Terms of Service - Engineer Report

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 This is not a general property survey or comprehensive structural assessment.

1.3 The report provides professional opinion based on a purely visual, non-invasive inspection. It does not purport to identify every defect or deficiency within the property, nor does it constitute a specification for remedial works. Any remedial or design works should be undertaken and certified by a suitably qualified and registered Engineer.

1.4 This report should not be taken as a comprehensive report on property condition, nor as a specification or guarantee that all parts of the property are structurally sound. We have only commented on a sample of parts of the property we deem to be structurally unsound and/or dangerous at the time of inspection. Other areas of the property may be structurally unsound and/or dangerous but are not commented upon in this report.

1.5 When diagnosing the cause of a specific issue or proposing a broad remedy, it is done on a likelihood basis. For example, the issue is most likely caused by X for the following reasons…

1.6 Note: if structural cracks or structural issues are noted, in general, it is not possible from one site visit to guarantee that such cracking or movement has ceased. A single inspection cannot confirm the stability or long-term structural adequacy of any part of the property. Confirmation that movement has stopped typically requires monitoring over time (e.g., 1–2 years) by a registered engineer.

1.7 When proposing a remedy, this is a broad outline of suggested works. Any remedial or design works should be undertaken and certified by a suitably qualified and registered Engineer.

1.8 The Client should note that, for the purpose of Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant drawdown, the Local Authority may require a letter from a registered engineer confirming that works have been completed to a satisfactory standard and that the property is structurally sound. O’Neill O’Reilly & Associates cannot provide such certification unless separately engaged to provide the full structural design, supervise the construction works, and carry out formal certification. Fees for such services can be provided upon request.

Photographs included in this report are provided for illustrative purposes only to assist in identifying certain items or locations referred to in the text. They do not represent a comprehensive photographic record of the property or all observed defects. Not every defect, area of concern, or part of the property has been photographed. The absence of a photograph does not imply that a defect was not observed or does not exist. 

2. Nature and Limitations of Inspection

2.1 The inspection was conducted from ground and floor level only, without disturbance of finishes, fixtures, or structure.
2.2 No opening up, dismantling, exposure of concealed elements, or testing of materials, foundations, or services was undertaken.
2.3 The Consultant cannot confirm that concealed, covered, or inaccessible areas are free from defect or deterioration.
2.4 Areas obstructed by stored goods, finishes, vegetation, furniture, or personal effects were not inspected.
2.5 The Consultant will not move or disturb furniture, stored items, floor coverings, insulation, or cladding.
2.6 No inspection was made of areas deemed unsafe to access at the time.

2.7 The inspection represents the condition of the accessible parts of the property only at the time of the visit. Conditions may change thereafter due to environmental, structural, or usage factors outside the Consultant’s control.

3. Specific Exclusions

Without limitation, the following are excluded from the scope of this report:
• Foundations, walls, floors, roof structures, and other concealed structural elements not visible at time of inspection.
• Drainage, plumbing, electrical, HVAC or mechanical systems.
• Environmental testing (including asbestos, radon, contamination, gases, noise, odours, quarrying or blasting).
• Flood risk assessment, pyrite or MICA testing, or deleterious material analysis.
• Planning, Building Regulation, or fire safety compliance verification.
• Boundary or title checks.
• Routine maintenance and minor cosmetic defects not materially affecting value or safety.

3.1 The report does not include comment on non-structural issues, internal finishes, or compliance with current standards unless specifically stated, however, we may comment on the same from time to time.

14. Limitation of Liability

14.1 The Consultant’s total aggregate liability, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this engagement, shall not exceed the fee paid for the inspection.
14.2 The Consultant shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, or economic loss, including loss of value, profit, or opportunity.
14.3 No warranty, guarantee, or assurance is given as to the future condition, stability, or value of the property.
14.4 By accepting these terms, the Client acknowledges that the inspection is limited in scope and that O’Neill O’Reilly & Associates cannot be held responsible for defects, instability, or structural inadequacy not reasonably apparent during a limited visual inspection.

- The ultimate discretion of whether a propery is accepted as derelict rests with the County/City Council.