Valuation Report Help

simmo02021981

As the title suggests could anyone help me with some issues with regards to a valuation report I have had done on a house I am buying.

1. Its speaks about 'Parts of the roof coverings are thought to contain asbestos material. You should take care when carrying out repairs, maintenance or renewal' - Is this something I should be worried about and do you think I should get a report done and if so can this be done for free?

2. 'Applicants should consider it desirable to obtain full tests on all service installations before excnahge of contracts, in order to ensure that these are safe and working order' - Again is this something people recommend I get done. I know the boiler was serviced in 2009 through British Gas monthly maintenance agreement

3. 'The property has replacement double glazing and confirmation should be obtained that installation was either by a FENSA registered contractor or with Buildings regulations approval.' - The windows were done over 9 years ago according to the documents we have from the selling questionaire we got sent by the solicitors, so does anyone think this is advised to get done or is it valuers covering themselves?

I ask all these questions as I am a first time buyer but my partner is selling her flat with which she has had problems on the valuation report some which were on there when she brought it and its now becoming issues with people buying hers (3 pulled out) and we dont want the same to happen on this property if and when we come to sell it.

Thank you in advance for any help

Steven

princessamy86

Welcome to MSE!

1) Asbestos is only dangerous if you move it, but if it will put your mind at rest, get a report done. It will cost you though.

2) Do you want a report on the boiler? British Gas leave a service checklist when they do a service or maintenance (I have this arrangement in place), would you be able to look at it? Again, if it puts your mind at rest, get it done, again, it will cost you. Personally, I wouldn't bother.

3) Not sure on this one but I think your solicitor will request the FENSA certificate or ask the vendors to take out an indemnity policy.

All in all, it sounds like a really good survey if they are the only alarming points raised.

simmo02021981

Thanks for the advice.

Yeah the valuation report looks ok. Under the works to be carried out is says 'None'

Just has - General remarks -

And end terrace situated in a residential area of similiar type property within 1 mile of town centre where local amenities are available.

The general condition of the property appears consistant with age and type of construction but some works of repairs and maintenance are required.

and the other bits I put on my original post

motherofstudents

First of all I am not an expert and I am sure you will get more detailed advice from others, but if I had a valuation report like that I would be happy. The requirements about double glazing would apply from 1st April 2002 so if they were done before that you should be ok. New building regs requires things like energy efficiency, ventilation and fire escape. I would not be worried at all. The part about services is something which has been on every valuation or survey I have seen and the boiler sounds perfectly ok if it has a maintenance agreement. Your solicitor will probably want to see that. You can ask the vendor if services are supplied at the property -gas (yes), electricity, mains water and drains. I think the one about the asbestos roof I would be slightly more concerned as there will come a time when you might have to replace/repair it and it will cost more to get specialists in to get rid of it. As was previously mentioned it may be hazardous when moved/broken up. The bottom line is, if you or your partner are concerned about any of these points, get them checked but personally I think it would only be the roof that would concern me and I'm sure there are people who can advise you on this. Good luck with it.

motherofstudents

Just noticed in your first question you asked if you could get the roof checked free. Don't forget that it is in the interests of some companies to offer 'free' surveys. It is in their interest to find something wrong. If you employ a building surveyor you will have to pay but the advice would be impartial. Just something to bear in mind. Also maybe you could ring up the surveyor who carried out your valuation and ask, they may be able to give you more info.