HomeBuyer Report Query

DorothyOz

Hello!

We've recently had a HomeBuyer Report on a property we are buying and I have some concerns about certain areas. Would you kind mse'ers take a look and see if I need to request further surveys or should be okay to proceed?

1. Roof is a pitched and gabled design, the ridge running parallel to the front elevation. Some evidence of disrepair is noted to the verge details, cracking has occurred, which will require repointing. Roofs have a concrete interlocking pantile covering, which when viewed from ground level, shows evidence of some slight deflection, which although thought relatively historic in nature and fairly typical of this form of construction and age of property, should be monitored to ensure it does not become excessive or is indeed progressive. Parts of the roof could not be fully viewed because of the confines of the site. Further inspection of the roofs would require the use of long ladders.
RATED 3

2.
Roofs drain to uPVC gutters with matching downpipes, downpipes in turn discharge into below ground level, either to a separate soakaway or combined drainage system, this would require confirmation. The water tightness of the underground system could not be confirmed. Water percolating into the surrounding subsoil so close to the elevations of the property will increase the risk of leaching out of fine materials from the sub!soil increasing the likelihood of localised subsidence occurring. Care should be taken to ensure this does not occur. Evidence of staining is noted to gutter and downpipe joints indicating some previous leaks have occurred. Care should be taken to ensure leaks from gutters and downpipes do not occur as these will saturate the external walls and increase the risk of internal dampness. A thorough overhaul of the system is recommended including the removal of any debris. The overall efficiency of the system could not be gauged as the property was inspected during a dry spell.
RATED 3

3.
Stained exposed rafter ends, fascias and soffits, all show evidence of water penetration and disrepair, particularly to the end grain areas. Remedial works will be required. It should be remembered that where paint or stain films are used to coat timber joinery it may mask latent defects which will only become evident at a later time or during repair or redecoration work. It should be remembered that external decorations are not merely aesthetic but serve to protect vulnerable metal and timber components from deterioration by the elements. Proprietary uPVC products will require periodic washing down. The remaining timber window is beyond repair, albeit it has been recently re!decorated. As previously noted, this should be replaced.
RATED 3 (I think this is just cosmetic and replacing a window!)

4.
Roof access is accessible via a hatch in the front bedroom. Access revealed a factory produced timber truss design with some diagonal bracing but no lateral bracing or lateral metal restraints tying the roof structure to the gable walls. Fairly typical for the age of construction. It was in the late 1980's that the BRE recommended lateral restraints and lateral bracing to avoid wind lift. It would be prudent to consider retro fitting these. Sarking felt has been fitted beneath the tiling battens preventing sight of the battens and tiles. Visible in the roof void were the masonry gable and party walls. Stored items within the roof space inhibited the scope of the survey as did the boarding laid to support the stored items. Further investigation would require removal of stored items. Insulation is glass fibre laid to a depth of perhaps only 75mm, however full coverage could not be confirmed because of the boarded areas. It is now recommended that a minimum of 270mm of glass fibre insulation or equivalent is laid overall, care should be taken to avoid blocking any roof void ventilation. Roof void ventilation has been partly introduced with the bricks to the gable wall, however, this is not considered sufficient by today's standards to reduce the risk of interstitial condensation forming within the roof void damaging timbers and finishes. Purpose made roof void ventilation should be provided. Visible in the roof void as previously noted is an asbestos cement flue. Asbestos based products are a possible hazard to health and should not be worked or abraded, removal is a specialised task.
RATED 3

The other 3's were relating to Electrical Installation and Gas Safety, and they appear to have given a 3 as they couldn't / didn't test themselves. They are just recommending a test and inspection but all appears contemporary with age of property. There seems to be a lot of covering their own backs within the report!

Sorry for the length of the post I just wanted to ensure all details were available!