What's your opinion of this building survey report?

SanchaPanza

This is the "Summary and Recommendations" section of the building survey we had done on the ~350-year-old converted maisonette we're looking to buy. Could I get your opinions as to whether these are issues to be concerned with or not? To my knowledge none of the guarantees mentioned below are available.

Would you proceed, or look to put pause to the purchase for further investigations? Happy to provide the particulars for any particular area if it'd be helpful. My OH and I have slightly different viewpoints... TIA!

"SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This is a duplex flat above a shop with a rear access way in need of repair on a good housekeeping basis.

Structurally the property is sound.

The property requires a number of repairs and further investigations as a prudent issue namely:-

a) Damp proof report and guarantee
b) Timber treatment report and guarantee
c) Roof covering overhaul and repairs (to the slate covers)
d) Internal plumbing test
e) Drains test as a prudent issue
f) Electrical test certificate
g) Gas test certificate
h) Fire Prevention Certificate
i) A full drains test as a prudent issue
j) Partial repairs to the guttering systems where deficient to the joints
k) Repair of all lead flashings where appropriate

This property is to an average standard of repair for its age and will hold its value satisfactorily.

However the repairs and further investigations detailed in this report should be considered as necessary to be carried out within the first 12 months as a prudent issue. "

Arthritic_Toe

This looks like completely standard twaddle that they put in every survey.

fairy_lights

SanchaPanza wrote: »

a) Damp proof report and guarantee
b) Timber treatment report and guarantee
c) Roof covering overhaul and repairs (to the slate covers)
d) Internal plumbing test
e) Drains test as a prudent issue
f) Electrical test certificate
g) Gas test certificate
h) Fire Prevention Certificate
i) A full drains test as a prudent issue
j) Partial repairs to the guttering systems where deficient to the joints
k) Repair of all lead flashings where appropriate

The drains are so bad they need testing twice?

Hoploz

The only actual useful suggestions relating to the findings of the survey are j and k.

He says the building is sound.

Tbh if it's 350 years old and that's all they can say either
A) they are hopeless surveyors
Or
you have found a rare gem!

Are you sure it was a proper building survey? Not much info given

SanchaPanza

Thanks all,

Hoploz, the surveyor is chartered which hopefully indicates some level of competence. The whole report stretches to 15 pages so there is much more info contained therein, but I suspected it might be a bit much for people here to drag themselves through.

The property's been fully renovated by the vendor, I think they did much of the work themselves hence the lack of guarantees.

I certainly think it's a gem, but my OH (rightfully) wants to ensure that we're making a wise investment.

Hoploz

Well it sounds good to me ... Except for it being above a shop and needing to repair the access. But those things you're already on board with as you have eyes!

teneighty

If its a maisonette are you responsible for the roof, gutters, drains, lead flashings etc. or is it shared between all the other flats via the freeholder? Oops just re-read post its a flat above a shop....so who is the freeholder and who is responsible for repairs?

I'm guessing its a cheap Homebuyers Report. I would expect a lot more specific information in the summary for a 350 year old property rather than the usual generic tick box style report. Very disappointing.

SanchaPanza

Hm, excellent point about the responsibility for the roof, teneighty, we'll have to check the lease.

SanchaPanza

Hm, excellent point about the responsibility for the roof, teneighty, we'll have to check the lease.