e.surv to continue physical inspections in 2021 lockdown
Following yesterday’s lockdown announcements in England and Scotland, we will continue to carry out physical inspections where it is safe to do so.
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Coronavirus Information Hub.
Following the guidance set out by the UK Government and the RICS, we’ll be asking our customers and our surveyors to take a few extra precautions in these extraordinary times.
Please watch our short video to find out what to expect when an e.surv surveyor visits your property, and read our Safety and Wellbeing Charter which is available in 14 languages.
Alternatively, please browse through the FAQs below or get in touch if you have any questions.
Putting safety first
As a responsible business, the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, customers, householders, and the wider public is our overriding priority. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be led by the Government guidance and the protocols set out by our professional body, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
What sort of health and safety precautions have we taken to minimise the risk of infection during property inspections?
We have taken the time to ensure appropriate health and safety arrangements to protect colleagues and customers. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE), the completion of risk assessments before and during any visits, and colleague training on new safety processes. And when booking an appointment, we will advise all householders on what to expect when our surveyor visits their property.
So, what can you expect on the day of the inspection? Is there anything you should do differently, and what will the surveyor do?
To help you understand what to expect before and during the property inspection, we have created a Safety and Wellbeing Charter and a short video. Please do let us know if you have any questions.
What should I do if I'm contacted as part of the Government's Test and Trace initiative?
If you are contacted as part of the Government’s Test and Trace initiative and asked to isolate due to an increased risk of infection, please contact us immediately on healthandsafety@esurv.co.uk.
Safety and Wellbeing Charter
To help you understand what to expect before and during the property inspection, we have created a Safety and Wellbeing Charter which is available in 15 languages. Alternatively, please take a look at our short video.
FAQs
I'm concerned about leaving the surveyor alone in my property.
To ensure that we meet our contractual and legal obligations, all e.surv and Walker Fraser Steele employees (including contractors, consultants and agency workers) are subject to a series of pre-employment screening checks. This includes the completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before employment begins. If the DBS is unsuccessful, the candidate will not be employed.
Are you carrying out inspections in all types of properties and for all types of mortgage application?
We are now conducting physical inspections in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland for all categories of property and mortgage application.
Due to the in-depth and structural nature of the Building Survey and the length of time the surveyor is required on-site, we are not yet undertaking Building Survey inspections. As soon as this position changes, we will update our website.
Is Walker Fraser Steele providing Home Reports in Scotland during COVID-19 pandemic?
We are currently carrying out the physical property inspections required for a Home Report, with the necessary safety measures in place.
I have an outstanding mortgage application. What will happen next?
We understand how frustrating it is to be stuck in the mortgage application process during this period of uncertainty. If you’re wondering what will happen with your mortgage application, please speak to your lender or mortgage broker as each individual case will be different.
My lender/broker has advised me that you’re unable to carry out a remote valuation on the property I’m hoping to buy. Why is this?
We work directly with each mortgage lender to determine the risk-based rules around remote valuation and each lender has a different set of criteria. A number of factors determine whether a case is suitable for a remote valuation, including the Loan-to-Value (LTV) percentage and the age or style of property. To find out why your case is not suitable for remote valuation, you should speak with your mortgage lender directly.
I’m thinking about proceeding with my property purchase without a survey. What are the risks?
Just as you wouldn’t buy a used car without full-service history, we recommend investing in a survey before you proceed with your purchase. It’s important to remember that a valuation conducted on behalf of your mortgage lender is not the same as a comprehensive survey. Only an independent survey conducted by a RICS-registered surveyor provides you with a complete picture of the property you are thinking of buying and can uncover defects that may prove costly to repair.
Have e.surv’s offices been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, all of our offices have been closed throughout the pandemic to minimise the risks. However, to ensure we continue to offer uninterrupted support to our clients and customers, many of our colleagues are working from home and can be contacted in the normal way.
Is e.surv using the Government’s Job Retention Scheme?
Yes, we used the Government’s Job Retention Scheme to furlough a number of colleagues during the first national lockdown.
Is e.surv still recruiting surveyors during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We’re always delighted to hear from surveyors interested in joining our team or keen to find out more about life at e.surv.
Please email your CV to recruitment@esurv.co.uk, but be aware that there may be a delay in responding to your email due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 updates
e.surv to continue physical inspections in Tier 4 areas
Having consulted with the RICS, we will continue to carry out physical inspections in Tier 4 areas where it is deemed safe to do so.
e.surv to continue physical inspections during November lockdown
Following a thorough review of the lockdown guidance, we will continue to undertake physical inspections throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Guest Blog: Technology saves the day!
Like so many businesses across the UK and indeed the world, the impact of COVID-19 has transformed the way we work. With offices closed and the majority of colleagues forced to work from home, we turned to technology to maintain communication and sustain business activity.
Got a question?
If you have a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0800 169 9661 or email helpline@esurv.co.uk.