Charlene's FTB - Diary 2007

Doozergirl

Hooray!

It's an emotional rollercoaster if nothing else

Tiger_greeneyes

Well done Char! It's nice to hear some good news

CharleneUK

Cheers all! Update!

The valuation was carried out yesterday, so should be hearing back from Abbey within the next few days with the mortgage offer and report.

I've also received 'seller's property information form' from my solicitors which is a bit useless really. I've had the Corgi certificate as well. Should be receiving the warranty on the kitchen soon.

Can I ask? The Vendor doesn't seem to know what boundaries are her's and what are the neighbours around her. So how will I find out who repairs which fence, wall or hedge? Almost everything is ticked 'unknown' I've also had a plan which is circled so I know the boundaries of the house, but this doesn't answer the question about fences, which I'm told is a big thing with houses, is this correct?

There are no guarantees for damp course, insulation etc. There is guarantees for central heating, this is not enclosed either.

Basically I'm just wondering how important this information is? Since a lot of things aren't actually useful. Ugh, I can't explain myself properly and sound like an idiot, so if you get this far, help me out! LOL

Tiger_greeneyes

Hi Char

Don't worry - I know exactly what you're wanting to know. All of those things are down to the solicitor to find out for you. You should be receiving copies of everything from him/her soon, and anything else you want confirmed, make a note and ask them before you exchange.

I'm glad it's all going well for you, you must be getting excited again!

CharleneUK

Thank you! Good idea, I'll jot everything I need to know, and may research a bit just to make sure I get any relevant questions answered.

I'm very very excited, we drove past the house yesterday when picking up my daughters friend, and I didn't realise how close the houses were! (god help me!) I just can't wait to move there, it just all feels so real now and I just can't wait!!!

CharleneUK

Hi all, just an update!

We've had the valuation carried out last week and had the mortgage offer on our doorstep this morning! So we've arranged our building survey to be done and hopefully it'll be carried out by Monday.

There are a few issues, which I had no idea would be shown on the valuation report, but now I'm dreading the building survey:

"Some damp was found at ground level internally and the advice of a specialist timber and damp contractor should be sought on the whole property and the recommendations implemented" Numerical amount £1,500 - Have called Atlas timber and damp who charge £60 to carry out a survey, I know some Atlas are free, does anyone have any other recommended companies I could try?

"There are some deciduous trees on adjoining land at the rear of the nearest of which is about 4m from the building. Whilst no associated damage was noted, trees can cause problems to structures and services on shrinkable sub-soils"
In English anyone!? LOL

So as it stands now, things are moving along quite quickly, solicitors say searches should take no more than 10-14 working days, so the end is in sight. Just dreading the building survey now.

Doozergirl

I always take the damp thing with a pinch of salt. If you are arranging your own seperate building survey, I would highlight the damp reading to the surveyor and ask them to advise you. Most houses have damp readings, especially old ones, it doens't mean they are actually suffering with the damp.

If a tree is removed, then the ground can swell with all the water that was previously being drunk by the tree. They call it 'heave' and it can cause the house to move. A tree 4m from your house shouldn't be too bad. How far is the actual canopy from the house? The roots will come out slightly beyond that canopy. If it isn't too near the house, you hopefully won't have any trouble.

CharleneUK

Thanks Doozergirl, you've made me feel less worried.

On thinking more about this, the trees aren't near the property, they are near the building behind the property (the taxi thing) so am not sure what kind of problems this could create for the building, then in turn, the property!

Will just wait till we get the full survey done, will speak with the surveyor about damp etc.

Thank you!!

CharleneUK

Hi all! Finally an update Lots of questions I'm afraid, but I'd be SO SO grateful for any help as I'm more lost than ever now!!

Firstly, is it common for the surveyors to be unable to do so many checks because of 'can't be seen with a 3 foot ladder' 'fixed flooring throughout' These may seem like silly questions, but there were LOTS of headings that were not done for reasons like this and it got on my nerves, made me feel like they were ripping us off!! Like I said, may be the norm, if someone could confirm.

I had a full structural survey (building report) done, which consisted of 52 pages.

Here is a summary:

Obtain builders quotations in regards to providing lead counter flashings to flat roof, repairing the firewall in the roof space, external render repairs and making good, providing additional airbricks to the sub floor and repairs to the front boundary wall.

In the absence of proof that building regulations consent was obtained for removing the load bearing wall to the lounge/diner, obtain a report and a recommendations from a chartered building surveyor or structural engineer or chartered building surveyor in respect of the springy bedroom floor.

Obtain a report and recommendations from a specialist damp proofing contractor or chartered building surveyor in respect of the damp to the lounge/diner.

Obtain a report and recommendations from an accredited surveyor/laboratory or licensed asbestos removal contractor in respect of the textured coating to the ceilings.

Obtain a report and quotation from a builder or drainage contractor in respect of the access chamber and cover.

Consider an NICIEC Electricians report of the electrical system
Consider a CORGI Engineers report of the gas/heating system.

Conclusion:

We can only assume the property conformed to the relevant building town planning regulations at the time of construction.

The property under review is generally in fair condition but some matters are apparent where the full extent of which cannot be determined without further investigation. Providing those investigations are undertaken and reveal levels of disrepair that are acceptable to you, and the repairs as recorded are carried out and the property properly maintained in the future it should provide a suitable investment.

They also mentioned about getting the fruit trees removed.
I will post more of the actions, but a lot of them were to be estimated before purchase.

Any advice on what I've posted so far much appreciated.

x








Here are the actions in more details:

Doozergirl

It's the usual backside covering. It sounds like a very usual survey to me and yes, they always say that certain areas can't be accessed.

I can't believe that's what you get for paying for a full structural survey. I know it's not supposed to be a guarantee, which many people think it is, but you might as well just get all the specialists in beforehand.