Buys a house and now wants you to survey his property.
Do you do it?
Friend...yes
Relative...Not no, but hell NO!
Sure...why not? Is this because so many posts and questions have been asked of the liability? There is always liability (assuming that is why you are asking), but a professional does a professional job. Whether he accepts money for the job because he is a friend (or even a reduced price) the liability stays the same.
Ditto, Surv8r.
Friends, yes. Friends you choose, family your stuck with.
I would do the preliminary investigation, and then proceed with the survey if it was straightforward. However if there were likely alternative solutions, encroachment issues or neighbor problems, I would recommend another surveyor to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest.
I would suggest how to find a surveyor they have confidence in only. Nothing causes causes friendships to denigrate than working for and billing a friend, just like family, they expect to much.
jud
Generally, yes to both.
Family: Although, I have a minuscule family... and most don't live in the state I am licensed in... and the ones who do, don't live locally... so the problem sort of solves itself.
Friends: I will expect my friends and other contacts to be the life blood of my business. I will spell out that this is not a "friendly endeavor", and this is my business... and I need to pay my bills before I begin. If the situation is not to their liking, I can recommend several other licensed individuals in the area that I trust and respect.
Carl
i'm a sucker
i do it
no fee, only an owed favor
That would eliminate about 3/4 of my client list, if I were to not do surveys for friends. Seriously. A huge percentage of my work is for people I have known for years. Some for over 50 years and some for a few years, most are in between.
Calls from total strangers happen, but, are a minor portion of the total.
Depends, do you want to keep them as a friend? A relative no way, I know them!
sure...why not
There are "friends" and then there are friends that are really acquaintances. I have few friends but many acquaintances and have known some for 60 years.
jud
I was just asking. There is a perceived conflict if I take the job. Once the neighbors find out (and they will because I will tell them) then it can get sticky if there is a conflict.
But that doesn't mean I can't take the job.
Do the job, do it right as you always do.
If somebody does not like it have them get another survey done, it will be the same as yours unless someone muffed it.
I have never regretted doing favors for friends, family, or those in need...
"Pay it Forward", you will be glad you did
