QBD 26 May 1988. Action by housebuyers (R) for damages for alleged negligence against a firm of surveyors , one of whose employees (H) carried out a building society valuation on a bungalow purchased by R. H used a damp meter and noticed rot over about two-thirds of one of the skirting-board s, but failed to lift the carpets and did not move the furniture. H advised the building society , (the Halifax ), that the property was suitable for a maximum advance, but, recommended engaging a responsible timber specialist. R, believing that the property was worth the offer they made and in the absence of any reference to substantial defects or insistence upon a retention, proceeded with the purchase. A few months later R found fungus in a wall, skirting board and cupboard. On consulting Rentokil, an estimate of £2,838 + VAT was quoted for remedial work. The point at issue was whether or not H had been negligent. QBD held that he had. Having found a certain amount of rot, he should have "foll