Survey returned at valuation but ......

jodami84

A couple of things flagged up we weren't expecting.

We had budgeting for most things, including installing central heating, but in addition to concerns about the heating, the electrics were flagged up as an immediate cause for concern.

A family member is a spark, so im not unduly worried about the cast, although it obviously still wont be cheap.

We are working to a fine deadline as it stands and after getting the all clear for the mortgage offer i passed on the info to the estate agent believing all was well. Now im thinking i have been too hasty, as although it has come in at valuation, we could really do with getting some knocked off if it needs a rewire.

We haven't exchnged yet, but the vendor is going away at the end of the month and is keen to complete. Would going back to negotiate on the price slightly hamper things greatly?

I'm not looking to play games, it's just that as first-time buyers things are pretty tight as it is. Especially given we need to buy new doors and central heating.

What would you do?

G_M

jodami84 wrote: »

the electrics were flagged up as an immediate cause for concern.

A family member is a spark, so im not unduly worried about the cast, although it obviously still wont be cheap.

What does the survey say? Surveyors are not sparkies so often cover themselves by saying things liek:
* The electrics are not up to current Building Regulations standards
* you are advised to seek an electrical survey
* the elcetrics appear dated and...

None of this means they need work!

sismith42

What G_M says... can you take the family member round for another viewing?

jodami84

"the electric meter together with an older fusebox with rewireable fuses"

"wiring where visible was of a pvc design with earthing present"

"As no test certificates could be seen, and as the consumer unit is old, I recommend the installation be checked by a competent registered electrical contractor immediately and the system brough up-to-date with current regulations"

Thats the bulk out of it without the parts that are totally irrelevant

zappahey

There's nothing there that would cause me concern. He's just saying it's pretty old and doing a bit of CYA.

jodami84

cya = cover ya !!!?

G_M

My car is 1990s. No disc breaks or catalytic converter. Perfectly legal and runs like a dream. But it wouldn't meet todays stanfards if it was being being manufactured.

You have nothing to worry about - pvc wiring? Now if it was 1950s rubber I'd be concerned!

jodami84

When i briefly spoke to the spark in the family he was quizzing me about rubber wiring. Im guessing that would be rewire material

jodami84

Electrician says needs a rewire. Now to decide whether or not we try to negotiate a discount for the property. We're torn as we dont want to upset or annoy the vendor, but we would be really struggling to carry out the plumbing, electrical work and the doors. I dont want to leave ourselves totally stretched and none of those things can be put on the backburner really.

G_M

jodami84 wrote: »

Electrician says needs a rewire.

I must admit to being surprised, though I hesitate to contradict an electrician.

I'd just ask: was this conclusion reached after an inspection by the electrician, or on the basis of the survey?

"the electric meter together with an older fusebox with rewireable fuses"

"wiring where visible was of a pvc design with earthing present"

"As no test certificates could be seen, and as the consumer unit is old, I recommend the installation be checked by a competent registered electrical contractor immediately and the system brough up-to-date with current regulations"

does NOT constitute a need for a rewire.

olibrofiz

As you're talking about putting in central heating I'm guessing the house is an older one, and therefore the electrics would need some consideration. And I don't see why the buyer should drop the price because you hadn't thought about the wiring - but no harm in asking.

If it were me, and I really wanted the house, the new doors would be put on hold, I like to sleep safe at night