FTB, Survey Action Points Query

funkymonk

Hi

I'm a first time buyer, so obviously a little unsure of most things in the process. We received our Homebyers report, and it brought up the following action points (summarised):

• No ventilation has been provided to the roof void. Action: Provide ventilation to the roof void.
• Limited deficiencies within the electrical system were noted during our inspection. Installation is unlikely to comply with modern regulations and should now be tested and checked. Some repair work or upgrading is likely to be necessary. Action: Qualified electrician to carry out full test of electrical installation and carry out all works required to bring this to contemporary safety standards.
• Presence of a gas coal effect fire within the lounge. Probable that original flue linings have deteriorated over time. Action: Gas Safe reigstered contractor to test gas coal effect fire and flues and upgrade as required.
• Presence of gas fired central heating system. Action: Competent heating engineer to check and test central heating and hot water installations and upgrade or maintain as necessary.

I've heard of surveyors putting in clauses similar to these in most reports, for example, because they're not qualified electricians or gas technicians. Does this sound like surveyors covering their backs, or do the above sound like valid things to sort out before buying? The roof void item is the one I'm least clear about.

Other than that, I suppose the fact that there are only 4 action points is a good thing!

Cheers

lellow_lorry

Most of these points i have had in old and new properties.
1. The roof...a common one and nothing to worry about.Simple to correct. £200 to do at most.
2 Electrics....always in there unless a new build. It depends whether the lender sees this as an issue. May reatain a small percentage until work done or like one I had...3 months to carry out work and provide proof.
3. Gas fire and flue...depends how old the property is, if you use it get it checked for peace of mind.
4. Heating system. a catch all and nothing to worry about, but make sure at least it works and get it serviced...should cost about £70

Milliewilly

Unless you are buying off plan nothing is going to comply with modern regulations.

Is it an old house?

How can the surveyor say its probable that the original flue liner has decayed - can he see it by looking up the gas fire??? How does he know it hasn't been relined??

Heating is standard blurb - ask the vendor how old it is and get them to get it serviced / tested if your'e that bothered.

Limited deficiencies - I love it! What are limited deficiencies? Did some lights not work? Is it limited to the ground floor / one room? Unlikely to comply with modern regulations - either it does or it doesn't. Jeez

For the money you pay the report should be written in plain English and not wishy washy using terms like probable, likely / unlikely either on a Homebuyers.

funkymonk

First of all, thanks for your replies, they've been very useful.

To answer your questions, yes, it's an old house, about 110 years old. The survey says that during the 'internal inspection' they 'noted the presence of a gas coal effect fire within the lounge', and that it's 'probable that the original flue linings to the chimney breast have deteriorated over time, although it doesn't specifically state that the internal inspection was of the flue.

Cheers