Claims Against Surveyors: Dry Rot & Defects In Roof

Robert Johnson and the Professional Negligence team at Healys act for a variety of clients against a wide range of professionals in numerous types of claims.

This article summarises types of claims we have pursued against accountants and financial advisers. Similar articles for other professional groups are available on our website, with more to be published in the coming weeks.

Dry Rot

Professional negligence/breach of contract claim against a surveyor/architects firm arising out of their failure to identify in their report and advise the client about the presence in her property of dry rot and a lack of ventilation in the dining room. Following the client's purchase of the property she noticed (1) black spots on the skirting board that grew quickly with 'flowering bodies' developing; (2) bubbles in the wall which also grew rapidly; (3) and on the outside wall of the house there was a very large mushroom growing out of the wall. We recovered compensation for the client.

Defects in Roof

The clients had instructed a surveyor to produce a Level 3 survey of their property. The surveyor did not exercise the appropriate level of care and skill as they failed to sufficiently or at all (1) check the Property (including reasonable efforts to access concealed areas) sufficiently diligently for the purposes of that survey; (2) identify structural and other issues with the rafters in the roof of the Property; and (3) advise on appropriate further investigations prior to purchase. The clients had relied on this survey and proceeded to completion. It was only when the clients instructed builders to carry out alteration and extension works that the failures of the surveyor and the defects in the roof became apparent. Had the clients been aware of the defects, they would not have proceeded with the purchase. We recovered compensation for the clients.

If you would like legal advice on this area of Professional Negligence or further information on any of the above, please contact Robert below.

Healys Professional Negligence Services

Healys professional negligence team have acted for clients against a range of professionals including solicitors, barristers, architects, surveyors, financial advisors and accountants, and have an outstanding reputation for gaining the best possible outcome. They are accredited and recommended by leading legal review bodies, including Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.

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