Homebuyer's Report

middlecat

Hello,

I am a FTB and would really appreciate some advice on buying my first home.

I have received the Homebuyer's Report but the surveyor has not looked under the floor boards as the floor is either carpeted or tiled. I have also spoken with specialist surveyors, e.g. damp & timber surveyors, and they said they wouldn't lift the carpets or the tiles either to check the floorboards.

How can I make sure that the floorboards underneath is all well? I guess the same question applies to areas where it is inaccessible, for example a loft that is boarded up.

I have been watching "Help! My House if Falling Down" and am worried that some of the bigger issues may be hidden from view.

Many thanks!

chambta

Do you have reason to suspect there could be a problem with some/all of the floorboards and what's the worst case scenario if there is?

Personally I would suggest that things like the roof, walls, heating are all 'bigger issues' but that's just me.

hcb42

stop watching those programs!

middlecat

chambta - no, I don't have any reason to suspect that there might be something wrong with them. I supposed it's very much a case of wanting to positively validate that there is nothing wrong with them, rather than not checking them as there are no symptoms.

hcb42 - I am learning lots about how to look after a house from the show. I have to say, why didn't the property owners feature on the show get a survey before they bought the property?

G_M

If you really want inspections in inaccessible places (and I understand your concern - it's a question of risk) then you'll need the owner's permission for you or your surveyor to lift carpets/floorboards/whatever.

If this causes damage, you'll have to pay. Few owners will want their house damaged by someone who might in any event not buy it.

middlecat

Thanks for your advice, G_M. I will check with the vendor.