I will keep these updated in case someone else has already asked a question you are thinking of asking. 

 

Do you offer valuations?

 

No, I do not offer valuations. 

 

Do you offer Homebuyers reports?

 

No, I only do full Level 3 building surveys (formally called structural surveys). 

 

Can I meet you after you have undertaken the survey?

 

Yes, of course. If I have been surveying all day, I will likely be a little low on brainpower, but can discuss any concerns I have before I begin the reflection period and report write-up. 

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Are fees negotiable?

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No, fees are not negotiable. I base my fees on a fixed hourly rate plus travel costs or, for survey work, a fixed fee including travel costs. I prepare a fee quote for all fixed-fee work which is based on the value of my time. If you are unhappy with the fee quote, the RICS has a database of other regulated surveyors which can be found here: https://www.ricsfirms.com. 

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Any attempt to negotiate on fees will render any previously provided estimate or quotation void and the termination of any appointment. 

 

Do you offer a discount for paying in cash?

 

No. All work will be invoiced and payment is by bank transfer only. 

 

Can I accompany you on the survey?

 

I’m afraid not. Building surveys are methodical and take all of my attention. If I get distracted, I may miss things. 

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Are you related to Malcolm Hollis?

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No, I'm afraid I am not, although I am a long-time admirer of his work and have many of his books, including one from his personal library (thanks, Marion :))

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Do you have a pre-prepared X, Y, Z Policy/Statement/Procedure/Strategy/ISO Accreditation? 

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Probably not. 

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Simon Hollis Chartered Surveyors is a small consultancy business and I do not see the point in paying an external consultant tens of thousands of pounds to write generic policies for a business they had never heard of in an industry that they were not familiar with until they received an enquiry. 

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That being said, my business always tries to do the right thing. This includes:

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• Acting prudently and never acting in bad faith.

• Not discriminating and treating all clients with respect and dignity. 

• Being sustainable where it is feasible to do so. 

• Attending and taking part in theoretical and practical training on subjects directly related to my business activities. 

• Being DBS checked and first aid trained. 

• Complying with statutory requirements and the requirements of my professional body, professional indemnity insurance underwriter and public liability insurer. 

• Responding to correspondence as soon as I am able to. 

• Volunteering my professional skills for charitable purposes and career mentoring. 

• Speaking up when I think something is wrong/being done incorrectly. 

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I have written documentation for things that I think are necessary, that are legally required or required by my professional body. These include, but are not limited to:

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• Risk assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for site-based inspections and work. 

• Drone Risk Assessments and Method Statements. 

• A written Privacy Policy statement. 

• A written Formal Complaints Handling Procedure. 

• Written Terms of Engagement covering all instructions. 

• Public Liability Insurance. 

• Professional Indemnity Insurance in excess of the minimum requirements of my professional body. 

 

These are available to clients on written request. 

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