Homebuyers Report - are these big problems?

kunekune

We have finally seen the surveyors report on the house we're buying (the mortgage offer came through first!). It raises a number of issues:

1."The rear path bridges the damp proof course which could cause dampness problems. External path levels would ideally be lowered to prevent this occurring." Repair category 3 (the highest).
2. "Efflorescence of rendered surface in the cupboard under the stairs was apparent and this should be monitored."
3. "Sections of the roof underlay are defective and repairs are recommended. A small section of roof felt was bulging and appeared to hold debris underneath which should be cleared. The raised flashing to the sitting room bay should be made good and the odd damaged tile to this roof should be replaced."
4. Some cracked rendering in the main walls. "The odd brick to the sitting room bay was noted to be spalling and will eventually require cutting out and replacing."
5. Properties of this type apparently are affected by corrosion and failure of metal cavity wall ties.
6. Condensation between the panes in the conservatory roof. Downpipe needs to be moved as it is directly onto path.
7.Possible dampness problem in wall retaining driveway to adjoinig property.
8. "There is a build up of matter to the side of drainage channels in the inspetion chamber which should be cleared and checked by a contractor." (repair category 3)
9. Hairline cracking in one bedroom ceiling.
10. "Timber flooring by the party wall in the sitting room dining area is springy. THis suggests defects to concealed floor timbers and you need to instruct a contractor to open up the floor tho identify the full extent of the problem ..."
11. "There is inadequate ventilation to the cupboard housing the boiler and improved ventilation is required." (This is a cupboard that was installed at the same time as the rest of the kitchen, which is relatively new).

Do we have a problem or are these minor issues? The valuation came up ok.

Ebe_Scrooge

I'm no building expert, but I'll give you my opinions based on what I know. The mentions of damp-related items, you would be as well sorting out sooner rather than later. Probably not causing a problem at the moment, but they will cause problems in time if you do nothing. Some of these items you can do yourself if you're not afraid of a bit of hard work, some will require a professional.

The one thing that did jump out at me was the wall ties. We had exactly the same thing many years ago on a house that we were interested in. Turned out it was going to take thousands to put it right, so we didn't buy the house. It's not definite that there's a problem, but it would be worth your while to get a builder who knows about these things to have a look. Spend a few quid now to save yourself a big bill later on.

kunekune

The wording is "Properties of this type and age in the neighbourhood are known to be affected by corrosion and failure of the metal cavity wall ties. Although there is no visible evidence of this problem affecting the property you should budget for future wall tie remedial works."

Sounds as though it's more a when than an if.

wallbash

5. Properties of this type apparently are affected by corrosion and failure of metal cavity wall ties.

I read as a typical surveyors report, there is no evidence but dont quote me.

cattie

I don't know much about properties with wall ties, but have heard they can be costly to put right.

I'd want damp problems to be looked at & possibly put right before completion & also to know reason for springy floorboard. Could be just a loose or missing noggin underneath, but best to be on safe side.

Roof needs some remedial work too, so all in all if you decide to go for this house you need to do some negotiating to get the price down to allow for the highlighted survey items to be put right.

jaywhoopee

kunekune wrote: »

The wording is "Properties of this type and age in the neighbourhood are known to be affected by corrosion and failure of the metal cavity wall ties. Although there is no visible evidence of this problem affecting the property you should budget for future wall tie remedial works."

When we bought this place 5 years ago wall ties and possible asbestos in Artex ceilings were the two things in the survey that worried me. I found a company that was prepared to do a wall tie survey FoC (they drill small holes and stick an endoscope in afaik)

The vendor agreed to the survey taking place before exchange and the ties checked out ok.

pawpurrs

It doesnt even sound that bad to me, just an average survey not many that wouldnt say most thats on that one, if your concerened have a chat with the surveyor.

Josepina

I think surveyors put a lot of stuff in these reports to cover themselves really. When I bought last year I worried about the report so I phoned the surveyor who reassured me and said nothing out of the ordinary for a house this age etc.....
Anyway my advice phone and talk to him.