Damp - would this put you off?

concrete_kid

Hi, I'm a first time buyer who has started looking for a house. I went to see one yesterday that was just what I'm looking for, however the upstairs front bedroom had damp at the top of the windows. No sign of damp elsewhere in the house and no damp smell (even in that room). I'm presuming its a roof issue. The house is a repossession but is in pretty good condition throughout.

Is this something that I should be concerned about? I will have extra money once bought for some renovation (3k). Thanks for your help

See images below

http://imgur.com/q9kVsAj

http://imgur.com/9PF3cX0

http://imgur.com/zasyqh4

TBagpuss

I would want to get a builder or surveyor ro check it out to identify the most likely cuase and the likely cost of fixing it.

Were you able to get access to the loft to see if there was any obvious issue with the roof?

pinkfluffybabe

Personally it would put me off, but as the poster above advises, I'd get a professional to look at it and give an estimated repair cost so you know what you are dealing with.

Smodlet

It looks as if it could be a problem with either the guttering, the roof or possibly a header tank or pipe in the loft could be leaking. Have you been up into the loft to see for yourself?

I definitely recommend a survey before making any commitment. HTH.

phoebe1989seb

My first thoughts were either problems with guttering or flat roof above a bay window perhaps?

It wouldn't put me off, but we've only ever bought period *project* houses

DaftyDuck

Image 2... does the house you can see opposite have the same window as the one you are looking at? If so, the problem is (almostcertainlyprobably) an isolated problem with the flat roof over the bay window, and will likely have no or few* ramifications with the rest of the property.

Whether poorly sealed flat roof, blocked or damaged gutter, or poorly installed window I couldn't say. Biggest cost for fixing will be scaffold to get there, but it could be as easy as DIY up a ladder. It won't cost a fortune, and it wouldn't trouble me at all. Could be as cheap as a £20 tin of bitumen, or even a fiver for some gutter seal.

However... it does indicate the mindset of the vendor. If not fixed that problem (or even wiped it down so it doesn't look so 'orrid), what else have they ignored? Any botched jobs elsewhere?

concrete_kid

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't able to access the loft. It can be accessed through the bathroom but would need a ladder, would I be able to bring a ladder and have a look?

G_M

need photos of the outside!

1) gutters - peanuts to fix
2) flat roof/lead flashing - a bit more but not too much
3) a leak from attic - header tank or pipework. Unlikely. Bit of plumbing
4) roof leak - if that's the only damp in the house it's just a few tiles. If damp in other places.... new roof?

Go and visit again and
a) take binoculars to check roof, gutters (go when it's raining!) and whatever's above window
b) go into attic (take a torch and ladder). If it's a roof problem the whole attic might be damp with rotten joists etc. If so, big problem. But you'll soon know by looking and smelling.......

concrete_kid

Hi, yes it is the same as the one over the road. It is a reposession, so I don't imagine they were too concerned about about what the buyers thought about it.