HomeBuyers report Help

femster82

Hi,

I am a FTB in the process of buying a house and have just got the HomeBuyers report and was a bit concerned about a few of the RED 3s. I'm sure there are people who could be a bit qualified to give some advice. The owner recently got a new Gas boiler so some of the stuff about Gas I didn't know about.

Also what are my next steps :beer:

The 3's:
F1 - Roof structure
Access to the roof void is from the landing via an access hatch.
The roof structure is formed of trussed rafter construction.
From the limited inspection available we saw no signs of significant deflection or
movement.
There is insufficient bracing to the roof framework which could allow movement of
the trusses. Also, the flank gables have not been properly restrained and is at risk
of movement. Correct bracing and restraint should now be provided by a
competent contractor in accordance with current Building Regulations.
The main roof void appears to be adequately ventilated.
The main roof void appears to be adequately insulated.

G1 - Electricity
Mains electricity is connected, with the meter located in an external meter box to
the box of the property and the consumer unit in the entrance hall.
Deficiencies within the electrical installation were noted during our inspection and
the installation is unlikely to comply with modern regulations. The installation
should now be checked by an appropriate specialist registered with either the
NICEIC or similar approved body prior to exchange of contracts. Some repair work
or upgrading is likely to be necessary.

G2 - Gas/oil
Mains gas supply is connected, with a meter located in the understairs cupboard.
In view of the guidance above and as a matter of safety, you should now arrange
for the installation and all gas appliances to be inspected and tested by a Gas
Safe engineer prior to exchange of contracts.

G4 - Heating
The property has a conventional gas fired central heating system with a boiler
which feeds a series of radiators in the various rooms. Whilst apparently
serviceable, you should now arrange for a Gas Safe engineer to check and test
the system prior to exchange of contracts as a matter of safety.

G6 - Drainage
The property has PVC waste pipes.
Where visible these appear to be in generally serviceable condition with no
evidence of significant defects although some ongoing maintenance will be
required.
The property is believed to be connected to the mains drainage system.
In view of the age of the property, it is probable that the drainage system will have
some defects that have developed unseen. Our limited inspection of accessible
inspection chambers cannot confirm that the system is free from defects. As a
precaution you should have the installation checked and tested prior to exchange
of contracts.

ACG

Gas and electricity are always on there. The person doing the survey is not a qualified gas engineer or electrician. Regulations change and improve over time so when the electrics were done, it does not mean they were not up to standard then.

I would not go as far as to say you do not need these checking, but it is common for them to be on the report as a 3, purely because they have not been checked.

The roof trusses not being sufficient, I see that fairly regularly. Again, no idea how much of an issue it is.

Drainage - sounds very much like they are guessing but working on a worst case scenario so you can not come and complain in 6 months time.

Personally (not professionally as I am not qualified) nothing on that report is nothing I have not seen on many reports previously.

femster82

ACG wrote: »

Gas and electricity are always on there. The person doing the survey is not a qualified gas engineer or electrician. Regulations change and improve over time so when the electrics were done, it does not mean they were not up to standard then.

I would not go as far as to say you do not need these checking, but it is common for them to be on the report as a 3, purely because they have not been checked.

The roof trusses not being sufficient, I see that fairly regularly. Again, no idea how much of an issue it is.

Drainage - sounds very much like they are guessing but working on a worst case scenario so you can not come and complain in 6 months time.

Personally (not professionally as I am not qualified) nothing on that report is nothing I have not seen on many reports previously.

I also spoke to the surveyor himself and he explained each section to me. Exactly what you said above. Thanks for the reply.