Problems highlighted on Survey....

whywhywhy2015

Hi,

We are first time buyers and feel like the estate agent is trying to pull one over on us! Any advice appreciated.

We commissioned our own homebuyers survey independent of our mortgage application. We will get just the valuation from our mortgage company.

The survey has raised many issues - some of which we expected as the property is badly maintained -most are minor. The two we are concerned about are:
1. The chimney has been knocked out ground floor and first floor but is inadequately supported in the ceiling
2. Possible 'rising damp' in the hallway (could be condensation)

The estate agent has told us that we have done things 'backwards' with the survey and usually you'd get it all from the mortgage company. Also it only matters if these things show up on the valuation from the mortgage company so we have 'wasted our money getting a survey'......

It is my (limited) understanding that you need to conform to building regs to knock down a chimney. I've requested that the estate agent ask the vendors whether they have this approval.

The estate agent is very keen to fob us off and is quite patronising. She said that the chimney problem is very common and 'not a big deal'. Advice from our mortgage advisor is that if the lender finds the chimney an issue then they might retain the money. We will have to pay for the valuation to get to this stage. (£188)

I am a bit confused about our next steps now. Regardless of whether it is an issue with the mortgage company I would like any necessary paperwork to be in place and also for the structure to be adequately supported.

How would you proceed?
Thanks

ellie27

The solicitor you have appointed will look for all the necessary building regs/planning permissions etc that should be in place.

Now that you know these issues you could try renegotiating the price that you had already agreed on to cover some of the costs, by getting quotes for repairs?

Your estate agent does seem to be talking nonsense.

KRB2725

Your estate agent is talking rubbish in my opinion. We have always booked a survey independently and I believe it makes sense to do so. The surveyor/valuer that you pay for as part of your mortgage is working for the lender and they are paid to ensure the lenders interests are looked after, not yours.

jbainbridge

Never forget that the EA does not work for you. They simply want to sell the house and get their fee from the vendor.

Ignore the EA ... satisfy yourselves that the house is good enough for you / worth what you are paying.

dannim12345

I wouldn't be too worried about the 'rising damp' - it that is an external wall I would look at what could be causing it e.g. high ground level. If not I wouldn't worry too much unless the walls were noticeable damp (that's my opinion).

The chimney is more worrying. If its unsupported get a quote to fix this issues and try and get that deducted from the price - its also unlikely to have building control sign off.

The EA is talking rubbish, they do not know more than a qualified surveyor (whether you or the bank instructed them).