Survey Observations

Angel1403

Hi folks,

Very keen to get this property. Built in 1975. Just had a scheme 2 survery done. Key points noted are:-

1) The house has been extended re planning & building warrent approvals. Though I think the extension was done a long time ago. I guess my solicitor will sort it out. I think the paralegal mentioned something about 15 years?

2) Two flat roof dormers, not inspected, too high

3) Slight cracking main walls mainly around window openings, weathered loose roughcast at front gable corner of side extension.

4) Timber cladding to dormers requiring attention....peeling paint on some.

5) Several failed double glazing seals

6) Electric and heating instalations dated, reco update to current standards. Although central heating currently covered by Scottish Gas Home Care Contract.

Other genera obs:-

1) Uneven flooring in kitchen, partly due to past water damage. Need repaired or replaced

2) Past water damage to chimney stack in roof void with decay to roof timbers.

3) Decay seen to the rafter ends at the base of the chimney stack requiring repair & replacement.

4) Some slight sagging of kitchen floor due to past water damage. Section of flooring in kitchen has a lack of support area should be exposed & replacement flooring considered.

Sorry its a long list. Anything there to really worry about?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Allan.

Angel1403

WoW 27 views & no opinions..........

macduf

I would not be to worried

wallbash

Very keen to get this property

And you think ?? its at a reasonable price, in the right location

Nothing on that list would scare me, are you worried ?
But then again , i'm with Phil/Kirsty on this, Location/Location etc

KT1985

Nothing worries me either, but the price has to be right to remedy these things. No use buying the house at what would be it's market value in 'normal' conditions, and then spending another 20-30%.

Also depends how much work you want, because it sounds lie a bit of a project. We bought a property in a similar condition end of Dec 08, and we plan to move in in June 09- and that's with me working on it full time If you are game for pitching in/project managing, then go for it. Its greatfun and v rewarding (not to mention frustrating!)

Angel1403

Hi folks thanks for the feedback. I like the house. I think the area is fine. The only potential bad thing, a train line next to the house. However, it does not put me off as I used to live in the airport flight path.

I guess when I eventually sell, if I do, it may put some folk off but not everyone. The trains dont run over night.

Cheers

TomsMom

We bought a house last year which we are renovating.

1) I think the paralegal mentioned something about 15 years?

We are in Wales, and our Building Control Officer mentioned that as the extensions on our house, all of which were done without planning permission or building regs approval, are now over 10 years old there is nothing that can be done in retrospect. So if yours are over 10 years old it will be fine.

2) Two flat roof dormers, not inspected, too high.

You could always get a couple of builders/flat roof specialists round to check them.

3) and 4) Routine maintenance should be OK for these.

5) These can easily be replaced.

6) Get them checked out by appropriate trades.

As for your second list, again get these checked out.

If any work is required get estimates then negotiate with the vendor to get a reduction on the asking price.

I wouldn't worry about them as such, but I would definitely get them checked out before going any further with the purchase.

KT1985

Trains are a completely different game to planes (have also lived on flight path)- they make the house shake and are very noisy... THAT is what would out me off rather than the above list

Plasticman

My comments in red below:

1) The house has been extended re planning & building warrent approvals. Though I think the extension was done a long time ago. I guess my solicitor will sort it out. I think the paralegal mentioned something about 15 years?

Yes, one for the solicitor.

2) Two flat roof dormers, not inspected, too high

Any signs of water coming through? Can you tell whether they are lead or felt? If lead with no sigh of damage then nothing to worry about, otherwise plan for replacement at some time in the future.

3) Slight cracking main walls mainly around window openings, weathered loose roughcast at front gable corner of side extension.

Maybe made worse by the trains?

4) Timber cladding to dormers requiring attention....peeling paint on some.

Minor stuff

5) Several failed double glazing seals

Maybe the double glazing has reached the end of it's life - worth understanding the cost and making sure that it is reflected in the price you pay.

6) Electric and heating instalations dated, reco update to current standards. Although central heating currently covered by Scottish Gas Home Care Contract.

Same with most older houses.

Other genera obs:-

1) Uneven flooring in kitchen, partly due to past water damage. Need repaired or replaced

Assume a wooden floor - need to replace some boards and maybe a joist. Not a major job.

2) Past water damage to chimney stack in roof void with decay to roof timbers.

Time to call a builder and understand the extent of the damage and cost to put it right (if needed).

3) Decay seen to the rafter ends at the base of the chimney stack requiring repair & replacement.

As above.

4) Some slight sagging of kitchen floor due to past water damage. Section of flooring in kitchen has a lack of support area should be exposed & replacement flooring considered.

Sounds like (1) above might be a bigger job than it initially sounded. Speak with a builder.