FTBs Homebuyer survey help

pip3ren

Hi,

My partner and I are currently in the process of buying our first house. Our mortgage has been agreed (yay) and we had a two week wait before the valuation/ home buyer survey could be carried out.

The valuation/survey was completed yesterday and we received an email today detailing the outcome of the home buyers survey.

The valuation is the same as our offer which means the mortgage should be agreed but the survey has pointed out a few issues and I was hoping someone could explain the points that the surveyor said needs adressing asap as we both are clueless.

These have all been given a "3" in the report:

1. High damp meter readings recorded in front room and in the chimney plaster in the ground floor room.

2. The property has a brick chimney stack which is shared with the adjourning property. The stack has been partly capped. Damp was found internally in reception room possibly due to poor weather proofing or defect with the stack.

3. There are large gaps around some of the window frames. The uvpc window within the roof void is poorly fitted and appears loose.

4. The double glazed unit has also misted over. This should be attended to immediately which may involve some repair to the lintel.

Are any of these all big causes for concern? Or should they be expected of a 1960s property?

We are thinking our next steps are to get some tradesmen in to check out the level of damp and issues with the windows and see what they advise and the potential costs involved.

Are we right in thinking none of these issues should have us running for the hills?

Any advice would be great

sulphate

The damp meters the surveyors use record moisture, not actual damp in walls. Did you see any mould/damp in the property when you viewed? Lots of so called "damp" issues are caused by condensation can actually be well rectified with proper heating and ventilation. It is good that the house has still been valued at the price you are paying.

In answer to your question, no these are probably not cause for concern. If getting someone round to check the damp would put your mind at rest, make sure you employ an independent surveyor not a damp and timber company offering "free" quotes.

G_M

sulphate wrote: »

The damp meters the surveyors use record [STRIKE]moisture[/STRIKE]electicical conductivity (which may or may not be misture/damp related), not actual damp in walls. Did you see any mould/damp in the property when you viewed? Lots of so called "damp" issues are caused by condensation can actually be well rectified with proper heating and ventilation. It is good that the house has still been valued at the price you are paying.

In answer to your question, no these are probably not cause for concern. If getting someone round to check the damp would put your mind at rest, make sure you employ an independent surveyor not a damp and timber company offering "free" quotes.

Any damp smell?
Signs of mould?
Peeling wallpaper?
Blistering paint?

If damp is getting into the chimney it's either down from the top (£10 for a chimney cap + a man on a ladder) or poor pointing (which the surveyor would (should) have spotted.

The windows seem poor. If minor gaps, fill with silicon filler. If big gaps/ really loose, you may need new windows (£500 each +/-).

Misted window? Surely you spotted this yourself, so no surprise. Either
* get the windows de-misted by extracting the moisture and re-sealing the double glazing, or
* replace the window, or
* live with it - I did for 10 years and once you're used to the obscured view ou stop noticing!

parking_question_chap

Doubtful you would find a pefect 1960s house. Things picked up on yours seem fairly mundane.

pip3ren

Thanks everyone.


We are feeling a little better after reading these comments.
Regarding the damp issues, when viewing the house, we did not see any mold or damp patches on the walls. The house has also been empty for a couple of months now so it may have some impact on the damp readings.

Any advice on the best place to find an independent damp surveyor?

We will also have another look at the window frames but may want to replace all windows in the first couple of years anyway.

always_sunny

pip3ren wrote: »

Any advice on the best place to find an independent damp surveyor?

Don't get too caught up with damp. Damp in UK properties is normal, mostly caused by lack of ventilation and keeping the place warm.
When you went to see the property did you notice any major sign of damp?
You can also ask for a second viewing and inspect yourself.

Damp is fairly easy to spot cause it can be smelt very quickly when it's bad.