Homebuyer's Survey: results are in...

Fizzymartini

My Homebuyer's Report has returned :j, with surprisingly little work needed at all. In fact, the only amber 2 score (not counting the standard "gas and electricity need checking" blurb) was on something I don't really understand. Could someone kindly please advise?

External joinery and finishes generally remain in satisfactory condition free from significant defect. Some of the eaves joinery is of low maintenance UPVC clad materials. Although the eaves to the front gable remain timber. Early re-decoration will be required together with localised repair, maintenance and attention to
prevent deterioration.

Re-decoration... does this mean a lick of paint should suffice? I have no idea what is needed for gable eaves maintenance, and even Google is being really unhelpful. Plus, as this is external, should this be covered by the service charge, or shared by the flats if share of freehold?

Also, the surveyor was "unable to obtain access to the rear of the property and cannot therefore report on the condition of components that are only visible from there". Is that something to be concerned about?

G_M

Yes. There is a mainly cosmetic) piece of wood below the eaves that needs periodic painting. Standard house maintenance. Every 5 - 10 years? If VERY bad condition it will eventually rot and need replacing.

The 'localised repair' might suggest a bit of the wood need cutting out/replacing, the rest just 'a lick of paint. Either way, man with ladder for half a day.....nothing scary or expensive there.

The rear? Well, if he couldn't see it he couldn't comment! May be all fine. May also need "Early re-decoration will be required together with localised repair, maintenance and attention to
prevent deterioration."
Or maybe the rear of the property is falling down????