Accompanying to a house viewing

Hi. As a rule of thumb, most builders will not attend a house viewing. There is a possibility of the wrong information given if you get the wrong person, also, there is a cost implications. My trade persons will be looking at quoting for work on the house that you buy and not the ones you potentially could purchase. Sorry that this is not the answer you are looking for. Martin.

Perfectly acceptable, I have attended many viewing with existing and potential new clients, I charge around £250 per visit, Lee Davidson RIBA

As Martin says, there would be a time cost for any person attending and if you don't go ahead with the purchase there will be little chance of recouping the cost through future work so most will turn you down on that basis. If you want a definitive answer about knocking down walls in a property, you are best employing a structural engineer on an hourly rate. This may be quite an expensive exercise though depending on the number of viewings to attend. Alternatively, use the knock test, if solid probably structural and will need support if removed, if hollow probably stud with a high chance it can be removed without supporting. That said, I have come across a few instances of columns encased in a studwork wall which were only apparent once the wall is mostly down, but that's one of the risks with development. Most things are possible, if you have the right budget though?

In general I would agree with the previous replies, however, I have recently accompanied a regular customer of mine to a viewing to give advice and thoughts on a new Buy to Let, but he is a regular and I will get work from whichever property he buys so from a Service point I was more than happy to accompany. Do you have a regular contractor you use?

I often attend house viewings to give informal advice regarding design possibilities to potential buyers. I obviously charge for my time and the feedback I get is that this is a valuable experience which allows them to make informed decisions.