Survey failing to identify asbestos in our roof cost us an extra £650

We were unhappy with the survey on our home and the response from all parties involved. Our lender, HSBC, referred us to Direct Valuations who had subcontracted the work to Money Management Centre (MMC). We paid £850 for a comprehensive survey. The report mentioned the poor condition of the roof and referred to it as slate. We allowed for the cost of replacing the roof but, when we did, discovered it was made of asbestos. Disposing of it cost an extra £650. HSBC says we were not obliged to use the company it recommended and Direct Valuations said we should take our complaint directly to MMC – which rejects any implication that the survey was poor. SK, West Kirby, Wirral MMC still denies the survey was inadequate and disagrees that any part of your fee should be refunded. It sent me extracts from the survey which mentioned that the roof needed overhauling. You had accepted that. But the full survey mentioned "slate-clad roofs" which should be reslated. The word "asbestos" does not appear. HSBC and Direct Valuations were more concerned by your experience. Direct Valuations has agreed to pay for your costs in dealing with the asbestos, £400 for removal and £250 for disposal, and to refund the £850 cost of the survey. It believed MMC should contribute to this refund but MMC has refused. You can email Margaret Dibben at [email protected] or write to Margaret Dibben, Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU and include a telephone number. Do not enclose SAEs or original documents. The newspaper accepts no legal responsibility for advice.