vendors want to do survey themselves

illusionek

I was told they will arrange a survey with a company of their choice when I asked for a time/date for my surveyor. I can understand the point that clearing the loft may be very inconvenient but before this was even discussed I was already told I am being unreasonable by asking specialist to look at timber/damp as a result of structural survey. The EAs were just very abrasive and difficult to talk to and constantly telling me that what I am trying to do is not standard/reasonable thing!!!

Niv

illusionek wrote: »

So I have just spoken with the EAs and they were very surprised I do not want to go with vendors' survey. I was said it is not a standard behavior and having in mind that I just did structural which took 4hrs they do not need to agree for another. After a long conversation, I was told I can go with my own survey if I really have to but was told I cannot expect a clear access to loft.

My structural survey clearly highlighted roof timbers as an area of concern and there was a very clear comment that access was very restricted. Therefore I asked to let me know when loft can be cleared before I go ahead with the survey and was told I am being unreasonable and flatly refused.

I did say that the previous survey specifically mentioned roof timbers and restricted access and thats the reason for my request.

I am about pull out my offer but just thought it would be worth checking if I am being really unreasonable?

You have the right to request another specific survey, it has grounds as your previous survey highlight the roof timbers as an issue.

• If the vendor arranges for a survey themselves how does this change the need to empty the loft?
• If they are selling up, they need to empty the loft at some point in any case
• If the vendor arranges the survey they will have some influence on its content (i.e - please re-draft that phrase to make it sound less of an issue)
• If they are refusing you access then I would suspect they know there is an issue or at least suspect it

You are being backed into a corner, they are trying to take advantage of your inexperience with buying property.


In my opinion you have not choice but to reduce your offer by ~£15k to take into account the potential cost of replacing the roof - you have to consider worst case scenario. If they don't want to accept your revised offer maybe they could try reconsidering your request for a survey!

Doozergirl

Not many roofs cost £15k! It's also highly unlikely that the entire structure needs replacing. The timbers are all accessible from inside. Most roof timber repairs are localised, quick, relatively easy and cheap as building work goes.

Niv

Doozergirl wrote: »

Not many roofs cost £15k! It's also highly unlikely that the entire structure needs replacing. The timbers are all accessible from inside. Most roof timber repairs are localised, quick, relatively easy and cheap as building work goes.

I was quoted £12k for my roof which doesn't need the timbers changed so I added a bit for that additional time / materials.

Doozergirl

Niv wrote: »

I was quoted £12k for my roof which doesn't need the timbers changed so I added a bit for that additional time / materials.

So you've no experience of how rotten or missing timbers can be replaced or partially replaced without even removing a tile? How can you possibly advise someone on what to offer?

It could even just be a case of spraying them with a pesticide.

Niv

Doozergirl wrote: »

So you've no experience of how rotten or missing timbers can be replaced or partially replaced without even removing a tile? How can you possibly advise someone on what to offer?

It could even just be a case of spraying them with a pesticide.

Apologies, I should have said ' if I were in that position I would...'

m0bov

Let them do their survey and if your not happy, then ask for full access. They would be more willing as they would be out of pocket by then. Also, the T&Cs on surveys state they can't be shown or relied on by third parties. Pretty sure they are hiding an issue, maybe rot or woodworm, who knows. If they are serious about selling, they would empty the loft as it needs to be emptied anyway.

illusionek

I am really new to this but if there is any issue with timbers in the loft, would it affect all of them or only some? I am just not really sure how much I should fight for a full access. What is expected/standard?

I would really appreciate feedback of people who experienced damp&timber survey on their houses.

Were your lofts empty enough for surveyors to have access to all timbers or some/most were obstructed but surveys carried out anyway?

m0bov

This is something you should be asking your surveyor, the fact your asking a forum for advise on the biggest purchase of your life, suggests you should walk away from it. If the vendors know there are no issues, they should be happy to prove you wrong. Be honest with the EA, will their surveyor entertain a third party if you need to claim? Who is the company, what service will they offer?

illusionek

I have already raised it with the surveyor just waiting for a feedback as they are out on the job so definitely will not base my decision on a forum. I just thought it would be good to find out what other people think/experienced.