Negotiation following..survey.

desthemoaner

Hi All

We're selling our house and have recently accepted an offer. The chap who is buying it is himself a surveyor, and has picked up on some issues with the roof structure. Specifically, he reckons one of the main roof timbers across the width of the roof, the ones that span from the gable end to the party wall with next door (purlins, I think they're called) is not adequately supported on the existing corbels. In particular he pointed out that in order to level the timber, the original builder has used a slate wedge on top of the corbel at one end instead of building the brickwork to the correct level. He also mentioned that the mortar in the party wall is crumbling.

The house was built in 1897, the roof lines are perfectly straight, there's no evidence of movement of the roof structure and he acknowledges this. However, its clear that he intends to use the issue to negotiate some money off the price of the house. I'm told that loose, crumbling mortar is normal in an internal loft situation in a house of this vintage because the mortar hasn't been tooled or pointed, and its unlikely to deteriorate further because its not exposed to the elements. My research so far seems to indicate that although the problem with the corbel may be relevant, if the roof hasn't moved in 117 years its not likely to.

Additionally, he reckons he's identified damp inside the roof in the vicinity of a chimney stack. He's done this using a damp meter, because to me, the patches on the internal roof timbers feel dry, and I reckon the damp is historical. But I'm not a surveyor, so at a disadvantage when it comes to arguing this particular toss.

So, do I negotiate with him over the price of this work or treat this as a bluff and dig my heels in? I suppose it largely depends on how much they want the house, and how much I want to sell it, but I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

da_rule

I would maybe say you would agree to negotiate a price after an independent survey report. Maybe even offer to go half and half on the fee. Just thinking that as he's buying the property he may be exaggerating issues (I'm not going to say lying). Or just get a survey yourself and if he agrees then so bit it, if not then you've got some evidence to use.

anselld

Dig in! Those are relatively trivial issues and should be expected for any property of that vintage.

desthemoaner

Thanks for your responses. I think I might wait until I see what kind of figures he's talking about, and if they're entirely reasonable, I'll considering offering a token sum in the hope that it'll keep the purchase flowing. If not so reasonable, then I'll get my own survey done and the fun can start.

Dan-Dan

Why on earth would you pay towards any survey , when nothing is certain until exchange?

ConfusedofYorkshire

I'd want an independent survey. Or at least a few quotes from someone qualified to do the work.

traineepensioner

I don't doubt that he's a surveyor but if he's going for a mortgage then I doubt that the mortgage company would accept his survey and would insist on it's own valuation or structural survey.
I would then negotiate on anything mentioned in this report only (make sure you get a copy of the relevant bits).

Halle71

I would reply that the house is priced accurately for a property of this age and condition so, unless you hear otherwise from an independent surveyor, you will not be negiating the price.

Road_Hog

Tell him, to do one. Every house always needs work done, he knew the price beforehand.

dimbo61

The house is not to current standards is it?
It does not have modern insulation, modern double glazing, gas central heating to modern standards.
It has not been built in 2014 by a bunch of builders
It is old and still standing !
The whole electrics may need to be replaced, damp proof course etc
IF HE WANTS THE HOUSE the price is the price.
If he wants a house up to modern standards go and buy a New Build

Gordon_Hose

We got quoted £300 to add extra purlin supports on the 1894 built house we recently bought. It's a cheap and easy job, apparently.