Dealing with issues on the valuation

Andrew_Ryan_89

Hi guys,

I swear, buying a property is the most stressful thing I've done in my life and I'm not even half way through.

The brokers are really starting to annoy me. On my mortgage application form, I ticked that I wanted a Home Buyers Survey done and instead I got a standard valuation. In that valuation it mentioned that there is suspected Asbestos behind the wall underneath the cupboard under the stairs.

I have no idea what to do next. Is this something I take up with the solicitor or the broker? Any advice on dealing with such queries will be highly appreciated.

Regards,

Humphrey2012

Hi - I agree - very stressful.

I am no expert but asbestos isn't as frightening as it sounds and will only cause an issue if you want to remove it. Even then, the only difference is that you'd have to get someone in who knows how to do this properly. So in my opinion not a big deal.

Asbestos is in some artexing in ceilings and walls and it's not uncommon.

Like I say, not an expert, I only know this from a previous house purchase and raising the same query.

Good luck with everything.

Humphrey2012

P.S. - sorry I meant to say that I am surprised a valuation picked something like this up? I would have thought a homebuyers survey would, but that a simple valuation wouldn't.

chappers

Are your issues with the suspected asbestos or with the fact that they did the wrong survey.
As has been said asbestos isn't always the issue its made out to be.
Firstly are you sure it's asbestos, there are other materials that can look like asbestos to the untrained eye(and many mortgage surveyors fall into that category), that may have been put there as a fire precaution. For example it is necessary to protect the stairway from fire if doing a loft conversion.
Also most asbestos is only really a problem when disturbed, but could also be an issue in a confined space such as the cupboard you mention. However this isn't insurmountable and the sheet of asbestos could be sealed(gloss paint is as good as anything, but wear a mask when doing it).
How old is the house you are buying, as that could be an indication as to how likely there is to be asbestos present.
THIS might be of interest to you.

Andrew_Ryan_89

The house was built around 1950 and the report says the presence of asbestos is "suspected". My issue is that a full survey was not done. I'd rather pay the £400 and know for certain I am not dealing with any major issues as soon as I walk in. Part of me also fears that if I order a survey, the estate agent or seller might think I am getting cold feet.

Kynthia

What does your broker say about why you didn't get a survey? Why don't you hire your own surveyor now to do a Home buyers survey? Many of us prefer to engage our own local surveyor and the RICS website will list those in your area.

chappers

I would order the survey and let them think what they want, if your piece of mind is important to you, just point out to them that there was an error with regards to your instruction and the survey wasn't carried out as you requested.

Andrew_Ryan_89

Thanks for the responses guys. Can anyone recorecommend a good way to choose a surveyor or even recommended one who works in the Romford area? Done a Google search and there is so many to choose from.

Also, do you think it's a good idea to not mention the asbestos found in the initial valuation? Just so I know if they don't pick it up, they haven't done the job correctly

Humphrey2012

I would just ask friends who they have used, but in all honesty, as long as they are a RICS surveyor they should be fine.

I don't think it matters whether you mention the asbestos or not. I think if I was you I would mention it so that they can perhaps pay even more attention to this seeing as it's a concern to you. Then they will make sure they provide a full explanation to put your mind at rest.

davidmcn

Andrew_Ryan_89 wrote: »

Also, do you think it's a good idea to not mention the asbestos found in the initial valuation? Just so I know if they don't pick it up, they haven't done the job correctly

If the second one doesn't mention it, how would you know which surveyor did their job correctly?

(seriously, you may as well mention it, rather than end up with not one but two surveys you're dissatisfied with)

Kynthia

Andrew_Ryan_89 wrote: »

Thanks for the responses guys. Can anyone recorecommend a good way to choose a surveyor or even recommended one who works in the Romford area? Done a Google search and there is so many to choose from.

Also, do you think it's a good idea to not mention the asbestos found in the initial valuation? Just so I know if they don't pick it up, they haven't done the job correctly

I've sent you a private message.

It's recomended you tell a surveyor areas of concern in the property so that they focus on them in their survey.