Got lenders survey back

mose_2

We received our mortgage offer today and have a copy of the valuation survey, It says that the conservatory is 'dilapadated' although we think it looks ok, and also that there are signs of movement and cracks although they shouldn't get any worse. Do you think this is anything to worry about? Should we pay for our own survey as this was the banks one that we got free. Would a homebuyers survey tell us much more?

Thanks.

mose_2

anyone help???????

lelole

Hi, I'm not by any stretch of the imagination an expert, but dilapidated is quite a strong adjective, I would be tempted to intruct a more detailed survey independantly particularly to look at the cracks as well, or if it is just the conservatory you are concerned about then what about arranging for a conservatory repair firm to visit?

mjburton

A homebuyers survey will always give you more information than a valuation survey (the bank essentially just wants to know it will recoup its money should they have to take it off you!).

Is there any other issues with the rest of the house? Would you be happy to just remove the conservatory if it became necessary? If you say yes or I'm not sure to either of those get the homebuyers survey.

Personally I would/have always gone for the homebuyers survey regardless. Its a few hundred pounds that could save you thousands and a lot of stress and heartache. It has also pointed me in the direction of what I want to spend my money on sorting out first - ridge tiles on roof for example that neither myself or my husband had seen had moved which, if left, could have been a big problem!

I hope your housebuying and move all goes smoothly.

getmore4less

A home buyers survey will probably say the same and highlight other areas that you will need to get expert advice.

I would look into the signs of movement a bit more since this could impact buildings insurance and potentialy is expensive.

What are these can you see them does it look likethere has been any owrk done.

Is it just this house or do others in the street show the same.

You could try the council building department to see if there is any history of work being done related to movement in the area.

jenny74

Hi,

Firstly, DO NOT buy this house ithout having a full structural survey.

Secondly, find out what the curent owners know about the cracks and why they have not claimed for it under their home insurance policy.

mose_2

ok, here is what the report says in full,


Dilapidated single garage to side (which is a bit run down we know about that)

dilapadated conservatory to rear, porch to front.

elements of the property appear to be in poor condition having regard to its age and type of construction. Works of repair, maintenance and renewal are required.

Evidence of movement was observed in the form of cracking and slight deflection to the main and partition walls. This appears to be longstanding and non progressive and the likelihood of further significant movement seems remote. no structual works are considered necessary.

Instruct a qualified heating engineer to inspect heating and plumbing systems and carry out recommended works.....Recommended retention £500

The presence of asbetos was noted to the garage roof. Airbourne fibres of asbestos are hazardous to health and disturbence or removal of this material requires special precautions. Advice should be obtained from a licensed specalist contractor before undertaking such work.( we knew about this)

Some of the double glazing units are misted and require renewal.

mose_2

Any surveyors out there?

G_M

I'd be more worried about the asbestos! It can kill you. And is expensive to remove.

Sounds like you need to have a reserve fund to do work to the property if you buy it.

This appears to be longstanding and non progressive and the likelihood of further significant movement seems remote. no structual works are considered necessary.

This is good news. Nonetheless you'll clearly need to spend £ on the garage, conservatory and cracks at some point. When and how much? Who knows. Get a builder round to give you quotes.

A homebuilders survey will probobly not tell you much more than this one. A full survey might, but even that might advise getting in a strucural engineer !

mose_2

Yes we know about the asbestos as alot of the garages around there have it, but as its only the garage roof we are not to worried about that. We don't want to spend out 300 odd quid for a report that isn't going to tell us much more. We was more alarmed about the conservatory as it looks in good condition. We are going to take our builder round to have a look.

monkeys_bunny

if i was you i would ask your Solicitor to raise the issues you are concerned about with the vendor, they will say that they have been highlighted in the survey and ask the vendor to clarify the situation and whether they have experienced any problems or had to spend money etc

i would not be too worried about the cracks with the replies given to this point.

the asbestos will only be an issue if you need to have it removed as you will have to have the propa people to do it and this costs big, also if it gets damaged

i would however be very concered about the conservatory, i would ask a local glazing firm to come out and have a look and give you a quote for works. when you have 3 quotes for works if the problem isnt anything you think you should worry about i would get your Solicitor to get the vendors to either fix the problem, providing you with evidence of the same, or have a consideration for the cost.

i hope you are getting this property at a bargin price, it does seem to have a few faults.

best thing is to talk to your Solicitor about the survey findings

good luck