Homebuyers report - are these things expensive?

mrpop

Hello

Many thanks to those of you who helped in my post earlier this week about who should pay for what regarding things a homebuyers report has brought back.

The report concluded the property was worth what we're paying, but these are the things the surveyor feels need looking at, and advised further investigation before we exchange contracts. :eek:

1) TIMBER DEFECTS : Investigate all sub floor areas, all timbers for wood boring insects/rot by a BWPDA registered treatment company [Note: Surveyor found no signs of woodboring insects, but is advising getting the property checked out before exchange of contracts due to the age of the property (1935) as apparently properties of this age are susseptible]

2) WALLS : Investigate walls by a registered wall tie company. [Surveyor noted wall tie failures have occured in this area] - This sounds expensive if needed!

3)* SERVICES : Inspect electrical installation by a NICEIC registered electrical engineer

4)* HEATING : Gas fires serviced if not done in last 12 mos [no central heating in property so that's not mentioned]

* - We will talk to the owners tomorrow about these, and see if they have had anything done in the last 16yrs that they've been there!

ALSO - As we're going to see the house again tomorrow to measure up etc, we were wondering if it's the done thing to take our copy of the homebuyers report with us, to show them? Or is that a big no-no? We just feel if we show the owners (who are lovely people & very approachable) then they will be more willing to rectify anything that may need doing. Any tips welcomed.

WHAT DO WE DO NOW ?!? - Do WE arrange people to come and quote, or do the owners? Estate agents said talk to solicitor, solicitor says that they can not advise on such matters. Do we go back to the surveyor? Can we approach them for a chat? HELP!

Any help on the above very much appreciated.

Thanks!

S

mrpop

Is anybody able to let us know if it's ok to take the homebuyers report to show the seller today please? That's the one question I'd like answering, if anyone is able to, pretty please

S

Debt_Free_Chick

mrpop wrote:

Is anybody able to let us know if it's ok to take the homebuyers report to show the seller today please? That's the one question I'd like answering, if anyone is able to, pretty please

S

Entirely up to you - it's your report; you paid for it. I can't see that it will do any harm, especially if you want to negotiate on any remedial work.

Debt_Free_Chick

mrpop wrote:

WHAT DO WE DO NOW ?!? - Do WE arrange people to come and quote, or do the owners? Estate agents said talk to solicitor, solicitor says that they can not advise on such matters. Do we go back to the surveyor? Can we approach them for a chat? HELP!

All of the things listed are just suggesting that you get specialist inspections as they are things that the surveyor couldn't look in to (not covered by the report) or things he has insufficient knowledge of.

It's only by getting the inspections done that you will know if there are problems in those areas. You could either get the inspections done and if urgent work is required negotiate on the price. Or simply leave them and see what emerges in future years.

Others know more about wall ties, so wait for them to comment, but it seems to be a common issue especially where an extension was added to the property some years ago.

Hang around for other replies.

Ian_W

Hi mrpop,
Before showing the report to the owners I would contact the surveyor and go through the points raised to see which of them are real concerns and which are an @rse covering exercise so you have no come back on the surveyor.

The only one that seems substantive is the wall ties - the others are precautionary on the face of it, subject to what the surveyor says. I don't think wall-ties are very expensive - though I'm no expert and it will depend on the extent - but I would certainly raise the issue of getting estimates with the owners from there you'll be in a better position to know whether you should reconsider an offer on the basis of things that need putting right.

BoL with your meeting.

mrpop

Many thanks to you all regarding the report. I think what we'll do is write down areas he's mentioned, rather than taking the full report with us, then at least we will remember what to discuss with them.

Many thanks - will pop back later to see if anyones' responded regarding the wall ties/ woodwork issues.

:beer:

S

marybishop

When we send out survey reports (HB's included) we always say in the covering letter if you have any comments or queries then feel free to get in touch to discuss. Would think any surveyor worth his salt should offer this. After all some of the issues raised can look pretty worrying and a quick discussion can alleviate any fears or help you decide what you should do about them.

barnaby-bear

marybishop wrote:

When we send out survey reports (HB's included) we always say in the covering letter if you have any comments or queries then feel free to get in touch to discuss. Would think any surveyor worth his salt should offer this. After all some of the issues raised can look pretty worrying and a quick discussion can alleviate any fears or help you decide what you should do about them.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=276998&highlight=wall+ties

I've commented on wall ties before. There are many other discussions if you search.

Wall ties tend to be an issue on certain types of build (often ex-council) and usually problems occur because a) the build quality was a bit ropey and b) some muppet has assumed cavity wall insulation is a good idea for that type of construction because it'll save them £50 a year of the leccy, not realising it can cause a 10k major building problem.

I'd ask surveyor if they the known failures are the same type of build and ask about wall insulation.