Terms of Report

This service entails:

• 1 Site Visit.

- Engineer Report includes: a visual inspection of the property for structural issues/condition issues, from a visual, non-invasive inspection of the exposed and accessible main parts of the structure.

- Although we may comment on building regulations and planning permission throughout this report, this does not include an investigation of compliance with building regulations, planning permission, structural calculations, specification. The property may be not in compliance with building regulations, planning permission.

- The report does not provide costs for required repairs.

- Liability is limited to a maximum amount equal to the fee paid for the survey.

- The service provided aims to provide general condition advice, where possible to inspect from a visual inspection. This report does not set out to list/specify every issue with the property. This is not a specification and should not be solely relied upon to remedy the issues above. A registered Engineer must be employed to remedy all the areas outlined and ensure that the property is structurally sound in general. We have not specified any materials, or have not inspected the works during construction (other than this site visit), and will not be responsible for the future works, or certifying the same works.

- No detailed investigation was carried out on drainage. No opening up of works occurred.

- We have not inspected the woodwork or other parts of the structure which were covered, unexposed or inaccessible and we are unable to report that any such part of the property is free from defects. We will not take any responsibility for the faulty workmanship of subcontractors, builder, plumbing or electrical design.

- We do not carry out any investigation on proposed carriageway realignment or flooding in the locality.

Inaccessible parts: Where parts of the structure are unexposed or inaccessible no opinion can be given as to their condition.

Latent defects: The lifting or opening out of cladding/linings to walls, ceilings and floors does not fall within the scope of the inspection and therefore, it must be appreciated that defects, such as woodworm or dry rot may be present, but cannot be conclusively identified.

Drainage/Water: No testing or examination of drainage/water runs; installations or inspection chambers/ Armstrong Junctions (AJ) was undertaken.

Environmental factors: No tests or monitoring were undertaken in association with environmental or physical factors associated with pollution or contamination of the main structure or site curtilage including issues such as noise, flooding, odours, mining/ blasting or quarrying activities, the presence of asbestos, gases (including radon) radiation, aggregates containing reactive pyrite that can expand, or insulation boards containing chemical PIR 3009 which can shrink, or the like.

Radon: No assessment was carried out in relation to radon levels in the area nor can we confirm the presence or otherwise of a suitable radon barrier to the subfloor area of the subject property/ block. Our Client may consider it prudent to engage a Registered Radon Testing Professional to assess the property. A list of registered professionals is available from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at www.epa.ie.

Flooding: We did not conduct a flood risk assessment at the address as this is a specialist area and does not form part of our instruction. It is recommended, prior to entering any legally binding contract to purchase, that it is confirmed by the Client that building’(s) insurance is readily available for the subject property to include, inter alia, the insured peril of flooding.

Asbestos: Our Client is clearly advised that, in a property dating pre 1990 (approx.), there may be latent asbestos material to, inter alia, internal wall, floors, ceiling, pipework etc. linings that were not readily identifiable during a visual inspection. In view of same, should any works be proposed that would involve interference with the building structure or fabric we recommend specialist advices are sought.

Generally, confirmation of asbestos content to a building will require laboratory analysis to determine the type of asbestos material, likely risk to health if interfered with and need for statutory compliance. Should asbestos material be confirmed, we recommend a specialist asbestos removal contractor be engaged to assess the material, confirm asbestos content (or otherwise) and ensure all asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are removed in accordance with The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006); and The Safety, Health and Welfareat Work (Construction) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 504 of 2006), as amended and applicable.

Minor defects: Minor details that do not materially affect the value of the property together with items of routine maintenance may not be commented upon.

Pyrite/ MICA

Our survey does not include a pyrite or MICA inspection. Please note that only destructive testing can categorically rule out the presence of defective fill material.

Radon

We draw your attention to the advisability of carrying outa measurement of the radon levels using a passive kit of alpha track detectors (typically supplied by the RPII) placed over a three-month period after occupation to determine the radon levels. Radon risk maps are available. This is advisable whether you are in a notional high radon area or adjacent to it, as radon “hot spots” can occur in any area.

No check/compliance with Planning Permission, Building Regulations, boundary check, Fire regulations was part of this report.

Deliberately concealed defects: Whilst we will make every effort to look past redecoration, we cannot comment on any concealed defects which are not readily identifiable on visual inspection under normal lighting conditions.

iii) Access points will not be used if they are locked, nailed, glued, sealed, or screwed in place, damaged or unlikely to close properly after opening.

iv) Internal roof structures will be inspected where safe access exists via a loft hatch not more than 3 metres above the adjacent floor or ground. Where no reasonable safe access is available, the roof spaces will not be inspected.

v) Roof spaces that are limited in height, dangerous or unsafe to manoeuvre in, will not be inspected. It must therefore be appreciated that defects such as woodworm or dry rot may be present without our knowledge.

vi) Ladders will be used for inspections where it is safe to do so, up to a maximum of 3 metres in height. The engineer will not climb onto or walk on any roof surfaces. External roofs over 3 metres from ground level will be inspected using binoculars from ground level but will be excluded from the survey if they cannot be viewed by either means.

vii) The survey of the property is carried out from within the grounds of the property and from public areas adjacent to the property. We cannot trespass on to other people’s private property to get better views.

3. b) Damp / Leaks

i) Our visual survey will report on active leaks that are visible at the time of inspection. It is quite common for windows, doors, walls, or roofs to have leaks that are only active and visible under certain weather conditions e.g., wind-driven rain, and these conditions may not be replicated at the time of the survey. The survey and these conditions may not be replicated at the time of the survey. The survey excludes liability for leaks that latently occur during weather conditions not replicated at the time of the survey.

ii) This survey report is not a detailed or comprehensive rising/damp survey. Dampness/rising damp may exist in the property which may not be detected by this general survey. For example, visual evidence of dampness could be hidden from view by furniture or by recent redecoration of ceilings and walls. Dampness can also be caused by seasonal factors that are not present at the time of inspection. To be 100% certain that no dampness exists in the property you should get a detailed and specialised damp survey before signing legally binding contracts.

3. c) Property contents and occupancy

i) Contents in a building restrict or deny visual and/or physical access to some areas, e.g., personal belongings in hot press, attic space packed with boxes, personal possessions in rooms, fixtures and fittings in rooms etc. The engineer will make their best assumptions where walls, carpets, heavy furniture, etc., in place restrict access.

ii) No moving of furniture or personal belongings will be carried out during the inspection.

3. g) Deleterious and Hazardous Materials

i) This survey report is not an inspection on the presence of any deleterious and hazardous materials within the property, neither will we undertake or commission inspections or laboratory tests to determine or confirm the presence, extent or precise nature of any deleterious and hazardous materials e.g., alkaline cement, lead, asbestos, pyrite and mica/pyrrhotite.

ii) No liability is accepted for future defects found in the property arising from the use of defective stone fill.

iii) If the engineer makes a comment in the report on deleterious and hazardous materials it is provided for limited information purposes only and should not, under any circumstances, be deemed conclusive.

iv) To determine the existence / non-existence or extent of any deleterious and hazardous materials within the property it is essential and recommended that you commission a relevant specialist to carry out tests and provide you with a report before signing legally binding contracts.

3h) Tree / Vegetation Proximity and Invasive Plantations

i) This survey report is not an inspection of the presence of invasive plantations, e.g., Japanese Knotweed, within the property.

ii) If the engineer makes a comment in the report on invasive plantations, trees, or vegetation proximity, it is provided for limited informational purposes only and should not, under any circumstances, be deemed conclusive.

iii) To determine the existence/non-existence, impact or extent of any invasive plantations or tree or vegetation proximity within the property it is essential and recommended that you commission a relevant specialist to carry out tests and provide you with a report before signing legally binding contracts

v) In compiling the report, it is assumed that NO high alumina cement concrete or calcium chloride additive or other potentially damaging material was used in any aspect of construction associated with this property.

vi) Your legal advisor should formally investigate whether there are any unusual or especially onerous restrictions, encumbrances or outgoings that may affect the property, right of ways, possible adverse possession, etc.

vii) Legal Advisor: We do not act as the legal adviser to our Client and will not comment on any legal documents. 

No significant or technical tests were carried out on the boiler or the central heating system /electrics/ plumbing as this is a specialist area. We recommend a registered heating engineer/ plumber be engaged to service and assess the existing system and advise on efficiency, state of repair and any/all necessary upgrading works.

If you decide not to act on the advice in this Report, you do this at your own risk.