Terms & Conditions

1.1 PPS provides independent visual and non-invasive property inspection services, principally for new-build residential properties and pre-completion/snagging inspections.

1.2 The purpose of the inspection is to identify and record defects, incomplete works, poor workmanship, damage, deficiencies and other observable matters identified during the inspection.

1.3 The inspection is carried out using the reasonable skill, care and professional judgement expected of an appropriately experienced property inspector.

1.4 The inspection is an assessment of the property based on its condition and accessibility at the time of the inspection only.

1.5 The inspection does not constitute a guarantee that the property is free from defects.

1.6 The inspection is not a structural survey, structural engineer's report, building warranty assessment, valuation, building regulations approval, planning assessment, electrical installation condition report, gas safety inspection, drainage survey, specialist asbestos survey, specialist fire-safety assessment or other specialist investigation unless expressly agreed in writing.

1.7 Where an issue appears to require specialist investigation, PPS may identify the matter in the report and recommend that the Client obtains advice from an appropriately qualified specialist.

2.1 The inspection is visual and non-invasive.

2.2 PPS will inspect areas and elements of the property that are reasonably accessible, visible and safe to inspect at the time of the appointment.

2.3 PPS will not carry out destructive investigation.

2.4 PPS will not lift, remove, dismantle, break, cut, drill, disturb or otherwise interfere with building elements, finishes, fittings, fixtures, coverings or installations.

2.5 PPS will not move furniture, personal possessions or other substantial obstructions unless this can be done safely and without risk of damage.

2.6 PPS will not remove carpets, floor coverings, wall coverings, ceiling finishes, insulation, access panels, service panels or other finishes for the purpose of investigating concealed areas.

2.7 PPS will not dismantle electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, mechanical or other installations.

2.8 Where an element is inaccessible, concealed, obstructed, locked, unfinished, unsafe or otherwise unavailable for inspection, this may be recorded in the report.

2.9 The absence of a reported defect must not be interpreted as confirmation that no defect exists.

2.10 Defects or conditions that are concealed, inaccessible or not reasonably detectable by visual and non-invasive inspection may not be identified.

2.11 New-build properties can contain defects which are not apparent at the time of inspection and which may only become evident through subsequent occupation, use, weather exposure, settlement, drying-out or completion of outstanding works.

2.12 The inspection does not include opening up or investigation behind walls, ceilings, floors, roof coverings, finishes or other building components.

2.13 PPS will not provide an opinion on matters that cannot reasonably be assessed from the inspection undertaken.

3.1 The Client is responsible for ensuring that PPS has lawful and reasonable access to the property at the agreed inspection time.

3.2 The Client must ensure that all relevant areas intended to be inspected are accessible, unlocked and reasonably clear of obstructions.

3.3 Where access is controlled by a developer, contractor, estate agent or other third party, the Client remains responsible for ensuring that the inspection can proceed.

3.4 PPS will not enter an area where, in its reasonable professional judgement, doing so would present an unacceptable risk to health, safety or property.

3.5 PPS may decline to inspect areas affected by unsafe access, construction activity, exposed services, inadequate lighting, unstable surfaces, water ingress, hazardous materials, restricted access or other safety concerns.

3.6 PPS may use reasonable access equipment where appropriate, including an extendable ladder. The use of such equipment remains subject to suitable access conditions and PPS's assessment of safety.

3.7 PPS will not undertake work-at-height activities where suitable safe access cannot reasonably be established.

3.8 The Client must notify PPS in advance of any known hazards, restrictions, access arrangements or site-specific requirements.

4.1 PPS may use specialist or supplementary equipment where appropriate to assist the inspection.

4.2 Such equipment may include thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, cameras, spirit levels, torches, extendable ladders, binoculars and drones.

4.3 The use of specialist equipment is at PPS's professional discretion and may depend on weather, access, site conditions, safety and the suitability of the equipment for the particular inspection.

4.4 Equipment readings and observations are indicative and should be interpreted in conjunction with the visual inspection and surrounding conditions.

4.5 Thermal imaging and moisture readings do not, by themselves, constitute confirmation of the presence, source or cause of a defect.

4.6 Drone inspections, where undertaken, are subject to suitable weather conditions, safe operating conditions and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. A drone will not be operated where PPS considers the conditions unsuitable.

5.1 The Client must provide accurate information reasonably required to arrange and carry out the inspection.

5.2 The Client must provide the correct property address, contact details and any relevant access information.

5.3 The Client must ensure that PPS can access the property at the agreed time.

5.4 Where the property is under construction or controlled by a developer or contractor, the Client must ensure that PPS is permitted to attend and undertake the inspection.

5.5 The Client should notify PPS before the inspection of any particular concerns or areas they specifically wish to be considered.

5.6 PPS cannot be responsible for matters which could not reasonably be inspected because the Client or a third party failed to provide access.

6.1 An inspection appointment is confirmed once PPS has accepted the booking and the applicable payment requirements have been satisfied.

6.2 PPS reserves the right to reschedule an inspection where circumstances outside its reasonable control prevent the inspection from being undertaken safely or properly.

6.3 Circumstances may include severe weather, unsafe site conditions, lack of access, delays to construction, site restrictions, illness, emergencies or other circumstances affecting PPS's ability to undertake the inspection.

6.4 Where PPS needs to reschedule an appointment, PPS will seek to provide reasonable notice and arrange an alternative appointment.

7.1 The inspection fee is the price displayed or otherwise agreed at the time of booking.

7.2 The inspection fee must be paid in full at the time of booking unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by PPS.

7.3 An inspection appointment is not confirmed until the required payment has been received and the booking has been accepted by PPS.

7.4 Where an inspection has been booked for a date less than 48 hours from the time of booking, PPS reserves the right to decline or reschedule the appointment where sufficient time is not available to arrange the inspection properly.

7.5 PPS will not issue the inspection report until the applicable inspection fee has been paid in full.

7.6 Payment may be processed through the payment method made available by PPS, including Stripe where applicable.

7.7 PPS will not knowingly require a Client to make payment through a payment method that is not made available or supported by the website or booking process.

7.8 Where the website booking process and these Terms & Conditions differ due to a technical or administrative error, PPS will seek to resolve the matter reasonably and in accordance with the applicable consumer legislation.

8.1 A Client may request cancellation or rescheduling by contacting PPS using the contact details provided above.

8.2 Subject to any statutory cancellation rights that may apply, cancellations or rescheduling requests received at least 48 hours before the scheduled inspection will normally be accepted without a cancellation charge.

8.3 Where a cancellation is received at least 48 hours before the scheduled inspection and the service has not commenced, PPS will provide a refund of the inspection fee paid, subject to any applicable statutory requirements.

8.4 PPS will seek to accommodate reasonable requests to reschedule an inspection, subject to availability.

8.5 Where a Client requests cancellation or rescheduling less than 48 hours before the scheduled inspection, PPS may incur costs or lose the opportunity to undertake another inspection. PPS may therefore apply a reasonable cancellation charge or retain an appropriate amount from the payment received, having regard to the circumstances and any actual loss incurred.

8.6 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions removes or restricts any statutory cancellation, refund or other consumer rights available to the Client.

8.7 Where the Client has entered into the contract at a distance, including through the website, statutory cancellation rights may apply. Where applicable, PPS will comply with those rights.

8.8 Where the Client expressly requests that the inspection service begins before expiry of any applicable statutory cancellation period, the Client acknowledges that statutory rules may permit PPS to charge for services properly performed before cancellation.

8.9 Where the inspection has been fully performed following the Client's express request for the service to commence within the applicable cancellation period, any statutory right to cancel may cease where permitted by law.

9.1 PPS may cancel or reschedule an inspection where it is not reasonably possible to undertake the inspection safely or properly.

9.2 PPS may also cancel an appointment where the required payment has not been received by the applicable deadline.

9.3 Where PPS cancels an inspection for reasons within its control, PPS will offer the Client an alternative appointment or refund any payment received for the inspection, as appropriate.

10.1 PPS will normally issue the inspection report within 48 hours of the inspection.

10.2 The report will record matters observed during the inspection and will include photographs and other evidence where appropriate.

10.3 The report is prepared using information gathered during the inspection and recorded through PPS's inspection and reporting systems, including Site Audit Pro.

10.4 The report represents PPS's professional observations and opinions based on the condition of the property at the time of inspection.

10.5 The report is not a guarantee of future condition or performance.

10.6 The report should be read as a whole. Individual photographs, comments or observations should not be considered in isolation from the overall report.

10.7 PPS may correct genuine factual or administrative errors identified after issue of the report.

10.8 Unless expressly agreed otherwise, the report is provided electronically.

11.1 The report is prepared for the Client who commissioned the inspection.

11.2 The Client may use the report for the purpose for which the inspection was commissioned, including communicating identified defects to the relevant developer, contractor, warranty provider or other appropriate party.

11.3 No other person may rely upon the report as though it had been prepared specifically for them without PPS's prior written agreement.

11.4 PPS accepts no responsibility to third parties who rely upon the report without PPS's written consent, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

11.5 The report does not replace the Client's own responsibility to make appropriate enquiries and obtain specialist advice where necessary.

12.1 The inspection is a snapshot of the property at the time of attendance.

12.2 PPS cannot be responsible for defects which were not visible, reasonably detectable or accessible during the inspection.

12.3 PPS cannot be responsible for defects which arise after the inspection.

12.4 PPS cannot guarantee that every defect within a property will be identified.

12.5 Particular limitations may arise from construction stage, weather, lighting, furniture, stored materials, floor coverings, finishes, restricted access or other circumstances beyond PPS's reasonable control.

12.6 Where an item is incomplete or inaccessible at the time of inspection, PPS may recommend that the Client arranges a further inspection once the relevant works have been completed or access becomes available.

13.1 PPS may consider information supplied by the Client, developer, contractor, estate agent, warranty provider or other third party where relevant.

13.2 PPS does not independently verify every item of information supplied by third parties.

13.3 PPS is not responsible for inaccuracies, omissions or misrepresentations contained within information supplied by third parties.

13.4 Where information provided by a third party materially affects an inspection finding, PPS may identify the source or limitation within the report where appropriate.

14.1 PPS may take photographs, thermal images and other visual evidence during the inspection for the purposes of documenting findings and preparing the report.

14.2 Photographs may show defects, workmanship, finishes, fixtures, fittings and surrounding areas.

14.3 Photographs are intended to support the report and should not be interpreted as a complete photographic record of every part of the property.

14.4 PPS will take reasonable steps to avoid unnecessarily capturing identifiable individuals or unrelated personal information.

15.1 PPS will provide the services with reasonable care and skill as required by applicable law.

15.2 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

15.3 Subject to clause 15.2, PPS's liability arising from the provision of the inspection service will be limited to losses that are reasonably foreseeable and directly attributable to a failure by PPS to exercise reasonable care and skill.

15.4 Subject to applicable law, PPS's total aggregate liability arising out of or in connection with an inspection and report shall not exceed £1,000,000.

15.5 PPS will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss where such liability may lawfully be excluded.

15.6 PPS will not be liable for loss arising from matters which were outside the scope of the inspection or which could not reasonably have been identified through the agreed visual and non-invasive inspection.

15.7 PPS will not be liable for defects, damage or conditions which arise after the inspection.

15.8 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits or excludes any consumer rights or remedies that cannot legally be limited or excluded.

16.1 PPS maintains appropriate insurance for its business activities.

16.2 At the date of these Terms & Conditions, PPS maintains:

• Public Liability Insurance: £1,000,000

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: £1,000,000

16.3 The insurance is currently provided through Simply Business.

16.4 Insurance cover is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of the relevant insurance policies and does not extend or alter PPS's contractual obligations.

17.1 Precision Property Surveys Ltd is an RPSA member.

17.2 Inspections and reports will be undertaken in accordance with the applicable professional requirements and standards relevant to the service being provided.

17.3 RPSA membership does not mean that PPS guarantees that every defect will be identified or that the property is free from defects.

17.4 The Client should understand that RPSA membership is separate from any warranty, guarantee or contractual obligations owed by a developer or contractor.

17.5 Further information about the RPSA and its role can be obtained directly from the Residential Property Surveyors Association.

18.1 PPS aims to resolve any concerns promptly, fairly and professionally.

18.2 If the Client has a complaint about the inspection or report, the Client should contact PPS in writing at: chris@precisionpropertysurveys.com

18.3 The Client should provide sufficient information to allow PPS to understand and investigate the complaint, including the property address, inspection date and nature of the concern.

18.4 PPS will investigate complaints and respond within a reasonable period.

18.5 Where appropriate, PPS will seek to resolve the matter through clarification, correction, further explanation or other reasonable action.

18.6 Where a complaint cannot be resolved directly, the Client may have access to applicable independent redress arrangements associated with PPS's professional membership.

18.7 Nothing in this section prevents a consumer from exercising any statutory rights or remedies available to them.

19.1 The report, photographs, written observations, templates, methodology and other materials produced by PPS remain the intellectual property of PPS unless otherwise agreed in writing.

19.2 The Client is granted a non-exclusive licence to use and share the completed report for the purpose for which it was commissioned.

19.3 The Client may provide the report to the developer, contractor, warranty provider, solicitor, conveyancer, estate agent or other relevant professional where reasonably necessary in connection with the property.

19.4 The report must not be altered, reproduced commercially, republished or presented as another person's work without PPS's written permission.

20.1 PPS will treat information supplied by the Client in connection with the inspection as confidential, except where disclosure is necessary to provide the service, comply with legal obligations, protect PPS's legitimate interests or is otherwise permitted by law.

20.2 PPS may retain inspection records, photographs and reports for legitimate business, professional, insurance, legal and regulatory purposes.

20.3 Personal data will be processed in accordance with PPS's applicable Privacy Notice and data protection obligations.

21.1 PPS will not be responsible for delay or inability to perform the service where this results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

21.2 Such circumstances may include severe weather, flooding, transport disruption, illness, accident, site closure, unsafe access, fire, failure of essential services, government restrictions, or other circumstances that could not reasonably have been prevented.

21.3 PPS will make reasonable efforts to rearrange the inspection where an appointment cannot proceed for such reasons.

22.1 PPS may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

22.2 The Terms & Conditions applying to an inspection will normally be those accepted by the Client at the time of booking.

22.3 Any material changes affecting an existing booking will be communicated to the Client where appropriate.

23.1 By booking an inspection, paying for an inspection or instructing PPS to undertake an inspection, the Client confirms that they have had an opportunity to read and understand these Terms & Conditions.

23.2 Where the booking is made online, acceptance may be recorded through the website booking process.

23.3 These Terms & Conditions should be read together with the booking confirmation, inspection description and any specific written agreement between PPS and the Client.

23.4 If there is a conflict between these Terms & Conditions and a specific written agreement expressly agreed by PPS, the specific written agreement will take precedence to the extent of the conflict.

24.1 These Terms & Conditions and any contract between PPS and the Client are governed by the law of Scotland, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

24.2 The courts of Scotland shall have jurisdiction in relation to disputes arising from the provision of the services, subject to any mandatory rights available to consumers under applicable law.

25.1 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude, restrict or limit any rights or remedies which the Client has under applicable consumer or other legislation and which cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or limited.

25.2 Where any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified or removed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall continue in effect.