HELP! - terrified by findings on Buildings Survey!

PrincessJR

Hi,

I am hoping for someone to either put my mind at rest OR confirm to me that these things are as serious as they sound!

The property we're in the process of buying was built in 1850 and have several extensions. Our report has came back and I'm very worried!

Under the 'serious defects' section it says: "The level of support to the brickwork above the lounge needs to be examined to see if a new RSJ is required".
Further on it details: "there are signs of loose and damaged plasterboard to the front of the lounge where it appears the original load bearing wall was taken down when the property was extended in the 1960s. This would indicate there is a limited amount of support to the load bearing brickwork above. I would therefore recommend the ceiling be taken down and the structure examined in more detail, as we believe a new RSJ may be required".

Could it really be that serious? Does that mean the ceiling is about to collapse!? I've tried calling the surveyor for more info but he's now on holiday.

There are also some scary estimates with regards to sorting out the damp (£4k!) but this ceiling issue is most concerning.

Any advice really appreciated

Chanes

He's asking for a better examination to confirm a suspicion; it would be wise to have it examined. And work from that point. I would be taking a deep breath and thinking of leaving it - unless I was prepared to carry out the work or negotiate a price reduction for cover it.

PrincessJR

Unbelievable. I can't believe the owners wouldn't have known about this, you can see the ceiling sagging!

We have spent over £1000 already on this house having surveys done.
Will be gutted if we have to walk away.

We have a damp and timber specialist visiting next week so looks like getting builder in too! (or would it be a structural engineer?)

moneycantbuyyouhappiness

PrincessJR wrote: »

Unbelievable. I can't believe the owners wouldn't have known about this, you can see the ceiling sagging!

I don't mean to sound harsh but by the same token you should have noticed the ceiling sagging!

maninthestreet

The house is 166 years old, so it should not surprise you that it may require some structural work.

Madmel

If the £1000 you spent saves you from tens of thousands of repairs, think of it as a wise investment

Chanes

PrincessJR wrote: »

Unbelievable. I can't believe the owners wouldn't have known about this, you can see the ceiling sagging!

We have spent over £1000 already on this house having surveys done.
Will be gutted if we have to walk away.

We have a damp and timber specialist visiting next week so looks like getting builder in too! (or would it be a structural engineer?)

Then face what it throws at you and fix it, if you really want it you are going to have to do that. And from the look of it there's more coming maybe when the damp specialist reports. And get the structural engineer! We've had a money pit house in the form of a Victorian terrace - it was lovely when it was finished. But I can still remember the floor of that old terraced house being lifted up to find the remains of the knock through arch beneath rotting out the floor supports...and having the concrete floor taken out in the kitchen...and then finding a whole supporting wall resting on a wooden plank when plaster was knocked off the wall. Yes, those Victorians sure knew how to bodge a job!

On a postive note lots of us have had a house with expensive challenges so at least we can offer you some sympathy and empathy.
Good luck!

Ozzuk

Keep in mind the vendors may not be happy with the ceiling being taken down for inspection...what have they said? If it was me, it would depend on what I was doing with the house - renovations wise and the price I was paying. If the figures still stack up then I'd proceed, otherwise I'd seek a reduction in price to save the owner taking the ceiling down.

Do you need a mortgage? What did they say? They could well put a retention in place, reduce their offer or insist on a fuller survey.

Chanes

Maybe also ask if they would split the cost of the structural surveyor, it would be in their interest too.

PrincessJR

moneycantbuyyouhappiness wrote: »

I don't mean to sound harsh but by the same token you should have noticed the ceiling sagging!

We did which is why we asked for the full buildings survey. When I say :sagging" I should point out it's not a huge amount, intact only noticeable when you push the ceiling gently a little in 1 place. However, we do understand that older buildings require more TLC, our current house is the same age. We're no afraid of the work, however with 2 small children we would need to sort the ceiling issue prior to moving in which may cause us some issues (temporary accommodation-wise)

We will await further advice (from a structural engineer and D&T specialist) and look at renegotiating the price.

Hoploz

The lack of RSJ doesn't mean the ceiling is on its way down. It means the upstairs back wall is on its way down!