Surveyors fees for house purchase

Anyone any idea of how much this should cost for an apartment with no obvious defects

You would get this for under €250.

If you want a name just ask.

Do you mean a valuation survey or a detailed structural survey?

We got quoted between EUR400 and EUR500 ex. VAT by three larger companies for a structural survey.

A couple of architects I phoned quoted EUR300 inc. VAT.

We went with an architect and weren't too happy with the thoroughness of the report.

So I suppose you get what you pay for.

(The valuation we had done for the bank, separately, cost EUR95 inc. VAT, btw.)

Some surveyors also do valuations. Michael O Malley is one that I have used.

How do the banks (AIB) handle valuation surveys? Do they give you a form to get signed by a registered surveyor, stating a valuation? Can the one person perform both duties i.e. valuation and structural survey?
Is a structural survey necessary for a standard 4 yr. old 3-bed semi in an estate?
Finally, can anyone give a reccommendation for a surveyor in the Galway city area?

Questions, questions!