A MUMSNET user accused a property surveyor of tearing her wallpaper, pulling off a floorboard and ripping her flooring.
What can you do if you find yourself in the same unlucky situation?
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The mum in the process of selling her house said it was wrecked by an chartered surveyor called in by the buyers.
Forum poster Iamthedom wrote: “I’ve just gone to the property and he’s done the following – tried to remove a period tile and had it broken in half, ripped up laminate flooring, removed a kicker and not replaced it.
“[They also] ripped wallpaper off the bedroom wall to check for a crack, removed a floorboard and didn’t put it back, leaving nails sticking up.”
What does a surveyor do?
Having a house surveyed before sale is a common part of the process, especially if a buyer wants an expert’s view of the property.
There are several types you can have, from a basic valuation to a full structural survey.
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The buyer chooses which kind they want – all the seller needs to do is ensure they have access to the property.
In this mum’s case, that might’ve been a mistake.
She added: “I’m furious and upset. Yes the house is old and a doer-upper, but it’s being sold as such.
“If the sale goes through then I’m ok as it’s not my problem. But if it doesn’t, I’m left with a damaged house.”
After speaking to the surveyor, the horrified mum said she reported him to his employer.
An email sent to her by the firm read: “We have not damaged the property and we do not carry any tools with [us].
“And I understand that the purchasers are looking to completely strip out the property and refurbish it.”
What are my rights in the event a surveyor damages my home?
Bringing anyone into your home who doesn’t know the ins and outs of potential problems is a slight risk.
Opening the wrong door or standing on the wrong floorboard could cause or worsen existing damage the surveyor doesn’t know about.
However, “cowboy builder” behaviour and potential criminal damage to the property is something quite different.
First, find out if the surveyor is in a trade association with a dispute resolution scheme.
For example, surveyors accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can be challenged under RICS’ dispute resolution service.
And if you’re unhappy with this, you could report the surveyor for negligence in the event you can prove their behaviour caused financial loss.
In this case, the Mumsnet poster may argue her home was under-valued after the inspection.
However, a resolved conflict before legal proceedings is probably your best bet.
Surveyor coach Marion Ellis told The Sun: “A surveyor never enters a property with a view to causing damage, but when you inspect a property to have a good look, things can happen.
“While it’s easy to get angry at a surveyor when things have been moved or changed, it’s important to remember that finding problems is a good thing – you can get the problem fixed or negotiate with the buyer to keep the sale moving.
“Also, if you’re buying your home you’re probably selling, too. You’d want the same level of inspection for your onward purchase.
“It comes with the territory when you are buying and selling a home.”
We spoke to a property expert who gave us their top tips when it comes to selling your home.
Stay up to date with the latest property news.
And do your best to avoid lengthy and potentially expensive tiffs with your neighbours, like this one over a broken fence.
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