Homebuyer report house render

becknise

I am a first time buyer with an offer from the bank. I paid for a homebuyer's report during application and some things came up in the report. The front of the house has rendering on it which i didn't think was a big deal until i started reading about rendering on here. Some people claim they are sometimes used to hide problems; is this true? I've got this in my report on the walls

The solid brick exterior walls exhibits signs of previous movement to the side elevation. The cracking is considered to be long-standing in nature, non- progressive and does not merit further investigation. Re-pointing and brickwork repairs are required to the side and rear elevations with a section of blown render noted to the gable end. It is recommended that you instruct a competent contractor to inspect the external walls and provide a quotation for the necessary repairs. There is a rendered section to the front elevation. The render is uneven but remains firm and secure when tapped at random. Cracks and defects in the render surface should be repaired and filled to prevent water getting in and causing the render to lose key. The render should finish in a neat bell shaped tip that discharges water away from the property. Routine maintenance and repair work required. The concrete block wall to the utility area is of single block construction. This will lead to abnormal levels of heat loss throughout this area. It is recommended that you instruct a competent contractor to provide further information regarding increasing the thermal insulation to this area. The property benefits from an original slate damp-proof course and later chemical injected system. Legal Advisors should verify the existence of an insurance backed guarantee for the remedial injection damp-proof course. See Section I2 - Guarantees.

Is this something i should be worried before bringing in a building person to have a look

The part with the ceiling states this:
Ceilings are original lath and plaster. One or two cracks were noted these are not considered to be structurally significant and require routine repair and maintenance only. Ceilings of this type have a limited life and are prone to loss of key and eventual collapse. The durability of this type of ceiling is dependant upon the joint strength between plaster and lath. This will deteriorate fairly quickly. It will require eventual renewal.

I am getting the house for about 20-30 grand lower than the average selling price in that area but i'm think about pulling out. Anyone knows roughly how much it'll cost to do the roof and brick wall repair/repoint?

The inside of the house is fine with the exception of damp:
Damp-proof course
Damp readings were obtained at various locations around the property. Before exchange of contracts a report should be obtained from a Property Care Association member for any remedial repairs required.

G_M

Doesn't sound too bad. I'm guessing this is an older property (pre war?) so it's inevitable it will need more maintenance than a new build would.

becknise

G_M wrote: »

Doesn't sound too bad. I'm guessing this is an older property (pre war?) so it's inevitable it will need more maintenance than a new build would.

Yes an old build, about 100 years.

Owain_Moneysaver

becknise wrote: »

The render is uneven but remains firm and secure when tapped at random.

The concrete block wall to the utility area is of single block construction. This will lead to abnormal levels of heat loss throughout this area.

Ceilings are original lath and plaster. Ceilings of this type have a limited life and are prone to loss of key and eventual collapse. The durability of this type of ceiling is dependant upon the joint strength between plaster and lath. This will deteriorate fairly quickly. It will require eventual renewal.

Damp readings were obtained at various locations around the property.

(a) so it's okay really.

(b) is typical for a lean-to, it will be liable to condensation and thus mould

(c) Ceilings have lasted 100 years so far. If it does look like it's coming down then it can be underboarded with plasterboard which is a lot less disruptive than renewing the ceiling.

(d) Damp meter readings are meaningless. The surveyor doesn't even say what readings were obtained, merely that he took some.

Far more relevant is has he looked under the ground floor or stairs for any sign of worm or rot? Are any airbricks obstructed?