FTB - Survey Help!

katie1986

Hi

I have recently had an offer accepted on a house and have just had my homebuyers survey back. There is one thing on there which is the most worrying, about dampness. The report states:

Penetrating damp was noted to the cellar, which is dueto the fact that this area is below ground level and is
without waterproof tanking membranes. Penetrating
damp was also noted to the side of the window in the
attic room, which is due to defective pointing to the
external walls. See Cellars and External walls sections.
Previous damp treatment has been carried out, and
guarantees or warranties may be available.
Repairs normally include replacing damp affected
plaster (with limelite renovating plaster), which will
continue to attract dampness from the atmosphere.
Failure to do this may invalidate any subsequently
issued guarantee in respect of the repairs.

Timbers, such as the purlin (which is damp) or common rafters, that are in contact with damp masonry, may be affected by rot. You should, therefore, ask a specialist contractor to open up the ceiling adjacent the damp wall, investigate the full extent of the problem and provide you with an estimate of the cost of repair.

Previous timber treatment has been carried out, and guarantees or warranties may be available.


When asked further about the damp to the purlin in the attic room, the surveyor said that the damp meter 'indicated a dampness level in excess of 30% water content, and the maximum safe level for timber is 20%. The wall is damp enough to cause wet rot to timbers in contact with it.'



I am buying on my own and now am unsure what to do. Is this a massive issue?



Thanks in advance...