Buying a house which had previous water damage?

Kirstie70

Hi all,

I am wondering If people could offer some opinions.

I have found a house which I like. The only issue I have is that last year the ceiling down stairs fell down due to a leak from the ensuite above . As a result the full downstairs was refurbished paid for by the insurance company.

Is this a red flag or are we not at any risk? You know like left over damp issues etc? Could we push for money off or not? Should I just treat this like any other house?

It just makes me a little cautious - the same way I would if there was a fire etc In a house. It would make me worry. thoughts?

melstar11

If the ground floor has been fully refurbished then arguably it is in better condition than it was before the leak due to the remedial works. That is what insurance is for. Insurers don't like going back to places so want to be sure the original issue has been fixed. I am struggling to understand why you think you gives you an opportunity to chip the price. I'd also be tempted to re-market as I'd be worried what you would come up with next!

kinger101

If the insurance company was involved, it would have been done properly. Holes drilling through the ceiling if necessary to allow air to circulate. Industrial fans to dry it out. Nothing to worry about. It would be a red flag if they'd sorted it using DIY.

Kirstie70

Thank you for the replies.

Money off for taking a risk in the property. I don't think that sounds absurd. I've seen similiar properties some which were nicer and bigger and cheaper but just weren't right for me for other reasons or that went to a closing date and unfortunately we weren't the highest bidder.. So I think I could get something "better" or as good but with no previous water damage risk.

I know the insurance company are supposed to do a good and proper job but I remember a close family members house flooding and the insurance company put them up in rented accommodation for 6 months and as such had no real urgency to complete the job. My family member had to actually extend their rented accomodation as the job wasn't finished. It was left for weeks at a time with nothing being done. They had fans etc and then when the comestic work was finally started they discovered that the walls still had moisture in them so had to start from square 1.

So I guess this is my worry. That the job just wasn't done right and I have issues down the line - mold, moisture issues.

kinger101

You can get a specialist damp survey done it you're concerned. You have zero chance of getting a discount because of it. As far as the vendors are concerned, the issue is resolved.

[Deleted User]

Also remember you lost those 'cheaper' properties due to low bidding relative to other people.

If you think its expensive relative to other properties, don't make an offer. I would assume the price takes into account any possible problems that may or may not exist.

It sounds like your relative's insurance company had some cowboy builders doing the job. Doesn't mean everyone has the same experience.

Davesnave

Someone set fire to our first house and wrecked it. We were out for 6 months, which was how long a full refurb took, because we took control and didn't just hand it all over to Johnny Builder.

That house was then in a far better condition than it had ever been before. When selling it, if someone had come along and asked for a reduction due to its 'history,'' I'd have treated them with suspicion, and probably contempt too. Of course, no one did that. It sold to the second viewer at the asking price, without even going through an agent.

A flood from within the house is entirely different from one which originates outside. Provided the house passes an inspection from a damp and timber specialist, it's no different from any other.

DRP

Given your experience, it is understandable you are concerned.

I would say *after* you have your offer accepted and are making enquiries via your solicitor, it might be worth asking specifically what and how remedial work was carried out.

DRP

*DELETED*
(double posted)

AnotherJoe

I agree with the other posts. Fair enough if the damage was from flooding.
From a leak, it would be entirely fine now and if I was the vendor and you asked for a reduction on account of a non existent "risk" I'd tell you to take a long walk on a short pier