Homebuyer Report - FTB Advice

Ohnonothebees

Hi there,

I have just received the Homebuyer Report for a property I am in the process of buying and would appreciate advice as a first-time buyer.

House was built roughly in the 1950s and the valuation has come back the same as the amount agreed upon. The surveyor prefaced the report with this:

"Following my inspection I found no reason why you should not purchase the property but I have recommended some repair and improvement works. These are not considered to be exceptional or unusual in a property of this age and type. Under normal market conditions, providing the repairs are done and regular maintenance is carried out, there is no reason to expect the property to be difficult to re-sell."

My plan is to get a roofing specialist out for a quote and the same for the damp. Any additional advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

Level 3 Items (Red):

E3 Rainwater pipes and gutters

• The property has pre-cast concrete gutters and plastic downpipes. Where rainwater downpipes pass below ground, they are assumed to be connected to a suitable discharge point such as a drain or soak away but this cannot be verified without further investigations.
• Concrete gutters can be problematic and are prone to leakage and condensation due to cold bridging. Leakage can be a problem if the linings are defective and repair/improvement works are usually costly.
• The concrete gutter sections also provide structural lintel support over the window openings. It is impossible to determine conclusively from a visual inspection whether the support above the windows is fully adequate. Quite commonly the original windows would have contributed to the support. Problems can arise when the original steel or timber windows are replaced with modern plastic windows that are not designed to provide any support.

Damp

• Evidence of damp was observed to internal walls adjacent to the first floor landing window on the flank elevation, possibly as a result of penetrating moisture due to defective window sealant and cracked/porous render. There is also evidence of dry, historic staining around some other window openings and further repairs or improvements to levels of natural ventilation may be necessary.
• Evidence of damp was also observed to internal walls in the ground floor W.C., probably as a result of penetrating moisture due to the single skin walls and cracked/porous render. These walls will not perform as well as the main walls in terms of insulation and resistance to damp/condensation. Higher than average levels of routine maintenance and repair should therefore be anticipated. It is recommended that these walls are upgraded to conform to current Building Regulations.
• If dampness is left untreated it can cause deterioration to other elements. In particular, timber in contact with damp walls is more vulnerable to infestation by wood boring beetle and fungal decay (rot).
• Further Investigation. You should ask a member of the Property Care Association or similar to investigate and report before exchange of contracts

F1 Roof structure

• The roof structure has sagged slightly, probably due to inadequate support. All defective timbers should be replaced and/or additional support provided as found necessary.
• Further Investigation. You should ask a competent roofing contractor to investigate and report before exchange of contracts.
• Within the limitations of our inspection, we found no evidence of active wood boring beetle infestation in the roof timbers. However, older properties such as this one are very susceptible to attack and infestation may well be discovered when the property is inspected by a timber treatment specialist.
• Further Investigation. As a precaution, and in the absence of existing guarantees covering previous treatment, you should arrange for a detailed investigation of the whole property, including sub-floor areas, by a member of the Property Care Association or similar contractor

G6 Drainage

• The drain gullies on the flank elevation are cracked/defective and in need of attention. Repairs are necessary. You should arrange for an appropriately qualified person to inspect and quote for all necessary remedial work before exchange of contracts.