PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.

Building survey showing up roof and electrical problems.

paulr70
paulr70 Posts: 107
First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
Forumite
edited 20 April 2017 at 3:01PM in House buying, renting & selling
Hey All,

Just had a building survey back on a house we`re intending to purchase. Its pointing out that one side of the roof is slightly uneven and the surveyor is suggesting the nails to the battens have probably rusted causing movement. Its a 1930-40s house and probably an original roof. So it could be an issue throughout the roof.
Also is suggestion an electrical re-wire of the house, the consumer unit looks no more than 15 years old but he says the wiring is probably original through the house as the lights and sockets are very dated.

He suggested getting a specialist to check the roof, he couldnt even gain access to the loft due to the ladder being jammed.
So question is would it be safe to get a roofer to go around, or try and find a roof surveyor? Have been searching the web but keep finding nothing but roofers who do the survey. Worried that any roof survey from a roofer will just give opportunity to sell their wares.
In a similar position with the electrics although at least they will just give a testing report.

Also, feel a bit peeved that i paid for a building survey and yet the interior of the roof couldnt be survey due to access problems. Perhaps I should ask for the sellers to pay for a roof survey?

Any suggestions. Thanks

Comments

  • teneighty
    teneighty Posts: 1,347 Forumite
    You just need to get a couple of reliable roofing contractors to take a look and give you a quote for any necessary repairs.

    If it is a 70-80 year old roof it could well need a complete re-roof but it depends on type of covering.

    As for the surveyor it is a requirement in RICS practice guidance that the surveyor should use a 3 metre long ladder to access the loft (provided access is safe). If he is saying he could not gain access because the in-situ loft ladder was jammed that is unacceptable, unless it was jammed in such a way that he could not use his own ladder. Ask him to go back and inspect the roof properly or you want a refund of the survey fee.
  • paulr70
    paulr70 Posts: 107
    First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    Thanks. Yes he did take a ladder along but it was the loft ladder that had jammed the hatch into the loft so he was unable to get up there.
    So now i`m trying to see if that can be fixed so we can get someone round to check from inside the loft.
  • Mickygg
    Mickygg Posts: 1,737
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker First Post
    Forumite
    Call me pessimistic but if the ladder can't be fixed I would be worried its hiding something. You should tell them you want the roof inspected and ask them to fix the ladder to enable access.
  • ProDave
    ProDave Posts: 3,675
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker First Post
    Forumite
    Re the electrics. they won't be "original" at least I hope not!!!!

    Get an Electrician to do an Electrical Installation Condition Report. That will tell you all you need to know and what needs doing.
  • paulr70
    paulr70 Posts: 107
    First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    ProDave wrote: »
    Re the electrics. they won't be "original" at least I hope not!!!!

    Get an Electrician to do an Electrical Installation Condition Report. That will tell you all you need to know and what needs doing.

    Sorry that should read OLD not original lol
  • paulr70
    paulr70 Posts: 107
    First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    As an update. Had both roofer and electrician do reports. Roofer said there didnt look anything wrong and the roof albeit original was in good order. Its had some repairs over the years but has been looked after.
    Electrican said a rewire was required, and after talking to him said it was mainly just the lack of earthing on the lighting circuits and a larger capacity consumer unit was required.

    Now I did consider seeing as the property is vacant that the electrican might do the work before we completed, but I guess its very risky if the transaction doesnt go through. The venders would have new electrics and could put it back on the market.

    Thanks
  • n217970
    n217970 Posts: 338
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    paulr70 wrote: »
    and after talking to him said it was mainly just the lack of earthing on the lighting circuits and a larger capacity consumer unit was required

    I.e. Nothing wrong with it......
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 342.5K Banking & Borrowing
  • 249.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 234.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 607.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 172.8K Life & Family
  • 247.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.8K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards