Flat roof on purpose built flats?

redonion

HildaM wrote: »

We used to have an inspection of the roof every two years and we would receive a report about it's condition and how much longer it was expected to last.

The management company did that, and sent the report to you?

One thing you may not have considered - it was never straightforward getting house contents insurance - the question is usually "is the roof of standard construction, eg slate or tile". Even though we were ground floor, we would sometimes have insurance refused because there was a flat roof 3 floors above!

That seems odd. Are you sure it's not because of something else - e.g. because you were on the ground floor?

HildaM

redonion wrote: »

The management company did that, and sent the report to you?

The report was sent to the management company and then was on the agenda at residents meetings so we could vote on whether to repair the roof or replace.

redonion wrote: »

That seems odd. Are you sure it's not because of something else - e.g. because you were on the ground floor ?

No - the rep on the phone said they couldn't insure because of the non-standard construction of the roof. This happened a few times in 22 years.

redonion

HildaM wrote: »

No - the rep on the phone said they couldn't insure because of the non-standard construction of the roof. This happened a few times in 22 years.

That sounds almost Kafkaesque. What on earth does the roof have to do with ground floor flat contents insurance in a four floor building? Surely it would have to be a pretty major roof problem to cause contents damage there?? I don't know, they're thinking maybe the felt attracts Godzilla, who swipes off the top three floors, maybe?

Obviously rhetorical questions as far as you're concerned, HildaM: I'm sure you asked yourself the same questions.

Tinks32

phill99 wrote: »

Wrong. No flat will own the roof. The roof, walls, foundations and common parts are owned by the freeholder.

This is strictly not true, it all depends on what the leases say. You can have a block of flats and maybe the flat on the top floor owns the roof above their flat and they are solely responsible for the upkeep of it (as per their lease), or each flat has to pay a % of the upkeep of the whole building (which includes the roof, as per the leases). OP you need a good solicitor who will ask all these questions on your behalf. I strongly advise before you spend any money or time with this flat that you get hold of a copy of the lease (the agent who is marketing the property, will be able to request a copy from the seller). You can then have a quick read, check for lease length you want more than 90 years, you can then check with other things, ie what is the % of maintenance you are required to pay, what are you responsible for.

hazyjo

If it's ex-LA, that can bring its own problems (eg you might find a hefty bill on your doorstep when they decide it's to be replaced).

Try to 'google-map' it. You might be able to see the rear from a different road, or that it has a pitched side for example. When I was looking, there were several townhouses (3+ storeys) which appeared to have flat roofs. When you looked on a street view map, you could see the angles on the side (with maybe a built up brick bit at the top/front making it look like a flat roof), or it sloped from the top to the back (if you looked from the side, it wouldn't be the usual upside down V shape, more of a backslash).

Jx

hazyjo

PS I would also find out when it was last replaced. Flat roofs generally have quite a limited lifespan (especially compared to pitched).

Jx

propertyman

Try and see if there is internal access at the top of the stairs, otherwise its a question of asking the surveyor to add this to specifically inspect, though you might need permission from e freeholder for a small cherry picker on a van to give then access.

Do read this guide to buyibng a flat falthttps://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4754355=

tim123456789

redonion wrote: »

That sounds almost Kafkaesque. What on earth does the roof have to do with ground floor flat contents insurance in a four floor building? Surely it would have to be a pretty major roof problem to cause contents damage there?? I don't know, they're thinking maybe the felt attracts Godzilla, who swipes off the top three floors, maybe?
.

I can assure you, from first hand experience,

when the roof of a block of flats fails it isn't only the top floor that gets flooded out

tim

propertyman

redonion wrote: »

That sounds almost Kafkaesque. What on earth does the roof have to do with ground floor flat contents insurance in a four floor building?

Even a small long term leak can wreak havoc not just through flooding but leading to mould ( affecting health but often invisible) condensation damaging furnishings and possessions, wet and dry rot.