Dry rot - what would you do?

pinklady21

Heck!
Don't want to scare ya, but......
As someone who once owned a flatted property that got a serious attack of dry rot as a result of a broken downpipe.......the rot was well advanced and in 2 properties by the time it was discovered.....that ended up in a serious neighbour dispute that lasted years before a program of repairs could be agreed....with both properties deteriorating in the meantime....

The repairs took months, both flats had to be taken apart right back to walls with all woodwork, plaster etc being removed. You could see through the floor of one flat down into the subfloor of the other.

OK - the dry rot was fixed - and other posters are quite correct, once you eliminate the source of the dampness, the dry rot spores stop growing.
However.....
it happened to me well over a decade ago, and it still gives me the shivers when I think about it. It is something I would NEVER EVER want to go through again, given the choice!

In your case, why aren't the vendors offering to fix the problems?
Maybe they know more than they are letting on?

Honestly - I would walk away.
If that is not an option then I would want a full survey of the extent of the dampness and dry rot and any other problems - eg woodworm? , whether it has spread to neighbouring properties, who has liability for the dampness - ie where did it start etc etc.
You need to know the full extent of what you are taking on before proceeding.
And don't expect to be able to live in the place anytime soon.....
Sorry - and best of luck!

Ulfar

I wouldn't buy it, why give yourself all that hassle and worry.

Lord_Baltimore

You're almost talking yourself into this as if it's a make or break option.

It's confirmed dry rot. I would leave well alone not least because when you come to sell you will have to declare it and that will put off the majority of potential buyers. Dry rot can travel through mortar and remain dormant until it is revitalised by moisture.

Chemicals are no guarantee of complete destruction and often firms will try to seal it in knowing that tracing every strand is impossible or impractical.

Nope, leave this one alone unless you have very deep pockets and are prepared for potentially huge disruption. Dry rot has a fruiting body that will distribute millions of spores. It really is no fun.

witchy1066

Lord_Baltimore wrote: »

You're almost talking yourself into this as if it's a make or break option.

It's confirmed dry rot. I would leave well alone not least because when you come to sell you will have to declare it and that will put off the majority of potential buyers. Dry rot can travel through mortar and remain dormant until it is revitalised by moisture.

Chemicals are no guarantee of complete destruction and often firms will try to seal it in knowing that tracing every strand is impossible or impractical.

Nope, leave this one alone unless you have very deep pockets and are prepared for potentially huge disruption. Dry rot has a fruiting body that will distribute millions of spores. It really is no fun.

^^^^
OP this is good advise , take it,

dry rot is not something for the novice, even well respected builders would not want to take it on,

but as my brothers tell me "there is nothing in a property that can not be fixed, at a cost"

if that cost is reflected in the price and you have the funds then go ahead, the choice is yours,

whichever way you decide to go
I wish you all the best and hope the cost to you does not turn out to be too high,