Homebuyers Report - FTB

FunLuvinFairy

Hi all,

We've just had a few things come up on our HB Report and wondered if people have an idea of what we need quoting for?

The garage to the right of the property is built in brick with a felt covered roof. It is in satisfactory condition. The roof coverings, these are old covered with vegetation and have come to the end of their useful life and needs replacement. As this is likely to be costly, you should instruct a reputable and experienced contractor to inspect and quote for the work before exchange of contracts.
Some damaged areas were noted to the asbestos cement ceiling coverings. The asbestos cement linings are reaching the end of their serviceable life and will need replacing in the near future. Until then, the asbestos should not be disturbed, sanded or drilled, without taking suitable safety precautions. We refer you to our
comments in Section J3 Risks. As this is serious and likely to be costly, you should instruct a registered asbestos removal company to inspect the property and quote for the removal of the asbestos based material before exchange of contracts.

Do we need a quote for a whole new roof or just to replace the lining? Also its mentioned that the electrics need testing due to how old the house is - how much does this cost?

Thanks in advance!

Excited13

The electrics is very common as others will tell you the standards are constantly changing so a house built 10 years ago probably doesn't meet current regulations. It has come up on every survey and the present property I am buying I know it probably needs a complete overhaul due to the age of the property etc.

Regards the asbestos again I think it's fairly common on garages of a certain age and I'm waiting to see what is said in my homebuyers all the valuation didn't say anything.

I'm sure others will be able to help with rough prices. Good luck.

G_M

Does the roof leak? if ot, itisdoing its job!

Felt roofs do have limited lives compared to slate/tiles (anything from 10 to 30 years), but if the felt is not ripped/torn, and still keeps the rain out, it may last many more years.

To renew the felt could cost £1000 - £5000 depending on size and material used. Modern (non-felt) roof coverings last much longer than they used to, but not sure about price.

An electrical report will cost around £50-70.

Is the asbestos ceiling also in the garage, or in the house? If garage, just leave it be. If house, do you plan to redecorate?

mail2z

The issues mentioned are quite common in all reports that surveyor produce to avoid getting into trouble. You are aware of the age of the construction and hence you are also aware of time bound maintenance, you cannot expect the owner to hand over a house which is currently updated at the right price. If the price is right go ahead with it, perform some essentail maintenance some can wait but some will need to be done right away. Good luck with it.

cootuk

If the garage has a felt roof, then is this covering an older asbestos style one, or is there something like artex inside the house on the ceilings--in which case it's a pita to remove so possibly cover rather than remove if it's still well attached.
A specialist can drill a small plug to determine whether it does actually contain asbestos.

FunLuvinFairy

1Thanks for all the replies guys! Much appreciated!