Leaking roof found after purchase

TranceNRG

PasturesNew wrote: »

They do. I had one turn up at mine with a ladder, like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Telescopic-Ladder-Unique-Integral-Stabiliser/dp/B001O3CJD8

She went up inside the loft with it.

But, I'd not expect a surveyor to be clambering up single storey extensions to check flat roofs.

Thing is had he said the flat roof should be inspected, Id have inspected myself (I would have noticed the problem) or would have got someone else to have a look.

I guess from the flashings it looked OK, he assumed the roof was in good order. Probably a dodgy quick fix by the previous owner.

AlexMac

Although you say the survey was 'the middle one' you then say it was comissioned by the lender? So I guess the problem is that the surveyor is accountable to them, not you, so it would be difficult to claim on the surveyor's indemnity...

But look on the bright side; older flat roofs only last 10-15 ish years so there probabaly would have been problems some time down the line; tis way you have a dry roof and peace of mind!

casper_g

When I bought last year the survey was arranged through the bank but I paid the surveyor directly. The OP may still have a contractual relationship with the surveyor.

LandyAndy

£750 is extortionate for 11 sq.m. of flat roofing. Half that would be more like.

Jhoney_2

In terms of the survey, it seems that you got what you paid for - by which I mean an upgrade from the basic valuation one. That's what the middle one used to be anyway. It was not a FSS or full building survey, so there may not be any comeback.

I have a flat roof such as you describe and had a Full Structural Survey which I commissioned separately. He certainly did inspect the roof, discuss it in his report and estimate work required and cost.

Having said that, he suggested in had 'come to the end of it's useful life' recommended it be re-felted etc at some point ( I think he said 5 years) and yet it is still watertight 11 years later. It was an estimated £500 even then! Worth every penny his service cost me and had he not retired, would be my go to surveyor.

Always get a Full Survey.

Jhoney_2

LandyAndy wrote: »

£750 is extortionate for 11 sq.m. of flat roofing. Half that would be more like.

Alas, London is an extortionate place to live when it comes to workman/trades etc.

Conversely, the house price values are also extortionately high, so no harm no foul.

It's just when they bodge the job that it gets irritating.

Southend1

Is the roof yours to replace or is it the freeholder's responsibility?

jbainbridge

Southend1 wrote: »

Is the roof yours to replace or is it the freeholder's responsibility?

That's a good point ... OP? It may be that it is not your roof to replace.

eddddy

Southend1 wrote: »

Is the roof yours to replace or is it the freeholder's responsibility?

Yes - it's usually the freeholder's responsibility, but not always.

And, based on an earlier thread:

TranceNRG wrote: »

I'm in the process of buying a 2 bed ground floor flat and it comes with a share of the freehold (shared with 1st floor flat). I got an email from the conveyancing solicitors this week regarding the split. This is an excerpt.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5213462

Sadly, this is a classic example of where the downside of being a joint freeholders can show up....

TranceNRG - "My roof is leaking, and as joint freeholder, you have pay half the repair costs."

Upstairs neighbour - "**** off, I'm not paying to repair the roof over your flat."

And if you persue it, the legal costs could end up being greater than the repair costs - so you don't bother.