Survey wrong?

Kpossible929

So we had our survey done in November and completed our purchase at the very end of May, however, I’ve noticed a couple of discrepancies between what the survey says and the actual state of the house.

The survey says that all windows are double glazed, this is not the case, one one window in the entire house is double glazed, the rest are single glazed.

The survey also said that there was no wood boring beetle in the roof as far as they can tell and that the outbuilding that’s attached to the house is in good condition and no problems were noticed. While there doesn’t seem to be any infestation in the loft there is a large infestation in the outbuilding. It’s not like they could have missed it as the doorframe on the outbuilding (that’s pretty much touching the front door) is rotten with tonnes of the little holes they leave.

Do I complain? Also, should I be concerned about the wood beetle infestation in the outbuilding as inside the house appears to be fine (I’ve checked several times) but it is right next to the front door?

kinger101

You've little chance re the windows in my opinion. I would have been apparent from your own inspection that it was mostly single-glazed.

As for the wood-boring beetle, was the outbuilding part of the survey?

You surveyor does sound like one I previously used in their Mr Magoo-like powers of observation, but to get any recompense from them, you'd have to initiate a complaint with RICS, get another survey done, and then determine what your loss was (if any).

Lot's of trouble for potentially no outcome other than more costs on yourself. Unfortunately, you've discovered the shadiest side of the house buying process isn't estate agents or conveyancers, but many of those who practice a surveyors. There are good ones out there. Just not easy to find. And RICS is there to protect them, not you.

Kpossible929

The windows aren!!!8217;t a deal breaker for me, it was just something I notice that they!!!8217;d stated that was not correct. I!!!8217;d have bought the house regardless.

The outbuilding was part of the survey and he said of them !!!8220;There are outbuildings to the front and to the rear of the property. These have masonry walls and flat concrete covered roofs.
The outbuildings are in satisfactory condition. Normal maintenance will be required.!!!8221;

I!!!8217;m just concerned that the wood boring beetle may become an issue inside the house if it!!!8217;s caused such a problem outside, given it!!!8217;s proximity. I!!!8217;m not sure how they work so to speak so should I be worried?

Davesnave

Woodworm to give it its common name, doesn't like dry timber. It's been in the outhouse because of the relative dampness there, perhaps, but it may not even be active now.

If the house is dry and well-up together, there's little risk of transfer.

Most lofts and roof timbers will have been sprayed at one time or another.

You can treat the affected wood yourself if you think the beetles may still be active in the outhouse. Tell tale signs are small amounts of wood dust caught in spiders' webs, or in undisturbed places.

Kpossible929

I filled and painted over it (after I had taken pictures) and I!!!8217;ve noticed the wood is looking worse for wear again, but I!!!8217;m not sure whether it!!!8217;s just because it!!!8217;s so damaged that it!!!8217;s dosintergrating as it!!!8217;s really spongey or if they!!!8217;re still active. He checked the loft and we!!!8217;ve also checked the loft and all seems fine. I!!!8217;ve also checked the floorboards and skirting and the doors etc and they seem fine. I just don!!!8217;t want it in the house

p00hsticks

Kpossible929 wrote: »

it's dosintergrating as it's really spongey

I'm not an expert but I think 'spongey' is more a symptom of fungal growth/rot than of woodworm

Kpossible929

It!!!8217;s possible that there!!!8217;s other stuff going on but I definitely think there!!!8217;s wood worm too, lots of little holes.