** Survey Results **

CharleneUK

Hi all, we've had our building survey back on Friday and have had several reads through. The Surveyors have given a list of builders and companies who we can obtain quotes from. We'll be passing our solicitors the specific info they need to know. We're basically thinking any overhauling or items to be done before exchange of contracts would be classed as urgent, but as for the rest?

Full link: http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1330281/survey.pdf

Any thoughts much appreciated.

phead

Does the text in this section match anything in the main body of the report? I cannot see anything in that list that actually needs doing. Taking the first one as an example you could make that comment of every house in the country, if there isn't another passage where he says that the roof structure looks under sized or damaged then why would you get it checked??

Doozergirl

It just looks like a list of things to think about. It's obviously comprehensive as he's talking about internal doors, so it is stuff that you would think about doing gradually when you are ready more than urgently. It all the kind of thing that you start to think about when you own a house 'oh, we should think about doing this' when you're having a family barbeque in the back garden staring back at the house :rolleyes:

There's some 'cover backside' stuff in there but the one thing that stands out to me is that I think the house will need a gradual replastering. If it has wallpaper etc, when you peel it back, you'll find that the plaster starts to come with it. If it hasn't been replastered yet, it's going to need it. It will be fine until you take a steamer to it and it will start blowing.

It's all old house stuff. It's in my house, in my aunt's house too and she just works her way through it as and when she can afford to do bits and pieces. It's a good house, it's not falling down, it's just that there will always be a constant stream of maintenance on an old house; until you've sorted it all out, then it starts again!

cherry76

When I had my building survey, I thought it was a nighmare of a survey but apparently not. The surveyor flagged three important issues that need to be addressing urgently, one for the roof, damp proof course and electrics. I did have a roofer and he said it was not as urgent as the surveyor made out. Having read others surveys, I thought mine was very thorough and easy to read, though he did charge me £765. The vendors do not think there is anything wrong with the electrics but will have it checked. Anything flagged as urgent, I would re-negotiate the asking price. He did say the roof is ok now but to check in future if he needs strenghtening. Hope this helps.

CharleneUK

Thanks a bunch guys! Yes, the report was comprehensive, what I personally picked out (I'm a first time buyer, so don't really know my !!! from my elbow in terms of reading 'scary sounding stuff') I found only a few things of concern and they may not actually be of much concern at all.

The poor condition of the party wall on the rear addition that needs overhauling ASAP
The penetrating damp to external walls, contributing to internal wall damp in several bedrooms.
The DPC which apparently has not been done properly, but this is under warranty.
Timbers that need inspecting ASAP

I can't really see much else apart from a few things we could even do ourselves (Floor boards etc) It's just when you are not sure in yourself what is urgent and what is not, for instance, we don't know if a surveyor would state, MUST BE DONE IMMEDIATELY or not? He does mention xyz needs investigating before completion, or at one stage xyz is essential so I'm thinking those are the most outstanding.

Thanks though, at least we know it's not all doom and gloom!! Will be scanning all 19 pages if anyone is interested send us a PM!

xx

Doozergirl

I'll on the 19 pages!

Anything that is causing issues internally is a must do immediately.

I'm always dubious about damp and prefer to live in a property before spending lots. I will tell you now that ventilating those bricked up fireplaces may stop any problem altogether as double glazed windows and no ventilation is not what those houses were designed for; black mould could be a feature. We reinstated the fireplace in our place in Penge and the problem disappeared overnight. That was on the suggestion of a London Cabbie after we'd had three damp companies in to look!

Issues like the ground level being to high for the DPC and little sub floor ventialation are all things that you should do before getting people in to replace the DPC as they are all contributing factors to the DPC being unable to work properly. And that sort of thing costs pennies. Reinstating fireplaces cost more than pennies but they're something really nice to have anyway, far more enjoyable than random damp solutions.

'penetrating damp' is being used rather than 'rising damp' and so there are other reasons for any dampness, it may be that the repointing needs doing on this party wall if there are areas of dampness there etc. A DPC prevents rising damp. If you don't have rising damp, you don't need to replace the DPC!

CharleneUK

Thanks as always Doozergirl! I do appreciate it. It's really refreshing to have someone who knows their stuff, because as I said, it may as well be written in another language for the most part!!

We're getting to grips with it though and may call the surveyor tomorrow for further clarifications.

In any event, here is the document in all it's glory

http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1330281/survey.pdf

Click on link to download.

We're hoping to get negotiations or conclusions in by end of the week, so the seller and our solicitor knows where we all stand.

cherry76

I have sent you a pm.

CharleneUK

I've replied (Several times, I talk a lot! LOL) But not sure if you have got some as I kept receiving an error message??

xx

CharleneUK

Hi all, just an update.

The vendors are willing to sort the party wall, do the boiler/eletrical tests, sort out vents and have the timbers and damp inspected! So it's full steam ahead

x