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Frequently Asked Questions

I will keep these updated in case someone else has already asked a question you are thinking of asking. 

 

Do you offer valuations?

 

No, I do not offer valuations/valuation advice. If you require valuation advice, consider speaking to Marcus Linsey, Director at Price Linsey - Mobile: 07866 334 770, Email: macrus@pricelinsey.co.uk

 

Do you offer Level 2 / Homebuyers reports?

 

No, I only do full Level 3 building surveys (formally called structural surveys). If you need a L1 or L2 survey, consider speaking to Marcus Linsey - details above. 

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When should I instruct a survey?

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There is not a definitive answer to this question and it will somewhat depend on your position and the vendor's position. 

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If you instruct the survey as soon as the sale has been agreed, the sale may collapse and the survey cost would be wasted. 

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If you leave instructing the survey until close to the end of the purchase process, the surveyor may not have time to undertake the instruction and you may not have time to digest and act upon the findings. 

 

Can I meet you after you have undertaken the survey?

 

Yes, of course. If I have been surveying all day, I will likely be a little low on brainpower but I can discuss any concerns I have before I begin the reflection period and report write-up. 

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Are fees negotiable?

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No, fees are not negotiable. I base my fees on a fixed hourly rate plus travel costs or, for survey work, a fixed fee including travel costs. I prepare a fee quote for all fixed-fee work which is based on the value of my time. If you are unhappy with the fee quote, the RICS has a database of other regulated surveyors which can be found here: https://www.ricsfirms.com

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Any attempt to negotiate on fees will render any previously provided estimate or quotation void and the termination of any appointment. 

 

Do you offer a discount for paying in cash?

 

No. All work will be invoiced and payment is by bank transfer only. 

 

Can I accompany you on the survey?

 

I’m afraid not. Building surveys are methodical and take all of my attention. If I get distracted, I may miss things. 

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Are you related to Malcolm Hollis?

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No, I'm afraid I am not, although I am a long-time admirer of his work and have many of his books, including one from his personal library (thanks, Marion :))

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Do you have a pre-prepared X, Y, Z Policy/Statement/Procedure/Strategy/ISO Accreditation? 

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Probably not. 

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Simon Hollis Chartered Surveyors is a small consultancy business and I do not see the point in paying an external consultant tens of thousands of pounds to write generic policies for a business they had never heard of in an industry that they were not familiar with until they received an enquiry. 

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That being said, my business always tries to do the right thing. This includes:

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  • Acting prudently and never acting in bad faith.

  • Not discriminating and treating all clients with respect and dignity. 

  • Being sustainable where it is feasible to do so. 

  • Attending and taking part in and facilitating theoretical and practical training on subjects directly related to my business activities. 

  • Being DBS checked and first aid trained. 

  • Complying with statutory requirements and the requirements of my professional body, professional indemnity insurance underwriter and public liability insurer. 

  • Responding to correspondence as soon as I am able to. 

  • Volunteering my professional skills for charitable purposes and career mentoring. 

  • Speaking up when I think something is wrong/being done incorrectly. 

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I have written documentation for things that I think are necessary, that are legally required or required by my professional body. These include, but are not limited to:

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  • Risk assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for site-based inspections and work. 

  • Drone Risk Assessments and Method Statements. 

  • A written Privacy Policy statement. 

  • A written Formal Complaints Handling Procedure. 

  • Written Terms of Engagement covering all instructions. 

  • Public Liability Insurance. 

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance in excess of the minimum requirements of my professional body. 

 

These are available to clients on written request. 

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