Surveyor for HB report has raised issues

fumken

I am have placed an offer on an “immaculate looking” house that is about 11 years old. I had a home buyers survey done and found out that the pressure of the water taps upstairs is quite low. The survey thinks that it may have something to do with lack of service. The sink tap hardly runs when the bath tap is turned on. I wonder if the shower in the ensuite and the family bath will be able to work at the same time and I have 2 boys. I am not so sure how big an issue this is and what to do before I proceed with the purchase.
I was told by the surveyor that they do not have a “storage water tank” but they do have a tank with an immersion heate. The heating / hot water system/ gas boiler system has not been serviced for over 4 years. I am very concerned about this. I noticed that the vendor who is normally very welcoming was not as cheerful when I arrived having already been told by the surveyor.
The second problem is that the plastic used for the guttering is leaking in some parts. I also do not know if this is a big issue.

The surveyor did not even look up in the loft, despite the fact that there is a loft access. Is this not included in HBS?
I really feel so sad that this house that I thought would have no issues has come with some. I am not sure they will accept a reduction as I have already cut 10K from the offer price and their lovely garden means they have had a lot of viewings. I think I was accepted because I made a cash offer and they really want to move due to a job change (going through movewithus who have told me they want to be really fast and practically encouraged me to use a solicitor of their choice if I want the house taken off the market).
[FONT=&quot] How can I find out how big a problem these are very quickly before comitting to bigger costs and searches? I know my own buyers specifically asked for proof of my last gas check and service through solicitors.
Thanks.[/FONT]

poppysarah

The boiler is probably 11 years old.

If water pressure is low there's not a lot you can do to improve it without using tanks etc - but expecting two showers to run off a poor water system isn't going to happen.

You could ask for a viewing to test this out if you wanted - if it's a deal breaker you should.

vectistim

Are you sure he didn't look in the roof space? How else would he know there wasn't a header tank?

neverdespairgirl

fumken wrote: »

I am have placed an offer on an “immaculate looking” house that is about 11 years old. I had a home buyers survey done and found out that the pressure of the water taps upstairs is quite low.

Is it a combination boiler?

We have one, and it won't run a bath and do a shower at the same time.

fumken

Thanks all. Sorry I have not been able to reply. The charger for the laptop has been faulty and for some reason MSE password does not work on my office computer.

I think it is a combi boiler. It is a "pressurised system". I asked for a gas / boiler service which they did and also they claimed that the Thames water people were called in and the water pressure was found to be okay. I think they were unwilling to check initially and the deal nearly fell through. In that time, I looked at other houses and did not like any as much for the same price. So when the reports came back I decided to take the chance. I may have to install a power shower or even a new boiler (I hope not) but for the price I am paying, I feel confident to go ahead.
We will be exchanging next week and completing at the end of the month.
Thanks everyone.

fumken

vectistim wrote: »

Are you sure he didn't look in the roof space? How else would he know there wasn't a header tank?

He asked the people, I think.

G_M

Combi boilers are not suitable for big families as they can't provide instant hot water for multiple supplies at once. Hence the low pressure. This should not apply to the clod taps though. Pressure should be fine.

[Deleted User]

If worst comes to worst, u will just have to make sure hot water goes to one tap at any one time i.e. no washing up while bath/shower is actively being used.

This is what happens in my house and its fine. In fact lol., its led to some quite comedy situations on the rare occasions we forget (sudden chill in shower situation).

Its not a huge problem, and happens in quite a few households. So even if u don't change the system.., its perfectly manageable.

However, leaky gutters is more important as it can lead to damp in the walls. I'd make sure the gutters aren't obstructed by leaves etc (clear them) and replace sections that need replacing asap.

dizziblonde

deannatrois wrote: »

If worst comes to worst, u will just have to make sure hot water goes to one tap at any one time i.e. no washing up while bath/shower is actively being used.

This is what happens in my house and its fine. In fact lol., its led to some quite comedy situations on the rare occasions we forget (sudden chill in shower situation).

Was always very handy to do this in my student house to get the resident shower hogger out of the bathroom after an hour!

fumken

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. We have now completed . Hopefully it will not be a big problem.