PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

RICS Survey Advice Please

Asatorae
Asatorae Posts: 1 Newbie
edited 13 April 2016 at 7:37PM in House buying, renting & selling
Hello MSE Forums members,

I come seeking your learned advice, so please humour me. :)

My partner and I are in the process of purchasing a one bedroom ground for flat in a purpose built 1980's block and today I went for an 'extended viewing' to have a nosey around to see if I could see anything that might help inform my decision about getting a survey done.

I concluded the following:

- some mild, localised discoloration / mould above one of the kitchen cabinets against external wall - did not feel cold or wet and plaster had not blistered, looks like a throwback from when something was stored up there, but its proximity to an external wall made me look twice

- cosmetic damage to the lino in the kitchen near the doorway (meh)

- bottom RHS of door frame to hot water tank / airing cupboard looks like it has rotted at some point, there are bits missing and the wood is flaky, but dry - tapping on the lower section of the door frame it sounds a little hollow; vendor said pump has been replaced so maybe a throwback to an old leak that has since dried up

- missing ceiling-mounted unit (looks like a smoke alarm, but square mounting plate with 4-pin connector) in hall, with evidence of superficial scorch mark / charring in one corner, perhaps an old electrical fault


The vendor was also unaware of any electrical installation inspection by a qualified electrician, despite having a tenant in the property for 2 years. I understand it is mandatory to have such an inspection carried out at least every 5 years?

When asked about a fire-alarm test log, the vendor was also unsure of its existence or any fire alarm checks having been out by a sparky.

So, I'm unsure how to proceed with regard to a survey? Do I:

A) Not bother with a survey, they aren't worth the paper they're written on and/or I can address the problems for a similar cost / have no grounds to challenge the asking price?

B) Accept my conveyancer's offer to organise a Home Condition Survey for me, assuming that they can provide a professional second opinion and give me grounds to approach the vendor to take any necessary actions (I assume this is equivalent to a level 1 survey as per rics.org/uk/knowledge/consumer-guides/home-surveys/)?

C) Organise a HomeBuyers report to comment on the defects and provide me with additional piece of mind?


Additionally, with a HCS or HomeBuyer's report, do I usually have the facility to draw the surveyor's attention to specific aspects?

Thank you very much in advance for your time,

:T

Asa

What course of action would you recommend? 4 votes

A - No survey
50%
Mr.Generoustomelk31 2 votes
B - Condition Report
0%
C - HomeBuyer Report
25%
mildredalien 1 vote
D - Other; your suggestion
25%
dc197 1 vote

Comments

  • dc197
    dc197 Posts: 812 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    D - Other; your suggestion
    Problems 2 to 4 sound trivial. Problem 1, an HBS might not reveal anything more than you have said. It doesn't sound very serious from your description but your description is brief.

    With a full survey at least, yes you can ask to look into specific points.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 351.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.2K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 244.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 599.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.1K Life & Family
  • 257.8K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.