Help with the survey problem

justforlaugh

We are FTB and are buying a house. We received survey report yesterday (basic). It seems there are lots of problem with the house. I list the three most serous ones here. Is this house still worth buying?

1. Evidence of movement was noted in the form of general distortions with the structure. The movement is considered to be long-standing in nature and the risk of further movement taking place is acceptable.

2. There is evidence of rising dampness to ground floor walls and timbers in contact may be defective. This should be investigated further by obtaining a report prior to entering into a legal commitment to purchase.

3. Additional support may be required over windows opening where the original frames have been replaced.


Looking forward to your suggections and Thanks in advance!

Emmzi

do you have spare cash to fix the damp?

if they reduce the price to allow for it, that reduces (probably) your mortgage so lower chances of borrowing to get the work done.

benjo

1. Evidence of movement was noted in the form of general distortions with the structure. The movement is considered to be long-standing in nature and the risk of further movement taking place is acceptable.

This might depend on the age of the house and how long 'long standing' is. Most houses show signs of movement after they are built, my house is 150 years old, hasnt moved in the last 145 years and (fingers/toes crossed) hopefully wont start moving again now - so this might not be a problem at all, just the surveyor covering himself, ask your solicitor what he/she thinks.

2. There is evidence of rising dampness to ground floor walls and timbers in contact may be defective. This should be investigated further by obtaining a report prior to entering into a legal commitment to purchase.

Get in a local damp proof company and ask them for a quotation to do the work, then ask the vendor to either 1. do the work or 2. reduce the price to reflect the work that needs doing.

Same with the window supports.

tbs624

Surveyors have to cover their own backsides.

Number 3 in particualr is an absolute standard phrase when any door or window has been replaced.

Have a look at Jeff Howell's webpages on "rising damp", and don't get a local firm in to advise. I can tell you now free of charge that there will be a sharp intake of breath and a shake of their head, & they'll be telling you that you must have their super duper DPC/timber treatment done as a matter of urgency. If you want to get it checked out use an *independent*, ie someone who is not going to try and flog their services to you. ( Jeff Howell writes on property maintenance for Daily Tel and has construction industry background)

Ask the surveyor for more information on the "movement" - many properties have signs of settlement but it doesn't present as a major issue.

justforlaugh

Thank you, ths624, benjo,emmzi. Your comments are very helpful, also Jeff Howell's webpages.

It seems the survey problems are not as serious as I thought but further investigation need to be done. I will discuss with my agency (and the vendor). Hopefully they can cover the cost of further investigation.