s absolutely caked in dirt where it meets the wall. Plus the tile which you say is over 150 years old looks to have been stuck onto breeze block!
The house, as you’ve pointed out, is a ‘doer upper’ so it’s only reasonable that your buyer should be aware of exactly what repairs need to be made. Or would you prefer that they buy a house assuming that no damp course needs to be done then find themselves with a hefty bill when they discover damp?
Personally, I think with this type of property, ensuring buyers have a true picture of the state of the property is morally right.
That being said, someone must have let the surveyor in - if they got the keys off the estate agent, the estate agent should have supervised them. If they got them off you, you should have supervised them.

[Iamthedom]

@Soontobe60
I agree but all of that was visible they have viewed it 4 -5 times one time for almost 90 mins measuring up . I told them that there was damp in that bay window so they were aware of it
They could have got someone to check this without damaging stuff
Nothing was hidden away. There was no furniture hiding stuff
I cleared everything out of the house so any problems could be seen clearly and it was priced accordingly and the buyers paid 20k over the asking price .
I have no problem with a builder going in and giving them an estimate but not removing & damaging stuff without my permission .
The tiles are the original ones.
All the house on the terrace have pretty much the same original tiles in the entrance


I didn’t give them the key - the estate agent did

[Soontobe60]

[quote Iamthedom]@Soontobe60
I agree but all of that was visible they have viewed it 4 -5 times one time for almost 90 mins measuring up . I told them that there was damp in that bay window so they were aware of it
They could have got someone to check this without damaging stuff
Nothing was hidden away. There was no furniture hiding stuff
I cleared everything out of the house so any problems could be seen clearly and it was priced accordingly and the buyers paid 20k over the asking price .
I have no problem with a builder going in and giving them an estimate but not removing & damaging stuff without my permission .
The tiles are the original ones.
All the house on the terrace have pretty much the same original tiles in the entrance

I didn’t give them the key - the estate agent did[/quote]
So it’s the estate agent that’s at fault then. I assume that they are looking to see if they can afford to do whatever jobs need to be done. You don’t need to reduce the price of the property even if they ask. But it’s only fair that any buyer knows what they’re letting themselves in for.
If you had been there, and a builder had asked if they could remove some of the laminate to check the state of the floorboards, would you have refused?

[Clymene]

I would have hoped the OP would have said no @Soontobe60. Why would she give permission to a builder to damage her house? You get a builder in after you've completed, not before.

She was asked if they could carry out a survey. That damage was not carried out by a RICS registered surveyor, I guarantee it.

[mumwon]

A surveyor moving anything to look - that sounds extremely unlikely (builder maybe or prospective owner) reason why - have you ever read surveyors report (even if its a in depth one) it says things like; unable to see behind cupboard/furniture cannot get fully into whatever - with loads of disclaimers about why they couldn't so they can only assume (basically so you can't sue them)
I do not think its a registered surveyor - I am with pp I bet its a jobbing builder
Certainly send photos & complain to agent & your solicitor (to get them to complain to your buyer (aka criminal damage)

[Iamthedom]

No I wouldn’t have let them take it up
I’m sure they could have detected any damp without ripping up stuff
I had already told them there was damp in that particular area
That’s also been my experience of surveyors

They are so risk adverse they will rarely ever say it’s ABC is in perfect working order

[Hb12]

A proper surveyor wouldn't need to rip up flooring to check for damp