Having viewed and contributed to the discussion "Beware of surveys" and to the number of responses raised,it occures to me there appears to be a concensus that you can't expect a reliable survey or any recourse from the RICS in the event of a negligent survey.

On the the occasions a survey is light in content or simply negligent on the part of the Surveyor it appears the system is there to protect the Surveyor rather than the victim of the Cowboy Surveyor.

I have tried to obtain details of the standards required for a "home buyers" and structual residential property survey from the RICS web site www.rics.org were I could't find any details. I think this is an indication of their lack of empathy with the public. Unable to provide the basis of a property survey the very essence of their business.

Viewing their website its all about their services, various departments, members, seminars, reference libraries and so on. But what about providing imformation to the people who keep the RICS and its members in work.

Perhaps the RICS don't have the resourses to deal with their incompetent members.

Quote from sksk11.."Beware of surveys"
"I agree with 'designs that speak' above.
A homebuyers survey is literally an eyeball inspection of the property internally and externally, and is restricted by furnishings, wall coverings etc.
If you paid for a true 'stuctural' survey (which at £1100, I would hope that's what it was!), the surveyor should have lifted boards etc to check the quality of joists and timbers, escpecially if there was an area of concern. He should NOT have passed the buck back to you".

Quote from Melboy
"Which is why you pay Professional Persons to reduce, if not eliminate, the risks of what you are purchasing.
At least the AA or RAC underwrite their vehicle inspections with a guarantee of indemnity should the car you are buying if, after their inspection, turns out to be a Dud".