House for sale in need of a lot of work! Can I get quotes before I put in an offer?

Lupamonkey

We are thinking of buying an property which needs to be completely re-rendered outside and re-plastered inside as it has a massive damp problem. Because of this it has been reduced by quite a lot. But I'm guessing there are possibly other works involved in getting the property right too.

Is it reasonable to ask the vendor to get some up to date quotes for the works needed? The cost of sorting out this problem is the deciding factor of whether we put in an offer and we don't really want to go in blindly with an offer if we don't know the full cost of the repairs.

The estate agent suggested that he got a figure of 20k but we don't know if that quote factors in everything.

If the vendor isn't willing to get quotes, could we ask builders to come to a viewing with us and ask them to produce quotes? Do they charge for this? I'll understand if they do.

If we can't get an idea of how much it will be, we can't see how we can put in a reasonable offer. I know it's buyer beware, but we don't want to get stung.

theGrinch

yes subject to the tolerance of the vendor. however, you may need to sort the quotes out yoruself

ValHaller

Get your own quotes. Don't delegate to the vendor, because the vendor has a conflict of interest.

Best to take a builder and pay him for his time, because he is less likely to get work from a quote for a potential buyer.

G_M

Lupamonkey wrote: »

.....
Is it reasonable to ask the vendor to get some up to date quotes for the works needed? .....

The estate agent suggested that he got a figure of 20k but we don't know if that quote factors in everything.

If the vendor isn't willing to get quotes, could we ask builders to come to a viewing with us and ask them to produce quotes?

Do they charge for this? I'll understand if they do.

* Perfectly reasonable to want quotes
* Do NOT get quotesfrom the vendor. He will get the cheapest he can using the cheapest cowboy he can find
* Choose and instruct your own builders - all the vendor needs toconsent to is access for the builder
* Do NOT relyon the estate agent. He works forthe vendor, not you. And his motivation is to minimise the work required so as to convince you there will be no big expense if you buy
* Builders usually quote free for home-owners (hoping to get the job), but some charge for their time home-buyers (knowing there is a much smaller chance they will actually get the job)
* you will need a clear understanding of what you are asking the builder to quote for - have you had a survey and got a breakdown of work required?
* Ideally get atl east 2, if not 3, quotes

phoebe1989seb

If this is an older property will you (assuming you buy) be getting it re-rendered and re-plastered in breathable materials, based upon it currently having damp issues that may be a result of cement render/modern plaster?

[Deleted User]

I'm in the process if buying a place that needs re-rendering and have just got quotes for it.

A few things to consider:

- Re-rendering requires building control approval, and there is usually a fee for applying for it - check with the local council
- In order to get approval to re-render you may also be obliged to improve the insulation on the walls, so that could be an extra cost
- Check whether your quote includes the cost of hiring scaffolding
- If you would need to put up scaffolding on a public area (e.g. pavement outside your house) there may also be a fee to apply for permission to do that - check with the local council

dominoman

If you know what is needed and have a few photos, the surveyor will usually be able to give you a rough figure for the work.

If you want it earlier than that then I agree. Offer to pay a friendly builder to come with you on a viewing and estimate it. It doesnt need to be exact, because I imagine you are just getting an approx value.

If you did buy it and go ahead, you'd want to get several quotes but you can't really do that now. It would take too long and you'd risk losing the property in the meantime.