Survey Results - when to resolve?

officerlog

Hi all

Just a quick one.

We are in the process of buying a house (haven't exchanged yet) - we just had the survey done which has brought up a few issues such as boiler didnt fire up, damp etc. I'm aware these are big issues and we have already had a damp quote but is there a way we could have the issues resolved prior to completion/moving in? how do people do this? Live somewhere else while resolving the issues?

Gordon_Hose

You wouldn't have them fixed before moving in. Move in, then fix the issues.

Also, it depends why the boiler didn't fire up, or what the survey said about the damp.

You did get an independant damp surveyor to take a look, and not a company that sells damp rectifying products, didn't you?

officerlog

We did indeed Gordon Hose - i found a reputable local guy with great reviews.

Obviously would be good to have a boiler fixed prior to moving in - i have made a couple of calls and hopefully getting someone round in the next day or 2.

So bottom line is fix after completion, and there is no way to do prior/it is not normal practice?

Gordon_Hose

OK, good news about the independant surveyor. What damp issues did he find?

Getting the boiler fixed obviously rests on the current occupier being there to let the Gas Safe engineer in.

Why would the current occupier want all the hassle/inconvenience that comes with having work done?

It's unreasonable to ask a vendor to fit in around your work schedule, especially as they won't be living in the house once it's done.

officerlog

The house is currently unoccupied - it is a probate sale by the family. Sorry, should have made that clear.

With regards to the damp, there were a few areas which will need damp proof course, waterproofing, rendering plus the lower ground needs tanking.

G_M

You may be able to agree access with the sellers between Exchange and ompletion. You would also have to agree to any works. The property is still theirs till Completion so you can't just start fiddling with their boiler etc without consent.

Some sellers will agree, some won't (many soliciors will advise them not to).

Gordon_Hose

officerlog wrote: »

The house is currently unoccupied - it is a probate sale by the family. Sorry, should have made that clear.

With regards to the damp, there were a few areas which will need damp proof course, waterproofing, rendering plus the lower ground needs tanking.

In that case, if you're not in a hurry to move, you would have to arrange with the family to gain access for works to be carried out.