Property inspection that turned spooky!

By Joe Arnold
Date published: October 4, 2018

I was undertaking a Building Survey on a 3-bed semi-detached house in South London and, when I turned the key in the door I suddenly felt my chest tighten and became short of breath.

Something didn't feel quite right and I thought there might be a carbon monoxide issue in the house, so I opened the windows and doors to allow the air to flow through the property to give me some more oxygen.

I continued to feel uneasy in the property, so went outside to inspect the roof and structure, while I hoped I would be able to pull myself together.

When I came back inside to set up my ladders and get into the loft, I placed my iPad (which I use to data capture in the property) on the side with the screen lock on. I entered the loft and had a good look around. I found some damp to the chimney stack and some timber issues, so climbed back down the ladder to get my iPad to record what I had found.

When picking up the iPad, I had a massive shock.

“Bob.” was written on the screen!

I spoke to the neighbour and they confirmed that an elderly lady had lived in the property for 50 years and they didn't know a Bob who lived there. So the identity of Bob remains a mystery.

Unfortunately Bob didn't help me to write up the rest of my survey!

Perhaps he found some comfort in me telling him: "Don't worry Bob, I am a surveyor not a slayer!”.

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About the author

Joe Arnold

Joe is the guiding force behind Arnold & Baldwin and has overall responsibility for all commercial and residential surveys and valuations. Passionate about delivering the highest quality products at the fairest prices possible, he has been consistently searching for new and innovative client-focused services since founding the company with Jobie in 2007

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Here's what our customers say

CLARE MCSHANE

Professional, efficient surveyors. Get the job done in a timely manner, had our survey back within 5 days of inspection. All team members I spoke with (Tiffany and Billy) were really lovely. Highly recommend. :)

RICARDO OLIVEIRA

I have only just started working with Stephen and he has already demonstrated the high levels of customer attention and dedication that this company has. The first impression he has caused is such that made me write this review. I have no doubt that the continuous service will be of same level. Looking forward to working further with Stephen. Well done!

Steve Kenny

Lease extension - I found Daniel Grove very professional and had an excellent understanding of all aspects relating to this transaction. Advice was invaluable, and it was nice to come across someone who did exactly what they said they were going to do. Would not hesitate in recommending the firm and Daniel to anyone who has a lease to extend.

Petros Kyrkilis

Amazing job and fully professional treatment. The surveyor went above and beyond to check for everything, when he could have easily claim lack of access. In addition he was more than happy to answer questions over the phone and be there to explain the steps.

Lynn Wilson

Within 48 hours I received my detailed report from Joe Arnold which enabled me to see the property as it was and not through rose-tinted glasses! The report highlighted areas where money might need to be spent and provided guidance on questions for my solicitor - just what I needed. Overall, the survey enabled me to re-assess my offer and in this respect was invaluable. Thank you for a friendly and professional service.

Mark Roberts

100% choose this company. As first time buyers we had a mortgage valuation which said the house was fine. The Arnold & Baldwin survey found over £30,000 of problems. Holes in the roof with daylight visible, damp, woodworm, broken sash windows and poor electrics. This company helped us renegotiate and save a fortune.

Joebun

Arnold & Baldwin came recommended and I’ve got to say they were brilliant - not just in identifying issues with the property I was looking at but in the way they kept me informed and up to date (ie picking up the phone instead of just posting / emailing communications with you). After dealing with estate agents for so long, it’s nice to have someone who is genuinely on your side.

Kamal Rahman

From my initial interaction with the firm I found them to be prompt, courteous and helpful. I received a detailed Homebuyers report within a week of instructing and was given the opportunity to talk it through with the attending surveyour. Overall excellent service all round, would certainly recommend this firm.

Property inspection that turned spooky!

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