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Can Valuations be Done Without an Inspection?

Thursday, 9th April 2020
Valuation

At Peter Barry, we undertake valuations for a range of purposes. Taxation, accounting and the more unfortunate probate or divorce. All of our procedures and reports must conform to the RICS Valuation – Global Standards or ‘Red Book’.

The current COVID situation has caused huge disruption to every industry including the surveying world. The majority of our work involves the inspection of people’s homes and properties, so how can firms adapt and what is appropriate?

Essential Travel vs Able to Work from Home

Whether an inspection for a valuation is deemed essential, whilst subjective to a degree, it is easy to conclude that very few if any inspections can be deemed essential.

The Government Advice on moving home provides the following advice:

“Surveyors should not expect to carry out non-urgent surveys in homes where people are in residence, and no inspections should take place if any person in the property is showing symptoms, self-isolating or being shielded.

It may be possible to carry out some of your work online and also carry out urgent surveys on empty properties, or those where the occupants are out of the property or following guidance to stay at home and away from others.”

This advice relates only to the housing market and would be applicable to pre-purchase surveys such as Homebuyer and Building Surveys.

On the other hand, workers are still going into offices where home working is not possible so there could be a justification for an inspection on the grounds that it simply is not possible to undertake the valuation remotely.

Reports without an Inspection

The previously mentioned Red Book, goes into significant detail on what is expected of a surveyor in terms of inspection requirements. This is ultimately summarised in that the extent of the inspection should be appropriate for the service that is being provided. If an inspection can be undertaken, there are limited reasons why the surveyor should proceed without one.

These however are not normal times and the scope to provide a service without an inspection have arguable widened. We have already moved to providing desktop studies for our Lease Extension and Freehold Enfranchisement work. Each case must be taken on its own merits but there is scope that with suitable and relevant information such as floorplans and photos supplied by clients for us to provide clients with the same desktop service for valuations.

Opportunities

We are all slowly getting used working from home, and the world will be a very different place once this is all over. Whereas previous reports would have been followed up by an email or phone call, why not schedule a conference call over Zoom or Teams?

Peter Barry are keen work with clients to provide innovative, creative and professional ways of working.

If you require a valuation and are unsure how to navigate through these uncertain times please call or email us and we will be more than happy to advise.

 

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tony besgrove
Our surveyor, James, arrived at the house at the appointed time and was most helpful in explaining the details of the party wall agreement. He later sent the completed document as promised. Most efficient and friendly service throughout.
Claudette “CeeBee” Bradshaw
Rachel Fay
I was put at ease by the professional way In which this survey was conducted I highly recommend Peter Barry All aspects were considered my home Was examined for any potential problems That may be caused by the works being Carried out by the neighbouring property . Photos were skilfully recorded and a Drone was used to take pictures of the roof . Peter Barry Surveyor truly did a fantastic Job acting in a professional manner at all Times . And showing respect for my home And security and I can only prise them , Many Thanks Rachel
Response from the owner:Thank you, Rachel, for your lovely review. We’re really pleased to hear the survey put you at ease and that the team’s thorough approach — including the detailed photos and drone imagery — helped you feel fully protected. Your kind words about the surveyor’s professionalism and respect for your home mean a great deal.
Neyet M
I was a neighbour of someone who wanted to do some changes to their dormer into a full loft conversion. The surveyor sent to review our shared walls was very young professional and helped answer all my questions and concerns. The emails from the firm were very formal, else and they were very reachable by telephone. I didn’t pay as my neighbour was carrying out the works so I can’t comment there. I would consider using this firm for further works personally
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re really pleased to hear how well the surveyor supported you throughout your neighbour’s loft‑conversion process.
Jack Reynolds-Clark
Very responsive and proactive. Would highly recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you, we appreciate your recommendation.
soe tjen marching
Great surveyor. Professional and very good service for our party wall matter. Thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review. We’re really pleased to hear you received such professional service and that everything went smoothly with your party wall matter.
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