Survey Report

d3eep

Hi

I'm a first time buyer and have just received my homebuyers report on a house I'm buying. The survey didn't highlight any major work, I think but I want to be on the safe side.
The report recommends the following:
1) Investigation of all timbers for wood boring insects, the survey didn't find any.
2) Electrical system tested further as should be done every 10 years, again survey didn't find any problems.
3) Same again for the gas and central heating to be checked over by a CORGI person, survey didn't find anything wrong.
4) Replace timber joists supporting the masonry from the removed chimney as they are not considered satisfactory in the long-term and replaced with steel.

I'm not sure if I should carry out points 1-3 as the survey didn't highlight anything wrong in these areas. Point 4 I'm not sure what to do, it seems things are okay now and in the short-term.

Any advice on the above would really really be appreciated.

UK007BullDog

Point 1:
http://www.surveyorsreports.co.uk/timber_wood_surveyor.htm
Once a year hubby goes in the attic and has a good look with a strong flashlight to see if there are any holes in the timber, looks for damp etc. Just to nip any problems right in the proverbial .... before it gets really bad. He also checks the water container in the attic etc.

Points 1 - 3: there probably is nothing wrong, however if the house is old then in the future you might have to look into getting the heating system replaced. Getting a new system will save you money in the long run anyway as they are much more economic and environmentaly friendlier.

Point 4 is important. So in the future you might have to look into getting it replaced but I would get a couple more estimates before starting on that work.

Surveyors are people and one person might not comment on something and another person might find it imperative to get it sorted.

All in all your report seems to sound OK.But only you can judge it. maybe have another viewing of the property to look at point 4. Maybe find out when the works were done and who did it.

clutton_2

1-2-3 are routine on almost all surveys, dont worry, especially if nothing has been found.

Re 4

i would get 2/3 good local builders in to look in the roof, and look at the chimney - if the vendors have removed a chimney breast, and not reinforced the upper joists, (which now bear all the weight of the chimney breast, chimney stack and chimney pot) - it is possible - although unlikely - that the unsupported upstairs chimney breast could fall through the ceiling onto your head !!! This is not a huge job, but, building regulations need to be complied with and you will need a certificate from the local authority to say that the work has been done up to standard. You will then have no difficulty selling the house at a later date, as you will have the "correct paperwork"

d3eep

Thanks for the help.