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.

Drainage issues identified

Options
EddyBaloch
EddyBaloch Posts: 59 Forumite
in House buying, renting & selling
Hi all,

I am a first time buyer and would really appreciate some help.

The property I am buying had some internal cracks on the roof of first floor throughout. No cracks on the outside so it seemed like a simple re plastering. It is a 1950s semi detached house. One previous owner.

Our surveyor conducted a RICS building survey (awaiting full report) gave the following verbal feedback:

1) House has slight movement but all houses movement. However,
2) guttering on one flat roof portion is damaged and water may have been going into the soil (clay) which might have caused movement. A Drains survey is recommended before you buy.
3) Noticed some traces of soil in manhole as well so there is a risk that drains might be damaged. Once again, Drains survey is recommended

Other than above, roof condition, attic, outside is in excellent condition.

I have lived in flats and don't have any family/ friends who own/live in houses so I am really confused where to go from here.

Can someone suggest where to book a Drains survey?

Or should I just stay away from the property all together and not bother? We really liked this property and it would be difficult to find another one in budget in this location.

Thank you in advance.

Eddy

Comments

  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    edited 11 September 2017 at 6:36PM
    Options
    If the problems originated with the gutters as suggested, budget couple of hundred £ to ficx the gutters. Might be less. Then wait for the soil to dry out once gutters divert water away.

    How much 'soil' did he see? a little is not unusual. A lot could indicate a cracked drain. Ask him.

    Google drain survey for local companes. shop round - the bg nationals will charge £100+ per hour........ :eek:
  • EachPenny
    EachPenny Posts: 12,239 Forumite
    First Post Combo Breaker
    Options
    EddyBaloch wrote: »
    3) Noticed some traces of soil in manhole as well so there is a risk that drains might be damaged. Once again, Drains survey is recommended.

    To me, soil in a manhole usually indicates either a poorly fitting cover, or the manhole brickwork needing repair.
    G_M wrote: »
    Google drain survey for local companes. shop round - the bg nationals will charge £100+ per hour........

    I agree with G_M, try to find a local company, particularly one specialising in surveys rather than blockage removal. The big companies will often insist on jetting the drain before doing the CCTV survey (for obvious reasons) but you want the survey to show the condition of the pipes how they are in usual operation, not just after they have been blasted with several hundred psi of water. Details of exactly where cracks and other damage to the pipes is located will only be clear after jetting, but for your purposes you need to see the evidence of what, if anything, is actually wrong.

    It is also often worth contacting the local council - many have their own CCTV equipment and will carry out surveys for a lower cost than the big companies.
    "In the future, everyone will be rich for 15 minutes"
  • camptownraces
    camptownraces Posts: 333 Forumite
    Options
    As Each Penny says above.
    OP said there were "cracks in the roof"(?) Where exactly?
    These are not likely to be linked to drain problems, damaged or leaking gutters are more likely.

    Drain surveys are done with CCTV cameras looking for cracks in old clay/terracotta sewage and drain pipes. They are not intrusive, so no reason why the vendor should refuse permission for this. If cracks are found they can usually be fixed by lining the pipe(s) with a plastic liner.

    Depending on where you are, the Water Company may also be able to price up a drain survey.
  • ProDave
    ProDave Posts: 3,721 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker First Post
    Options
    You are not going to find a 60 year old house in perfect condition.

    This one sounds like the surveyor was generally happy with the condition of the house but he has concerns about the drains and gutter.

    Get some quotes to get the repairs done, perhaps re negotiate the price a little. Buy the house, get it fixed and enjoy living there.
  • EddyBaloch
    EddyBaloch Posts: 59 Forumite
    Options
    Thank you so much for your replies.

    Cracks are on the ceilings of rooms and bathroom on first floor. urveyor said that normally it would be okay but all things considered in this particular property he is concerned. There is a chance that the water may be going in the ground for a long time thereby causing the ground to soften and house to move.

    I am just considering what is the worst that can go wrong with the property.

    Thanks for the tips on CCTV survey. I will sort that out first and see what the results are.
  • EddyBaloch
    EddyBaloch Posts: 59 Forumite
    Options
    G_M wrote: »
    If the problems originated with the gutters as suggested, budget couple of hundred £ to ficx the gutters. Might be less. Then wait for the soil to dry out once gutters divert water away.

    How much 'soil' did he see? a little is not unusual. A lot could indicate a cracked drain. Ask him.

    Google drain survey for local companes. shop round - the bg nationals will charge £100+ per hour........ :eek:

    He said guttering definitely needs to be replaced with UPVC. But main concern is that water may have been going into the ground for a long long time.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 247.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards