Home-Buying Survey -- Grade 3's

simonwalsh

Hello,

I just wanted to see people's take on the Grade 3 issues which have come back on our survey.

For background, the house was built in the 1940's and is a semi. We have looked round the property three times, and really, really love it.

We are first time buyers, so obviously are a little anxious as money is tight if any of the below are going to be expensive and necessary fixes.

We have emailed the surveyor back to ask about the problems further, but in the mean time just wanted to see what others think.

Thank you for any help and advice. Apologies if these seem like only minor concerns. We have never been in this situation before.

Grade 3's...

Roof Including Roof Space

I saw no evidence of defects affecting the pitched roofing within the scope of my inspection and report. Moss growth on the single storey extension should be removed. Within the roof void insulation board has been fitted to the underside of the slates presumably for insulation purposes. This is poor building practice and should be removed as it will promote a build up of condensation between the insulation and the slates and risk rot attack to the timbers. Cement on the underside of the slates is badly deteriorating and requires repair. The main roof space should be ventilated to prevent condensation. Fibre-glass loft insulation has been overlaid to the roof void although it is not distributed evenly over the surface. Because of the age of the roof and because of the fact nearby properties have been re-roofed you should budget for future renewal.

External Decorations

External decorations to all timber content is deteriorating or in poor condition and re-decoration is required.

Electricity

The electrical wiring may not comply with current standards as there is no RCD (Residual Current Device) fitted and no current electrical certificate available. Upgrading may be required further advice should be obtained from an electrician.

Gas

The meter is in a vulnerable position in the under-stairs cupboard and may be prone to impact damage. It is not secured to the wall by a meter-shelf. Further advice should be obtained from a Gas-Safe Registered contractor.

The people we are buying from have lived there for 15-years and when we asked about the gas and electric on a viewing they said there had not been any problems throughout this time.

The valuation of the house from the surveyor is the same as the purchase price we have agreed.

Once again, thank you for all and any help.

hazyjo

They always say that re gas and electric. They're not qualified to give it the okay. Unless it's a new build, it's to be expected.


The other points seem very minor to me but someone else may have a different view.


Jx

BusyBargainz

The gas/electric will be the surveyor covering their back as they can't physically test it. We had that on ours and since then the boiler has been checked and is all good.

simonwalsh

Thanks very much.

I had a hunch that was the case with Gas and Electric. If anyone knows about the Roof? We really don't have a clue!

Thanks once again everyone.

teneighty

"Because of the age of the roof and because of the fact nearby properties have been re-roofed you should budget for future renewal."

Seems clear enough, the roof is getting on for 70-80 years old and neighbouring properties have already been re-roofed. Get a quote from a roofing contractor for re-roofing and/or repairs, sounds like it might need re-roofing in the next 5 years or so.

lewishardwick

Roof Space: Pull the insulation board out. Replace Loft insulation. Budget for the roof needing replacing at some point (like all roofs need)

External Decorations: Normal wear & year/upkeep

Electrics: Unless the house is brand new, it's going to not be up to current regs. One for later on.

Gas: My parents gas meter under the stairs never suffered during the 30 year they owned the place.

None of those 3's would worry me one bit.

Grenage

I'd be OK with all of the above. I'd also remove the boarding and keep it as a cold loft. You should certainly save up some money for the time you do need a new room - it may be next year, it may be in two decades (we've not seen it).