First Time Buyer - Question. Please Help!!

yesdigger

Hi,

I don't know if this is the right place for this question so if not I am sorry.

I am in the process of buying my first home and generally very happy with it. I had a survey done and it was fine apart from one issue was that the surveror noticed rodent droppings in the loft, didn't say what type, so I don't know if its mice, rats or other rodents?

I am not sure what to do, I don't think its a major problem but I don't know how much an issue like this would be to solve? Should I ask the vendor to sort it out before buying the home etc.

I have already spent lots of money on the survey and solicitors fees, but don't want to buy a house with a problem thats expensive to sort. The home is a newish build thats only had one owner and is 8 years old.

I really need some help, as a first time buyer as I don't know how to approach this problem. I might be worring about nothing but obviously when you are spending lots of money on something you want it to be absolutely right.

Anyway, all help and advice welcome.

Cheers

clutton_2

you need to find out what sort of rodent... mice i would not be worried about too much... but rats could be a problem.... do you have a header roof tank full of water in your loft ? if so then rats can cause you to get Weils disease if they swim in it... you just need to put a lid on the tank to stop them

if the surveyor knows what kind of rodent you can ask the local council to come out and set traps =- it will cost

yesdigger

Hi,

Thanks for your response, I have contacted the surveyor to ask if they know what type of rodent it is. I am still awaiting a response, I am aware my local council offers a service to treat rats for free and mice for £75 and squirrels for £100. Prices quoted are complete to eradication.

I would guess the council would best the cheapest option but I am not sure if I should request the vendor (the home is currently empty) sort this issue as rats (if it is rats) are the owners responsibility by law and I am worried it may be an expensive problem to sort and initially money is very tight, but generally I don't want this to become a cash black hole.

The surveyor said the house in current condition was worth what I am paying but I am very worried I am going to buy a home that has an expensive problem to fix.

neverdespairgirl

"Rodents" cover a multitude of sins - including squirrels, I think? Perhaps bats, too, or shrews.

yesdigger

Bats are not rodents, but I think its one of either mice, rats or squirrels. I don't think it would be squirrels are there are no trees near the property.

I think I am going to highlight this issue to the vendor and see what happens, the property is currently empty so an ideal time to sort this problem out.

So far the vendor has been excellent so I am sure there will be no issues. Hope so anyway