survey advice needed

georgem

We have just recieved our survey report on a 1936 built property. The report reads well but does raise a few isues, your comments and advice would be most welcome.

1 Part of the heating system is very old, and probably dates from the 1960s. it is disappointing to note that there is no separate central heating header tank, but only a single cold water cistern in the roof space. I assume therefore that the hot water cylinder will be a primatic one. You will need to obtain some advice from a plumber about this, but I suggest that you replace the hot cylinder, provide a separate central heating header tank, and replace some of the older radiators and ensure that all the valves are working correctly.

… There are three chimneys. The one at the front left hand side is slightly open jointed near the top and would benefit from repointed although this is not an urgent priority. The rear left hand chimney is in satisfactory condition. The back chimney which is used by the kitchen boiler is more seriously open jointed near the top, and repointing to this chimney would certainly be beneficial. Scaffolding will probably be required for access because of its rather awkward location.

silvercar

if these are the only issues, I would be happy! I have just bought a house built in 1937 and our list is longer.

the repointing is quite basic, in fact every house I've bought has suggested repointing. surveyors tend to talk about scaffolding to cover themselves. Roofers are quite nimble! get some quotes, but your probably talking about £500 for the 2 chimneys.

central heating header tanks are small and positioned near the main tank, so not much pipework. need to get a plumber to look at the whole system. I wonder why he doesn't suggest a combi-boiler, then you won't need a cylinder. we have old radiators in places with feeder pipes that disappear into the wall; they seem as good as the newer ones.