Do Women Like Beetles?

Abstract

One in three claims against surveyors arising out of surveys involves allegations relating to damp, rot or some other timber defect. There is a tendency for surveyors to be reluctant to make statements in reports regarding the active nature of such conditions, as this could prejudice the chances of a property transaction proceeding. Considers recent cases where surveyors′ liability for commenting on such defects has been the matter at issue. In particular, considers a very recent judgment, given in the Official Referees Courts in London. An Essex‐based surveyor was found to have been negligent in failing to warn clients in a survey report as to the severe structural damage that the death‐watch beetle was capable of causing to a timber‐framed farmhouse. The surveyor referred to this as woodworm infestation. Damages in excess of £100,000 inclusive of interest were awarded together with costs. Concludes by making clear the importance of distinguishing between common furniture beetle and death‐watch beetle.

Citation

Murrells, P. (1994), "Do Women Like Beetles?", Structural Survey, Vol. 12 No. 6, pp. 24-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630809410796645