Issues on Homebuyer Survey

jezebel

Okay, just had the homebuyer survey back and there are a few issues that have been raised - predominatly these are:

1 - need to lag pipes
2 - flat roof on extension (outhouse/backroom) needs some improvements and improved guttering (none in place at present)
3 - Improve insulation (currently loft not adequately insulated) - I was aware of this before the survey.

Also, it has an asbestos water tank in the loft (safe in short term but obviously something to consider long term).

I'm really not sure if any of these are actual show-stoppers in the sense of taking action, but I am wondering a) how much it might cost to put these right, I think they're all fairly basic things and b) whether I should argue that they should be done before moving in and risk losing the house (there is another very interested buyer who has second refusal).

I know none of you are experts, not really looking for building quotes or anything, but really looking for opinions and support from any recent or previous house buyers - as a first timer it's all a bit scary, I've never done this before and hope that this will be the house I stay in for quite a while.

Any advice/guidance?

pawpurrs

All basic stuff, nothing major there, and nothing I would expect to get a reduction on.

poppysarah

insulation is virtually free if you're good at hunting bargains - even the big diy sheds have had really cheap offers on insulation. but 2-300 for a loft. Lagging pipes - not a lot - few quid.

Flat roof - does it leak? how old is it?

Is the wiring in good order? Boiler? They're expensive messy jobs to put right..

jezebel

Thanks guys Putting my mind at ease already. I'm an idiot when it comes to DIY so no idea what all this stuff costs :-)

Poppysarah - all the wiring was redone recently and boiler is british gas insured. Flat roof recently re-felted (has about 10 years left I think and not leaking at present but doesn't have any guttering so the water pools in wet weather. As its an extra store room at the back I'm not that worried about it in terms of this but want to get it sorted before the winter storms come

Thanks again guys

jezebel

Also, if anyone knows of information about the grants and stuff on insulation/greener household stuff I would love links or help. I can't remember if Martin has a guide or not.

brixham

Not sure that any of those would bother me and anyway surveys always come up with something.
Can you get a local roofer to go round and have a quick look at the flat roof and give you some ideas on what the problem is and costs ?
My survey said there was a problem with a small area of flat roof that was 10 years ago and I've never had any problems (so far !).
As to the insulation you can get that anywhere pretty cheap and (if you don't mind spiders !) stick it in yourself in an afternoon also wouldn't bother til coming up til winter..........save on the leccy bill !

brixham

jezebel wrote: »

Also, if anyone knows of information about the grants and stuff on insulation/greener household stuff I would love links or help. I can't remember if Martin has a guide or not.

Try your power supplier