Cosmetic Improvements?

h158

Hi, I've lurked for a while but never posted so please be gentle

I've seen a house and am going to ring the EA tomorrow to find out more, but in your experience, what does 'cosmetic improvements' really mean? I went to see a house a few weeks ago in need of decorative repair and seriously it was almost derelict!! Damp all the way up the 3 storeys, a plant growing through one wall, the concrete floor in the kitchen had imploded, plaster falling off the walls and ceilings.... seriously!

What should I expect by 'cosmetic improvements' - I would say painting, carpets, new windows, new kitchen/bathroom.

Drove past it and there is ivy growing all over it which has covered one room - wondering if this could be a problem....hmm

Snow_Dog

:rotfl:Maybe a little bit of eyeliner, foundation, blusher but nothing too fancy.

Seriously though, it could mean anything, the EA has got to be as polite as possible and as positive as he can about the place, though I would agree with your thoughts on cosmetic, ie decoration etc.

When they start using the word refurbishment it usually starts to mean things like dont bother with the wallpaper it needs replastering.

Errata

I'm amazed the EA is using the description of cosmetic improvements if it's as bad as you say as they have to give an accurate description. Why not ask the EA what cosmetic improvements he envisages !

nelly_2

As a plasterer who knows absolutely everything about houses Id say cosmetic means anything that doesnt really need doing as such, but just to make the place nicer!

like a bit of sanding, bit of painting, big picture of me topless on the wall etc

Snow_Dog

Noooooooooooooooooo, dont say things like that,laaa laaa laaaa fingers in ears.

Running_Horse

If they haven't taken care of the cosmetic side of things, expect the survey to turn up some fundamental flaws.

paddy's_mum

Cosmetic, by the very nature of the word, should mean something applied to the visible surface of something, to tidy it or make it more attractive to look at.

This EA is having a laugh - what you have seen is refurbishment at the very least and as already pointed out, the survey may indicate major remedial works.

h158

Spoke to the EA and he says the current owner works in London (must commute from the North West during the week!) so he said it's really untidy, he's re-wired one room and not plastered i.e. he starts jobs and doesn't finish them but nothing major. Bathroom and Kitchen from the 70's etc. Overgrown gardens etc. So to me it sounds ok and I could live in it.

Frustrating thing is I can only view on Monday :rolleyes: I'm so excited I drempt of viewing a house last night....I'll need valium by Monday!!

Problem is my house isn't on the market, but it will be tomorrow! :j

There are 3 viewing it on Monday and it's only been on the market 3 days. Will let you know what 'cosmetic improvements' really means on Monday!