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Building Survey: Should this have been picked up?
Namaste75
Posts: 6 Forumite
Hi
I recently moved in to a 1969 mid terrace property, on moving in I noticed damp in the garage which I believe should have been picked up in the RICS Building Survey (formerly "Structural Survey").
The garage is of block and beam construction, with a bitumen / gravel flat roof; the surveyor commented that it was a solid structure and study enough to bear significant loading / construction above it - should we want a garden terrace in the future.
The evidence of water ingress (damp rather than dripping) to the garage and signs of calcification / lime stalactites extends down the rear wall surface which was visible and accessible during the survey. The top layer of bricks also show clear signs of saturation along with water ingress / damp patches to the concrete beams. These bricks are damp to the touch. We have had normal seasonal wet weather (Devon).
On speaking with the neighbours it turns out that they have similar issues with their garage, they moved in 6 months ago – The garages were built several years ago when both properties were modernised. They are of same construction. A builder has since inspected theirs and advised that there appear to be errors in constructing the flat roof.
I am now running a dehumidifier to protect personal items stored in it. Unfortunately I can't post photos as a forum newbie
The surveyor has yet to respond to my correspondence asking why this wasn't picked up in the report. I would welcome any advice on whether this is something that should have been picked up in a full building survey (the most expensive option) and what is the best course of action in identifying any potential liabilities for the remedial works.
Thanks
N75
I recently moved in to a 1969 mid terrace property, on moving in I noticed damp in the garage which I believe should have been picked up in the RICS Building Survey (formerly "Structural Survey").
The garage is of block and beam construction, with a bitumen / gravel flat roof; the surveyor commented that it was a solid structure and study enough to bear significant loading / construction above it - should we want a garden terrace in the future.
The evidence of water ingress (damp rather than dripping) to the garage and signs of calcification / lime stalactites extends down the rear wall surface which was visible and accessible during the survey. The top layer of bricks also show clear signs of saturation along with water ingress / damp patches to the concrete beams. These bricks are damp to the touch. We have had normal seasonal wet weather (Devon).
On speaking with the neighbours it turns out that they have similar issues with their garage, they moved in 6 months ago – The garages were built several years ago when both properties were modernised. They are of same construction. A builder has since inspected theirs and advised that there appear to be errors in constructing the flat roof.
I am now running a dehumidifier to protect personal items stored in it. Unfortunately I can't post photos as a forum newbie
The surveyor has yet to respond to my correspondence asking why this wasn't picked up in the report. I would welcome any advice on whether this is something that should have been picked up in a full building survey (the most expensive option) and what is the best course of action in identifying any potential liabilities for the remedial works.
Thanks
N75
0
Comments
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I would have thought the surveyor would have spotted this, and reported.
However it may be that as garages are not intended for habitation, or storage of personal items susceptible to damp, the survey overlooked this. Cars (the intended use) don't really suffer in the same way.
See how the surveyor responds.0
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