Asking vendor to carry out repairs after survey.

SG27

I've just spoke to our surveyor and he says that some damaged drainage has caused damp to get into the living room and caused damage to the concrete living room floor. He says it could cost up to £2000 to repair depending on the extent of the damage.

The property has been refurbished by a developer and we are intending to ask that the works are carried out prior to exchange but how will we know if it has been done properly and that the problem is fixed? Is it common to get the surveyor to go back and check the work after?

Fire_Fox

You don't usually ask the vendor to do the repairs, you renegotiate the asking price and do it to your standard with your chosen tradesman after you move in. The alternative is to ask for a copy of the invoice on headed paper so you can check the credentials of the workman or to go down and see the work in progress so you know the whole floor was properly lifted. Given the vendor is a developer there is an element of trust here anyway, your surveyor cannot see everything.

StevenMarks

I'd probably look for discount and get work done myself

Mickygg

They won't agree to doing the works. Why would they when you could pull out of buying once it's done? You knock the price off the house. That's what I did with my house.

SG27

Mickygg wrote: »

They won't agree to doing the works. Why would they when you could pull out of buying once it's done? You knock the price off the house. That's what I did with my house.

The vendor has completely renovated the house and the damp problem has only surfaced since the renovation. There is a problem with a drainage gully they have put in that is leaking into the side of the property rather than channeling it away.

If we pull they will have to get the problem fixed as a matter of urgency before the next buyer anyway.

I think we will ask for the work to be done and be prepared to ask for a price reduction if he refuses.

hazyjo

You don't know they'll do it properly. They might just paint over it for all you know!

As above, best to do it yourselves after completion.

Jx

SG27

hazyjo wrote: »

You don't know they'll do it properly. They might just paint over it for all you know!

As above, best to do it yourselves after completion.

Jx

They was why we thought of asking the surveyor to go back and check the work carried out. The problem seems to have got worse in the last week so if we waited until after completion the damage might be worse!

hazyjo

Doubt a surveyor will be qualified to check works - would probably recommend that a contractor of sorts go in to inspect the work. Even then, things can be easily hidden!

Not sure who would be instructed. Damp/roofer/guttering/building expert? Without pictures or detailed info, it's hard to know. Suppose your surveyor might suggest who should check it, or maybe it's clearer to you, but I very much doubt a surveyor would sign off any work as being okay!

Jx

SG27

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm definitely considering getting it done after. With regards to getting quotes for the work (I've never done this before!) would the builder have to visit the actual property to have a look? Or would they quote based on my description? What I'm getting at it do I need to book a viewing to take the builder round to quote. The house is vacant and the agent has the keys.

phoebe1989seb

I would arrange to take the builder round in order that he can see for himself/quote correctly.

We are selling my parents' house - empty as they have already moved out - and as we live 70 miles away the EA has the keys and has taken the buyers' builders (two of them on separate occasions) round to price up several things that were flagged up in their survey. The price has subsequently been negotiated down between us and the buyers via our EA to reflect these works, which they will carry out after completion......