Frequently Asked Questions
Must I be at home during the survey?
- No. The survey is optional, and we can never force you to let us in. If you cannot be home yourself, perhaps you have a neighbor or a relative who can be present instead. We will not enter your house or apartment unless your appointed representative is with us.
- Many apartment blocks have a caretaker or residents’ representative who can collect keys from residents and accompany us as we work around the building.
I cannot take time off work at present. What should I do?
- If you live in an apartment block, it is difficult for the surveyor to make separate appointments with individual residents, for it would become too complicated. But there can be other solutions. Please see the answer to the first question above.
- If possible, the surveyor will start at the top of the building and work his or her way down to street level. Common areas of the building, as well as the façade, will be inspected afterwards, so that no one needs to wait around unnecessarily.
- If you have a house or a villa, you can contact the surveyor to make a more specific appointment. Please give us plenty of notice, however, especially if you change your appointment, since it can be difficult for the surveyor to change his or her schedule if you call on the same day for which the appointment is booked.
Who can I talk with about the survey?
The name of the person to contact is on your Survey Notice. Look for it next to the words “If you have any questions, please contact: …….” Note that your contact is not always the same person who signed your Survey Notice.
When will the work in my home start?
Questions like these can be answered by your named contact or by the person who organized the survey. You can find both of these names on your Survey Notice.
Why can’t I get through to the surveyor directly when I call the number on my Survey Notice?
Since many of us work out in the field, your calls are usually answered by our switchboard operator first.
What happens during the survey of my house or apartment?
- During the preliminary survey (which is the first one), the surveyor will look for and make a note of any existing defects in walls, floors, roof, tiles etc. This report will then serve as a reference when the second survey is done, so that any changes can be identified easily.
- After each survey, a copy of the surveyor’s report is always sent to the owner or occupier of the apartment or house.
I was not home when the surveyor arrived. What should I do now?
- If your appointment was for a preliminary survey (i.e. the first one), please contact the survey organizer, who will know how far ahead the surveyor is booked. The organizer might be able to make a new appointment for you.
- If your appointment was for a post-works survey (which is the second survey), please contact your nearest Nitro Consult office for assistance.
Why hasn’t a vibration monitor been placed on my apartment or house?
Before the earthworks begin, we survey the whole neighborhood to determine which places best represent the risk area. It is in these places that we install the vibration measuring points. Not all buildings need to have a vibration monitor installed.
> Read more about vibration monitoring here
Do I have to pay for the survey myself?
No. The survey will be paid for by the developer or contractor.