Won bidding war on a reno, now received a poor structural survey. Who Should pay?

Doozergirl

If you think you're buying a fully renovated house, that is what you should be getting, to the satisfaction of your surveyor.

£10k is a lot of 'repair' work for a roof or three.

The building control certificate should be in hand. Right now.

I'd not be confident buying from a builder that can't get a new roof right.

aasclarke

We have considered walking away, but where I live there are few areas that would be considered neutral family homes - and when you find the home that ticks all the boxes its hard to let it go and go back to the slog of looking. The interesting thing is, the interiors are fantastic, the house has been rewired, had damp proofing, gas/boiler certificates, reputable quality appliances and a fully landscaped garden - so clearly a lot of effort and money has been invested. According to the surveyor the house is perfect despite the roof, so this gives me confidence elsewhere. Does anyone know any reason why the vendor wouldnt have supplied the building regs and planning permission? do these take long to receive from the council? (we know the planning permission exists as the neighbors were able to provide us a copy)

Jenniefour

aasclarke wrote: »

Does anyone know any reason why the vendor wouldnt have supplied the building regs and planning permission?

Your solicitor is the one who should be making sure these are all supplied.

teneighty

Sounds like a typical developers bodge job with a nice glossy finish to trick the unwary, oh and a posh fridge.

I really do not understand why people buy these places.

If you really are hell bent on buying this potential money pit I would be curious how long the developer has owned it and what he paid for it. And I would certainly want all the paperwork, building regulations/planning approvals, certificates, guarantees etc.

I looked at a property last year, nice location but house was an absolute dump and a very early concrete panel non-traditional construction from the 1920's (even though the agent denied it). I was outbid by one of the agents "friends" and now hey presto it is back on the market with a new kitchen and bathroom, replastering, redec etc. It looks OK and is on for a crazy amount of money and still no mention of the non-traditional construction. Some poor mug is in for a nasty surprise when the cracks start to re-appear.

Thrugelmir

aasclarke wrote: »

According to the surveyor the house is perfect despite the roof, so this gives me confidence elsewhere.

To the eye perhaps. What about what you are unable to see. Given the poor quality of the workmanship.

lincroft1710

Let's face it putting in fancy appliances is far more important than building a roof properly. Failed appliances could lead to not being able to wash clothes, ruined food etc.

Whereas a roof failing just means you get the elements creeping and cascading in and doing who knows what damage.

If a builder can't get a roof right, what else can't he get right? Bear in mind that most electrical, gas, plumbing and boiler work is self certificated by the relevant tradesmen and who knows what is lurking behind the gleaming paintwork.

Your choice but remember, remember CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

Cakeguts

You already know that the roof needs £10,000 spent on it. This poor quality work could be all through the renovation so you might need to remove all of the new interior back to the brick work in order to correct other poor quality work so how much will that cost? Are you happy to pay for a nice new interior that you might have to rip out and do again? This house might need a lot of money spent on it and you are still considering buying it? Why? You are looking at a house that has been done up badly.

Doozergirl

Considering that this is something we used to do to put food on the table, I would be tripping over myself to put the roof right immediately.

I would not be asking to split the difference with someone who is clearly paying us to provide a perfect house.

Red-Squirrel_2

Doozergirl wrote: »

If you think you're buying a fully renovated house, that is what you should be getting, to the satisfaction of your surveyor.

£10k is a lot of 'repair' work for a roof or three.

The building control certificate should be in hand. Right now.

I'd not be confident buying from a builder that can't get a new roof right.

This.

I wouldn't touch the house with a bargepole now you've been warned that its been extensively tinkered with by somebody who does very shoddy work and tries to hide it.

I certainly wouldn't overpay for it!

G_M

I can't believe this thread needs to continue, or the OP needs any further advice.

There is only one sensible course of action now.