Home Buyers Report

MikeOH_2

Hi everyone I have just joined this site in hope of some advice in relation to a home buyers report I have just received.

Myself and my wife have just had an offer accepted for our first ever home and have just had the report through. The house price agreed was £205,000, £15,000 below the asking price and the reinstatement cost on the report was £155,00. The house was approximatley built in 1950.

I would appreciate any feedback on the below problems that were flagged up on the report to let me know if I should be worried or if this is pretty standard for such a property. We have never bought a property before so any help if much appreciated.

Thank in Advance

Mike

ASBESTOS
Materials containing asbestos are present in many buildings of this age, often enclosed and
unexposed. Asbestos may be present in, for example, roofing felt, guttering, fascias, soffits
and wall coatings. The exact nature of the material can only be determined by laboratory
testing. There are potential health risks stemming from the inhalation of asbestos fibres
and from working with this material. Further advice is available from the local authority or
Health and Safety Executive
Specialist advice should be obtained
before carrying out any work to these components. The cost of removal may be high. See
J3.
A representative sample of timber has been inspected but the possibility of concealed
defects being present to inaccessible timbers cannot be ruled out.
Where there are dry linings or built-in fitments such as

CHIMNEY STACKS
There is one stone chimney stack. The junction between the chimney stack and
the roof (flashing) is waterproofed with lead. The waterproofing to the top of the
chimney stack (flaunching) is a stone plinth.
There are defects including cracking of the stone and mortar joints. Repairs are
required and a closer inspection should be carried out to assess the extent of the
work. See J1.
I recommend you obtain a report and quotation from a contractor for the work
required

MAIN ROOFS
The main roof is a pitched design with a covering of slate.
There is no underlay and consequently penetrating dampness may occur, but can
be installed when the covering is renewed. See J1.
During periods of heavy and prolonged driving rain, water penetration may occur.
Torching can hold dampness in proximity to timber increasing the risk of decay
and it is important to maintain the covering in good condition.
Consideration should be given to re-laying the slates over felt in the short to
medium term.
Flat Roof to Bay
This is coated in lead and there is a gutter fitted around the perimeter edges. Some
oxidation of the lead was noted but no significant repairs are deemed necessary.
The life span of a flat roof covering is difficult to predict. The surface may appear
sound, but a minor defect can cause deterioration to the fabric beneath. Such
problems can go undetected for a period of time. Flat roof coverings should be
checked regularly and maintained.ed.

SERVICES
G4
Heating Central heating is provided by a Glow Worm Betacom wall mounted gas-fired
combi boiler located in the outbuilding supplying radiators.
The boiler was installed in June of this year. It may still be covered by a guarantee.
Heating systems of this type require correct servicing and maintenance to ensure
efficiency and safety. The boiler is fitted with a fan assisted flue.
You should obtain certification that it has been installed in accordance with Gas
Safe Regulations and Building Regulations.
No tests were carried out to the solid fuel burner in the dining room.
3
G5
Water heating Hot water is provided by the central heating boiler.
You should seek confirmation that the boiler was installed in accordance with Gas
Safe Regulations and Building Regulations.
3
G6
Drainage Drainage is assumed to connect into the public sewer. The system is likely to be
shared with adjoining owners. Legal adviser should confirm the precise
maintenance and repairing responsibilities.
There is an inspection chamber located within the site. Unfortunately, the cover
was completely jammed and could not be removed.
I cannot comment on the condition of the drainage system due to the lack of
access. As defects may be present further investigation is recommended. See J1.
A plastic soil pipe is fitted to the exterior.
Other waste pipes and surface water pipes are connected to open gullies.
I recommend you obtain a report and quotation from a contractor for the work
required.

oldbaldman

For a HB Report that is very good. My most recent HBR contained numerous inaccuracies and vague assertions that all was well, which it isn't.

Which lender are you going with?

obm

MikeOH_2

Hi OBM

There were many other areas pointed out but these were minor levels 2 and 1 the ones noted above are level 3 (high prioroty). Our Lender is Yorkshire bank and have been very helpful indeed. They used Eserve for the survey.

Mike

oldbaldman

Asbestos is found in many building materials and components, including all tis mentioned and interior finishings such as Artex, textured coatings that were commonly used on walls and ceilings. Generally there is only a problem if you disturb the material, drill into it, scrape it off etc. Such disturbance can create an exposure to fibres which can be harmful depending on the type of asbestos used.

many of the queries raised will be covered by your solicitor on the questions asked in the form that solicitors use between them on a purchase. Has your solicitor seen the report yet? I am no expert and on the limited knowledge that your report provides there is nothing there that would put me off. But, I do all my own remedial work. I do extreme DIY. Are you up to DIY?

obm