4 Shore Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2UB

Tel: 01229 821996  Fax:  01229 824408  Email: barrow@hwmsurveyors.co.uk

 


 

                                                                                                                                                       

 

                                                                                                                                                        Our Ref:      ARB/CC

 

                                                                                                                 

 

 

B U I L D I N G   S U R V E Y   &  V A L U A T I O N

 

 

 

on

 

 

 

***************************************

 

 

on behalf of

 

 

****************************************

 

 

Date of Inspection  :           Thursday 4th February 2010

 

Weather                    :           Overcast with light rain/drizzle

 

Surveyor                   :           Anthony R Bryson MRICS

 


TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

Following your instructions dated 2nd February 2010, we have inspected **************************************, in order to advise on the Market Value of the premises, for acquisition purposes.

 

This survey report has been prepared in accordance with the terms and conditions already forwarded to you. All visible, exposed and accessible elements of construction have been checked in order to identify defects and shortcomings which are likely to adversely affect the use of the property or give rise to significant expenditure in the future.  We have not been able to inspect covered, unexposed or inaccessible areas or buried areas of construction.

 

Apart from balconies or roofs to which external access is available, the external inspection has been carried out from ground level or such points of access as are afforded by a three metre ladder.

 

The precise extent of our inspection is described in this report.  Throughout the report the terms front, back, left and right are used as if viewing the property from the front.

 

At the date of our inspection the property was unoccupied and unfurnished but floors were covered throughout by well fixed carpets etc.  There were vertical hung blinds fitted to all windows.  The garage was locked and therefore could not be inspected internally. 

 

We would confirm that we have no conflict of interest in this matter and the valuation has been carried out in accordance with the Practice Statements in the RICS Valuation Standards (6th Edition).  This report is confidential to the client and the client’s immediate Professional Advisors and excludes responsibility and liability to third parties, unless otherwise stated.

 

We would refer you to the attached definitions to which this advice is subject.

 

LOCATION

 

Situated on the ***************************, on the outskirts of Ulverston adjoining similar aged varied residential development.  The property is on the corner of ***************************** and **********************.  It is within reasonable reach of Ulverston area amenities by car and bus.

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

A detached bungalow on a single floor estimated to have been built around 1970. 

 

The building is of conventional construction for its age and type with the external walls of cavity brick and block, with artificial stone block to the front elevation.  The roof is pitched and concrete tile covered.  Windows are varied, plastic framed, double glazed and single glazed, timber framed. 

 

Internally ground floors are solid, assumed to be concrete and laid in original thermo plastic type tiles, where seen beneath carpets. 

 

Ceilings are conventional plasterboard, and internal walls are all of solid construction, assumed of concrete block. 

 

Internal joinery appears to be largely the original, with minimum dimension skirtings and door frames, with hollow lightweight modern flush panel interior doors. 

 

The accommodation comprises:

 

Ground Floor:         Side entrance hall, living room, kitchen, inner hall, 2 bedrooms and bathroom with WC.


The approximate gross external floor area is 61m² (660sq.ft.).

 

There are gardens to front, side and rear, with a detached single car garage in the rear. 

 

Adjoining roads are made up and assumed adopted.

 

REPAIR AND CONDITION

 

EXTERIOR

 

FRONT ELEVATION

 

The property is gable fronted, and there are effectively no roof, chimney or rainwater goods elements to comment upon to this elevation.

 

Main Walls

 

The elevation is finished in artificial stone block, above a concrete brick plinth at low level.  There is evidence of a bituminous felt type damp course to the original part of the walling and PVC damp course to newer blockwork.  Original damp coursing is squeezing out slightly which is typical for this age.  Although no immediate action is considered necessary, ongoing compaction of felt damp coursing may eventually lead to failure.  Originally the living room window panel was full height, with the window sill having been built up in matching blockwork, although the joint clearly visible, and now in need of re-pointing.

 

Above the living room window is a panel of insubstantial felt tile claddings, which are typically lifting and ageing.  Although no immediate work is necessary you should be aware that these will now have a limited life, and require replacement in the foreseeable future. 

 

The lintel above the hall window opening is suspected to be corroding, with expanded joints in adjoining blockwork. 

 

You should be aware that this may well occur to the adjoining living room window, and at the rear.

 

External Joinery and Decoration

 

There are two timber framed windows to this elevation, which are single glazed.  Woodwork is deteriorating and rot evident to glazing beading.  Mastic pointing around the frames is shrinking. 

 

Eaves woodwork is deteriorating, and paintwork peeling, with stained finish to the window frames also in poor order. 

 

 

SIDE ELEVATION

 

Roof

 

Laid in conventional interlocking profiled concrete tiles, assumed to be the original.  There are no missing or dislodged tiles, and the roof line is generally satisfactorily “true”.  In passing we noted that there is no edge clipping to secure tiles in high winds, although there is no evidence of previous disturbance.

 

Chimneys

 

There is a modern balanced flue for the heating boiler to the side wall. 

 

Rainwater Goods

 

Rainwater goods are in conventional plastic, with rear downspout loose.  Maintenance of guttering is advised (see later) with gully checking and clearing out to ensure it is watertight and free flowing. 

 

There is a plastic soil/vent pipe for drainage, the top part of which is missing and there is no cage.  There is a damaged overflow drainpipe through the side wall from the bathroom which also requires repair.

 

Main Walls

 

This elevation has a rendered finish, crudely patched where clearly there has been alterations to boiler flue in the past.  Render is adequately terminated at a bell/drip edge slightly above ground level in accordance with good building practice.  There is a concrete brick type plinth below.  Patches just apparent to this elevation indicate that cavity wall insulation may well have been installed in the past. 

 

There is no visible evidence of a damp course to this elevation.

 

 

 

 

 

External Joinery and Decoration

 

There are plastic framed and double glazed windows, with PVC doors.  As elsewhere, there is deterioration to roof eaves woodwork requiring maintenance and re-painting. 

 

 

REAR ELEVATION

 

As with the front, there are no roof, chimney or rainwater goods elements to describe, to this elevation.

 

Main Walls

 

Again walls are rendered.  There are two older type balanced flues for internal gas wall heaters which we assume could now be removed (as there is central heating).  Render and walling should be made good. 

 

Minor cracking to left hand window head indicates the possibility of slight commencement of corrosion in the lintel above this opening.  This is not considered serious at present, but we refer you to remarks made earlier.

 

External Joinery and Decoration

 

There are two PVC and double glazed windows.  Noted from the inside, generally PVC windows require maintenance, cleaning and opening parts easing etc. 

 

Eaves woodwork is deteriorating with rot suspected to the left hand side. 

 

 

FAR SIDE ELEVATION

 

NOTE:  This elevation forms the boundary and abuts the next door property, and therefore as it was not accessible, has only been inspected from the public street.  There are no windows to this elevation.

 

Roof

 

No evidence of significant missing or disturbed tiles were apparent, and similar to the front. 

 

Chimneys

 

A chimney containing a single flue rises above this elevation, for the living room fireplace.  The chimney is assumed to be brick built, and has a rendered finish, with original pot.  It is weathered to roof tiles in lead flashings which appear to be satisfactory so far as we could see. 

 

 

 

 

Rainwater Goods

 

Plastic guttering, draining to a downspout to the rear.  The gully could not be seen close to, and lies on land presumably in the ownership of next door.  (Arrangements for access for maintenance etc should be verified).  Leak staining down the wall indicates gutter leakage. 

 

External Joinery

 

Eaves woodwork again appears to require maintenance.  In passing we note the next door property has constructed a car port attached to this side elevation and beneath the eaves overhang. 

 

 

THE SITE

 

The property occupies a corner plot, with gardens to front, side and rear, mostly laid to lawn.  There is a relatively neat hedge boundary to the road frontages, and part of the rear. 

 

Paths around the bungalow are laid in concrete and flags.  There is a single side gate to Apple Tree, which is rusting. 

 

The rear garage driveway is laid in flags which are uneven, with cracked flags, and weed growth.  The driveway itself is relatively narrow, and there is an open boundary to an untidy unmade area,  (possibly a path) which runs along side the garage.  This area is generally rubbish strewn etc (see later note).  There is a small gate from the rear garden to the garage which requires replacement. 

 

 

GARAGE

 

There is a single car sized detached garage to the rear, with side access from Appletree Road.  Unfortunately it was locked at the time of our inspection and therefore could not be inspected internally.  It appeared however to be of concrete block construction with an external rendered finish.  The roof is flat and fibreglass coated probably having been renewed in the relatively recent past (any guarantee details etc should be verified).  There is a PVC framed rear window, and metal up and over door to the front.  Cracked brickwork at the main door head indicates corrosion in the lintel above the opening which therefore is likely to require future maintenance or replacement.

 

Although the roof has been re-covered, eaves woodwork has not, and is deteriorating with rot evident in places. 

 

There is a dilapidated traditional wooden hen house against the side garage elevation, which should be removed.

 

 

 

DRAINS

 

A metal inspection chamber lid in the side garden was lifted, revealing a conventional cement rendered chamber, and the drain channel was clear.

 

 

 

INTERIOR

 

Hallway

 

A small entrance hall, with carpet laid over thermo plastic type permanent tiling to the original floor beneath (just seen at carpet edges). 

 

There is ageing woodwork to the single glazed window, and broken glass.  There is an ill fitting and taped up secondary internal glazing panel, and there is evidence of dampness, possibly condensation around the frame, confirmed by wood lice noted lying on the window sill. 

 

There are no electrical or heating fittings.

 

Kitchen

 

Hairline cracks to plasterboard ceiling are relatively typical, not considered serious and can be attended to on re-decoration. 

 

Wall tiling is ageing and dated, and some are damaged. 

 

There is a carpet laid over permanent tiling to the solid floor.  Tiles are typically ageing and deteriorating so far as we could see at the edges.  You should be aware that when carpets etc are lifted, attention to the floor surface beneath may well be necessary before re-covering.  (See note later, and applies to all floors generally)

 

Built in kitchen fitments are basic, dated and tatty.

 

There was no significant evidence of rising or penetrating dampness, but some condensation evident to the external wall surface in the enclosed meter cupboard.  Although not considered serious, improvement of ventilation may become necessary.

 

There is a conventional sink unit fitted, and gas point for cooker. 

 

Living Room

 

Again, attention to hairline cracking to plasterboard ceiling will be needed on re-decoration, and further decorative plaster repairs may be needed should the loose lining paper be removed. 

 

Mentioned externally earlier, the window was probably full height originally, with the sill having been built up.  There is clear evidence of dampness to this area, with mould growth to walls at low level.  This would indicate that the damp course here is inadequate, and/or there may be blockage in the cavity.

 

There is an older style gas fire fitted to the chimney breast.  Boxing to the side indicates the presence of a back boiler, probably original equipment and it will be necessary to check that it has been properly removed and drained. 

 

Woodwork is conventional, and you should be aware that rot deterioration may occur to skirtings etc in damp places, and renovation of woodwork will be necessary as part of repairs, to eradicate the dampness.

 

Inner Hall

 

A small area only, with a large loft hatch in the ceiling.  There is no light.  In passing we noted ill fitting joinery to door casings etc which will need attention on re-decoration. 

 

Rear Bedroom

 

This room has the former airing cupboard in the corner, and where unplastered in the bottom, reveals standard concrete blockwork to inner leaf of the main wall, and internal wall to the living room.  Hairline cracking was evident, and in the plasterwork above indicating slight past settlement.  It is however not considered to be either serious or recent, and there is no evidence to the other side of this wall where decorations are more recent (in the living room).  No further special action is considered necessary.  Bituminous felt type damp course material is visible to walls at low level. 

 

The concrete sub floor is visible in the bottom of the cupboard, although unfortunately no visible evidence of any damp proof membrane, but we are pleased to advise no dampness was apparent here. 

 

There are disused and part remaining copper pipes for former hot water equipment.

 

We noted scattered woodworm to exposed timbers to the bottom of this cupboard, and in ply shelving above which should be removed, and suitably treated.  The cupboard is formed by timber stud and plasterboard, with wooden shelving etc. 

 

There is an old style gas heater beneath the window, which should be removed and the wall made good. 

 

Second Bedroom

 

Some loose ceiling lining paper was noted, and minor plaster repairs again may become necessary on re-decoration (and also to wall surfaces).  Minor staining indicates the possibility of slight condensation to rear/outer corner. 

 

Standard joinery features are largely as previously described, although the door requires easing. 

 

Bathroom

 

Again there is hairline cracking evident to plasterboard ceiling.  Tiling is ageing, and relatively basic with marked/deteriorating grouting. 

 

There is deterioration to ageing floor tiles around the WC drain connection so far as we could see beneath the carpet, and some dampness.  Minor woodworm evident to the curtain rail batten (which may well be found elsewhere on stripping out).

 

The bathroom suite is conventional white three piece type, with conventional WC, wash hand basin and enamelled metal bath which is stained, and a lining mat stuck to the bottom of it.  Sealant to tiles is poor. 

 

Roof  Void

 

The roof structure is of conventional timberwork, with a main beam (purlin) to each slope, supporting the rafters.  Purlins are supported on gable walls and inner concrete block built piers.  Tiles have been laid over relatively modern style reinforced roofing felt, although we noted some minor bits of bituminous felt attached underneath, the reason for this not entirely clear.  Generally the roof structure appears true, with no distortion evident.

 

Some old stored items remain, which should be removed by the vendor prior to sale. 

 

Insulation has clearly been upgraded in the past, with fibreglass quilt up to some 270mm in thickness.  It is however generally untidy, and there is no ventilation into the roof space.  Condensation staining to the underside of the roof indicates that there is a problem, and therefore ventilation is required. 

 

The old and now disused galvanised cold water header tank remains. 

 

There is no lighting, nor access ladder into the roof space.  Should you require lightweight storage, appropriate raised flooring will be necessary to prevent compaction of insulation material

 

 

SERVICES

 

Electricity

 

The electricity meter and traditional style fuse equipment is in a kitchen cupboard.  The insulation is presumably the original, and there is a minimum number of plugs only.  There also appears to be old connection points for storage heaters remaining in some rooms.  Cables are of PVC sheathed type where visible. 

 

Gas

 

Mains gas is connected with the meter in the kitchen cupboard.  Copper pipe work was seen where visible.

 

Water Supply and Plumbing

 

Mains water is connected with a black plastic type rising main evident beneath the kitchen sink.  Internal plumbing is in copper pipe. 

 

Hot Water and Central Heating

 

Hot water and heating are provided from a combination type gas fired boiler in the kitchen, which probably has replaced an earlier type. 

 

There are conventional panel radiators with standard bore copper pipe work which in places has been surface mounted on walls etc and somewhat ugly (require boxing in).  Original hot water storage tanks etc have been removed from the airing cupboard, as this type of system utilises direct cold water mains. 

 

 

REPAIRS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 

In this section of the report we have attempted to provide you with some guidance as to the nature of the repairs required and the urgency of such works.  We have not included the replacement of minor items such as window catches, hinges, locks or other fittings.

 

 

ESSENTIAL REPAIRS

 

These works must be attended to as soon as possible and the likely effect of failure to carry out these repairs would be a further deterioration in the building fabric.  Where further investigation work is required this should be carried out immediately.

 

1.           Ask a damp proofing specialist contractor to investigate dampness beneath living room window, and quote for the eradication (possible failed/inadequate damp coursing and inadequate cavity).

 

2.           Ask an NICEIC approved electrical contractor to investigate the electrical installation quoting for renewal or updating.

 

3.           Ask a builder to investigate possible corrosion in lintels above openings, and quote for replacement as necessary.

 

4.           Ask a joiner / window contractor to quote for repair or renewal of timber window frames and maintenance of eaves woodwork generally (or replace in low maintenance PVC).

 

5.    Ask a joiner/ timber preservation contractor to investigate and quote for the                               .        removal of woodworm affected woodwork, and treatment as required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DESIRABLE REPAIRS

 

The following works should ideally be carried out but failure to attend to them should not lead to further deterioration of the fabric of the property.  We would, nonetheless, strongly recommend that you attend to these matters once the above items have been dealt with.

 

1.        Overhaul plastic windows.

 

2.        Overhaul rainwater goods, downpipes and check gullies.

 

3.        Maintenance of garage structure (eaves etc).

 

4.        Remove old hen house from the garden. 

 

5.        Check and service gas equipment prior to re-use.

 

6.        Check the living room flue for suitability of gas appliance prior to re-use, and that old back boiler equipment has been properly drained and disconnected. Also advisable to remove old disused pipework (bedroom cupboard, etc)

 

7.        Investigate WC connection to the drain in the bathroom to rectify dampness, and renovate or renew the bath.

 

8.        Investigate ageing plastic tiling to floors (beneath carpets), be aware that work may be needed to provide an even and damp free surface. 

 

9.        Overhaul loft insulation, and ventilate the roof space.

 

 

FUTURE LIABILITY

 

These matters do not require immediate attention but will undoubtedly involve some expenditure in the future.

 

  1. Anticipate maintenance of felt tile cladding to front elevation.

 

  1. Anticipate plaster repairs when carrying out re-decoration. 

 

  1. Improvement of background heating, and better ventilation should help to reduce condensation problems.

 

  1. Remove redundant gas wall heaters.

 

  1. Anticipate the need for joinery repairs during redecoration.

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF CONDITION

 

The property is generally dated, and there are a number of maintenance issues requiring attention.  Contractor’s reports and estimates for those matters listed as essential should be obtained prior to purchase. 

 

Clearly the property would benefit from complete re-decoration in and out (generally shabby). 

 

The property would benefit from re-fitting the kitchen and bathroom facilities, with associated renewal of tiling etc..

 

 

ENQUIRIES TO BE MADE BEFORE PURCHASE

(Including recommended Legal Enquiries)

 

Prior to purchase you should confirm the heating installation details by reference to a Gas Safe registered contractor’s installation certification, and subsequent servicing arrangements.  If the details are not available, or recent then you should have the system checked by an approved heating engineer before proceeding.

 

We have mentioned the possibility of cavity wall insulation.  Enquiry to vendor is necessary prior to purchase to confirm details and any guarantee.

 

The title is assumed to be freehold which should be confirmed by your legal adviser.

 

The boundary line of the side elevation should be confirmed, as the roof eaves overhangs the driveway to number ***, and there may be issues regarding the installation of their car port against the subject property.

 

Confirm the ownership arrangements of the rear untidy unmade area adjoining the garage, and driveway. 

 

Ask your legal adviser to discover what details exist regarding connection from the property to the main sewer.  You will have a responsibility for any shared or private pipes leading to the public sewer and there may be maintenance implications for any drainage pipe work that may pass across the subject site or adjoining privately owned property. 

 

Confirm ownership of boundaries and hence responsibility for maintenance. 

 

 

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING

 

No formal enquiries have been made to the Local Planning Authority and we have, therefore, assumed that the present use is both lawful and permitted, and have assumed that the premises will not be adversely affected by any Town and Country Planning or Building Regulations legislation.

 

 

VALUATION

 

The appropriate definition of the basis of valuation adopted is as follows:-

 

Market Value

 

The estimated amount for which an asset should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion.

 

In providing this valuation advice we have had regard to the interpretative commentary for the relevant basis of the valuation as defined in the R.I.C.S. Appraisal and Valuation Manual.

 

After due consideration, we are of the opinion that the present day Market Value of the freehold  interest in the above premises, with the benefit of vacant possession (or other appropriate) ignoring any VAT liability is:

 

£140,000 (One hundred and forty thousand pounds)

 

This figure is for the property alone in its present condition and does not include any amount for carpets etc which may be included in the sale.

 

The value of the property is capable of improvement, subject to your proposals to re-fit and modernise.

 

The agreed price is in our opinion reasonable which we understand is £140,000.  This opinion is however given on the assumption that you are prepared to accept the cost and inconvenience of dealing with the various repair/improvement works reported. 

 

Provided that works are carried out to a satisfactory standard we can see no reason why there should be any special difficulty on re-sale in normal market conditions. 

 

 

RE-INSTATEMENT COST

 

We are of the opinion that the reinstatement cost for insurance purposes of the above premises is:

 

£90,000 (Ninety thousand pounds)

 

This figure is for guidance only to ensure that the property is adequately insured.  A formal estimate which would normally be provided by a Quantity Surveyor or equivalent expertise is not included.

 

 

 

 

 

We trust that this covers the information required but please let us know if we can help further, particularly as to specialists and reputable contractors for necessary repairs and/or improvements.

 

 

 

 

………………………………..

Anthony R Bryson M.R.I.C.S.

Director

HWM Surveyors

 


DEFINITIONS


INFORMATION

 

All information supplied by the client, members of staff, their Professional Advisors, local Authorities. or other statutory bodies, and other stated sources are assumed to be accurate and correct, unless otherwise specified.

 

TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT

 

The valuation has been carried out by an Independent Valuer as defined by, and in accordance with , the Practice Statements in the RICS Valuation Standards 6th Edition and unless otherwise stated in our confirmation letter of instructions has had no previous involvement with either the property or any parties to the transaction.

 

TENURE

 

Title Deeds and Leases are not inspected (unless specifically stated) and, it is assumed that the subject property is free of any onerous covenants, easements or other restrictions which may affect value.  We have not investigated the status of any tenants on site.

 

SITE AREAS

 

Any information supplied in respect of site areas have been provided having regard to information supplied to us by the clients or their advisors, or computed from plans etc.  We would confirm that we have not carried out a physical site survey, and any measurements must be considered as being approximate.

 

FLOOR AREAS AND DIMENSIONS

 

Floor areas and dimensions are taken from inspection unless otherwise specified, but are nevertheless approximate.  All measurements quoted are calculated in accordance with the relevant Code of Measuring Practice published by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

 

GROUND CONDITION

 

Soil stability, mining and geological reports are not undertaken by us or normally inspected.  In providing our valuation report we have assumed that the ground and any adjoining or nearby areas are not contaminated, that there are no dangerous materials either on site or within the vicinity, and that the ground is   capable of development without the need for abnormal costs on foundations or services. 

 

CONDITION OF BUILDINGS, PLANT ETC.

 

For the purposes of our valuation we assume that the property is in a condition commensurate with its age and purpose, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. 

 

DEFECTIVE PREMISES ACT 1972

  

Any obligations, liabilities or rights thereunder, whether prescriptive or accrued, are not reflected in valuations unless otherwise specified. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

 

Within our report we may as appropriate, pass general comments on the impact of the existing or proposed use of the subject on its immediate environment and other related aspects such as the environmental efficiency of buildings on site etc.  Our report does not however constitute an environmental survey or audit, nor does it imply that the property or any process carried on there complies with existing or proposed legislation on environmental matters.

In providing our valuation advice we have made the strict assumption that no Radon gas is present at the property.

If however the property is situated in an area identified by the National Radiological Protection Board as one in which the level of Radon gas entering the property is in excess of more than l% of dwellings, then remedial action is recommended.

It is not possible in the course of inspection/survey to determine whether Radon gas is present in any given building, as the gas is colourless and odourless.  Tests can be carried out to assess the level of Radon in a building.  At a small charge test instruments and results are available by post from the National Radiological Protection Board and other approved laboratories.  The minimum testing period is three months.  The National Radiological Protection Board strongly advises against using shorter term testing instruments as they can give misleading results.  If the property is one in which, in more than l% of dwellings, the levels of Radon gas entering the property are such that remedial action is recommended, if tests have not been carried out then they are recommended.  It has been the experience of the National Radiological Protection Board that it is not expensive, in proportion to the value of the property, to effect the recommended remedial measures.

 

ENQUIRIES

 

Enquiries of Local Authorities and Statutory Undertakers are made verbally in respect of contingent liabilities such as road widening, road charges, re-development proposals, and the effect of any Town Planning restrictions etc, where appropriate.  No responsibility is accepted for any inaccurate information provided.

In providing our valuation advice it is assumed that the buildings have been constructed and used in accordance with valid Town Planning Consents, permits, Licences and Building Regulation Approval and that there are no restrictions which would adversely affect the use of the property and there are no outstanding statutory or other notices in connection with a property or its present or intended use.  It is also assumed that any permits will be transferable to a new occupier as appropriate.

 

PLANT MACHINERY, FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

 

Unless otherwise specified all items normally associated with the valuation of land and buildings are included in our valuations and re-instatement cost assessments.  No allowance is made for the cost of repairing any damage caused by the removal from the premises of items of plant, machinery, fixtures and fittings.

In the case of hotels, petrol filling stations and other properties normally sold and valued as operational entities, all those items of equipment normally associated with such a property are assumed to be owned and are included within the valuation unless otherwise specified.

 

TAXATION AND GRANTS

 

Value Added Tax, Taxation, Grants and allowances are not included in Capital and Rental values and all figures reported are exclusive of any V.A.T. liability unless otherwise stated.  V.A.T. will however be payable in certain cases.

Unless otherwise stated no account is taken of any existing or potential liabilities arising from Capital Gains or other Taxation as a result of Grants or Capital Allowances.

 

INSURANCE

 

Insurance is usually arranged by clients (or their brokers) based on re-instatement cost assessments, and other methods of valuation are not appropriate. 

Any re-instatement cost assessment provided includes the following items:-

Site Clearance and demolition works, cost of construction of a replacement building, cost of replacement of sewerage works drainage etc., Local Authority fees, professional fees and V.A.T. on any costings. 

Our re-instatement cost assessment is based on the gross external floor area, and allows for provision of contingency sums as appropriate.

Specifically excluded from any re-instatement value are any figures for special foundations, plant machinery and equipment, loss of rent or income during the period, and any allowance for inflation during the re-building period.

N.B.  A re-instatement cost assessment is not a valuation.

 

LEGAL ISSUES

 

Any interpretation of Leases or other legal documents, and any legal assumptions stated are given in our capacity as Property Consultants, and must be verified by a suitable Qualified Lawyer if it is to be relied upon.  No responsibility or liability is accepted for the true interpretation of the legal position of the client or other parties.

 

JURISDICTION

 

In the event of a dispute arriving in connection with a valuation, unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing, the client and any third party using this valuation will be subject to the Jurisdiction of the British Courts only.

 

VALIDITY OF VALUATIONS

 

Valuation reports are provided solely for the party to whom it is addressed and no liability is accepted to any third party without our prior written consent.   Reports should be considered in their entirety and no part to be published without prior written consent from HWM Surveyors.

The valuation reports are for the stated purpose and as at the date specified.  In normal market conditions the value may change materially in a short term and if any reliance is to be placed on the valuation figure following any changes which could affect business confidence, then further consultation is strongly recommended.  In any event, the valuation should not be considered valid after a period of three months.

 

INSPECTION

 

We confirm that we have not undertaken a building survey and, of course, we have not examined woodwork or other parts of the property which are covered, unexposed or inaccessible and are, therefore, unable to confirm that such parts of the structure are free of rot, beetle or other defect.  We have not tested the electrical installations, drains or other services.  Where possible appropriate enquiries have been  made in respect of matters that  commonly impact on value including those relating to the Disability Discrimination  Act 1995, Fire Precautions Act 1971, High Voltage Electrical Supply Apparatus Radon Gas Contamination etc.

 

 

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

 

HWM Surveyors operate a complaints handling procedure which complies with the RICS Rules of Conduct and this is available on request.

 

HWM/DEF/1/10