wallpaper and false ceilings - impact on survey?

bluedrop

Hi all,
Can someone please throw light on this?

Im planning to buy a house. It has false celings in the bedrooms and its heavily wall papered throughout. The wallpaper is very old though.

I am wondering if this would impact the survey process? will they not be able to catch anything important becuase of the wall papers? I am plannign to get a full survey done.

Any relevant advice much appreciated.

bluedrop

Any thoughts anyone?

Better_Days

Could you post the link on RM so we can get an idea of the type of property?

If you have any particular concerns then speak to your surveyor before he conducts the survey and he will also be able to advise what he can't check.

With particular regard to wallpaper - it may be a pain to get off without damaging the plaster, especially if it has been painted over. We had to have our hall wall skimmed as it was impossible to get the woodchip off without marking the plaster quite badly.

Sorry, I know absolutely nothing about false ceilings, but it may be worth getting a quote from a builder before you proceed as to what it would cost to take them out and make good. And of course there maybe horrors hidden underneath. Is the propery empty?

bluedrop

. The property isnt empty...The vendors have been living in it since over 20yrs

Unfortunately, rightmove pics don't show the bedrooms - false ceilings are in the bedrooms....

[Deleted User]

They surveyor can only comment on what he can see. Be prepared to be advised that you need to a specialist to investigate further on damp, timber, electrics, plumming, roofing and more. That is how they cover their back. So much for reassurance...

robatwork

You're better to get a builder to visit with you, and get a quote for removal of the ceiling and making good of the walls. Then knock that off your offer...

holly_hobby

The dated wallpaper won't affect the value as such, however the false ceiling may cause an issue, if they are old and made from flammable material (ie polysterene tiles), or asbestos, which is doubtful in a ceiling (usually the walls and ceiling of gas central heating cupboards), but you never know.

Wait until the survey comes in, specalist rerport and reetention issues will be damp & timber, re-wiring (old elecs), structual issues, fire hazards, and as I say any suspicion of asbestos.

Let us know how it pans out for further guidance.

Holly