Survey issues

sunnysea83

Hi

I am in the process of purchasing a house, I have had a full structural survey carried out and its showing some concerns, mainly damp on an internal (neighbouring property) and external wall and states it unusual for a house of this age and type.

What are the next steps? do I pass the report on to my solicitor? Do i need to get someone else to look at the damp and quote on cost to repair and then go back to the vendor?

Yes I could ask my solicitor this but he wont be there to do so until Monday.

thank you in advance

marlot

damp on external walls can sometimes be caused by blocked or defective gutters - its important to keep them clear.

damp on an internal wall is unusual. It could be rising damp, but might need to be treated both sides?

Hard to advise further without knowing the cause.

sunnysea83

thats the thing the surveyor does state the cause and says there is no obvious cause, just refers to it as 'unusual for the condition and age of the property'.

Davesnave

Solicitors will not be much help for advice on damp, but they may be able to advise a course of action if a neighbouring property is also involved.

As there is no obvious cause, you should instruct an independent damp surveyor to have a look. That is not a damp and woodworm treatment company, which would have a vested interest.

Just Google for a list of surveyors in your area. Once you have their report, you can decide whether to negotiate further, or not.