Home buyer report.

MLTrucker

Evening all.

Can anyone shed any light on home buyer reports?

I know it seems pretty self explanatory, but I’m just after some experienced information.

Would you recommend getting one carried out?

What sort of cost would I be looking at?

At what point in the process of buying our first home would the report be carried out?

Cheers

G_M

MLTrucker wrote: »

Would you recommend getting one carried out?
depends on the property.
and your own ability to spot issues
and your attitude to risk

What sort of cost would I be looking at?
£200 - £400
More if you go for a full building survey
shop around

At what point in the process of buying our first home would the report be carried out?

Cheers

when you instruct a surveyor - certainly not before.
the sooner you instruct the sooner it will be done.

AlexMac

You could look at
http://bfy.tw/KshN

Opinion is divided, but I've never bothered as they are so superficial...

bopsybunny

We have just had one done, just waiting for the report.

The current status of our purchase is: offer accepted, mortgage valuation done, mortgage offer received. We instructed the surveyor on the day we received the mortgage offer. Some lenders give you the option to upgrade the mortgage valuation to a HomeBuyers Report or full structural survey, ours didn't. We wanted a survey as it gives you recommendations on any work that is immediately necessary (so we could possibly renegotiate purchase price with vendors), and any work that is recommended for good maintenance, so we could keep an eye on any potential problems. The house we are buying was only built 15 years ago and has been kept in great condition so we didn't think it necessary to go for a full structural survey.

We paid £330 to a national surveyor, after reading positive reviews on TrustPilot (they weren't the cheapest), the survey was carried out the next day (Wednesday)! (One of the vendors is not currently working so we're lucky things can move so fast!)

Just waiting for the report to be sent to us, I believe it can take 3-5 days.

PhilE

MLTrucker wrote: »

Evening all.

Can anyone shed any light on home buyer reports?

I know it seems pretty self explanatory, but I’m just after some experienced information.

Would you recommend getting one carried out?

What sort of cost would I be looking at?

At what point in the process of buying our first home would the report be carried out?

Cheers

Unless you yourself are an accomplished builder or surveyor, you should always, always get a survey.

Before making an offer, ask if there has been a history of subsidence, under pinning. Ask about any major works on the house, and the guarantee given by the tradesmen. Ask if they have ever asked for planning permission and what the outcome was.

Once your offer has been accepted, you'd get a survey done.

Gingka

Definitely, unless you are confident enough that no major issues will reveal further down the road. For a homebuyer report you are looking at £250-500 (quotes I had in London), it takes usually up to 5 working days to get the written report. I would also go with RICS accredited surveyors. Good luck!

MLTrucker

Thank you all so much for your replies and advice.

Cheers

Joanne_MH

I thought this too. I looked at house that seemed in good shape. non the less I commissioned a report anyway. It came back with 14 reds. I was dazed after reading it. I had my heart set on the house. I copied and pasted all the issues into a word document where it didnt look so bad. The house was build 1900. a mid terrace house that had been reasonable maintain. what could be so bad about it, I asked my self? the house was on the market for 135k the vendor accepted my offer of 130k. The location is good. the valuation came in as the 130k and a good reflection of what its worth if i was prepared to do the works. I wonder if the report is covering their backs?

E1 Chimney stacks

Repairs are needed to the bricks to the rear stack as they are weathered. Repairs are needed to the flashings around the rear stack as they are pulling away from the masonry.

E2 Roof coverings

The main roof coverings are nearing the end of their performance life and need comprehensive overhaul or replacement.

Flashings to the rear projection roof are in poor condition. Repairs are required to reduce the risk of water ingress.

The roof covering to the bay window is in poor condition and should now be replaced. There may be associated damage to the roof deck and supports and you should ensure these are checked and repaired or replaced as necessary.

E3 Rainwater pipes and gutters
.
The cast iron rainwater fittings are in poor condition and should be replaced.

E4 Main walls


The walls are of part rendered solid brick construction. There is a blue brick (engineering brick) damp-proof course.

I recorded high damp meter readings to the ground floor walls. This appears to have been caused by the high external ground levels and failure of the damp-proof course. There is also a risk of associated decay in adjacent timbers.

I also recorded high damp meter readings and noted staining to the right-hand wall of the lounge where the evidence suggests damp is penetrating through the wall as a result of what is likely to be a defective roof covering and porous brickwork. Repairs and improvements are required.

High damp meter readings along with mold growth were noted to the property generally.

The render finishes are loose. Re-rendering or extensive patch repairs are needed to prevent water ingress and further deterioration. There are several weathered and damaged bricks. The affected masonry needs to be cut out and replaced.


E5 Windows.

The glazing in the rear bedroom has misted; this cannot be repaired, and the affected panes need re-glazing.


E6 Outside doors (including patio doors)

The outside doors are uPVC and are double glazed. 2
The front door has defective paneling, a cracked sill and a missing weather board. Repair or replacement is needed.

.
F1 Roof structure

The roof space is insulated between the ceiling joists. The roof has been insulated with vermiculite. This material may contain asbestos and if disturbed harmful fibers could be released in the property.

There is excessive moisture within the roof because of a lack of ventilation. This heightens the risk of decay to
the timbers and repairs/improvements are needed.

F3 Walls and partitions

The textured finishes may have an asbestos content. These are easily disturbed, and this introduces the risk of releasing harmful asbestos fibers.
.
The walls are affected by dampness and I refer you to my earlier advice in Section E4 of this report.

F4 Floors

The floors are of suspended timber and solid construction. 3
As mentioned in Section E4 damp was found. Timbers in contact with damp walls are at risk of decay.


G1 Electricity

Contains older type rewireable fuses. Where visible the wiring is in plastic covered cable. The installation appears dated. There are safety deficiencies. For example, the consumer unit does not incorporate modern circuit protection devices and some fittings are damaged. Further investigation by a registered electrician is now required.

G2 Gas

I do not know if there is a current test certificate for the installation. Your legal Adviser should establish whether there is a current test certificate. If not, then it should be checked before purchase.

G4 Heating

Your legal Adviser should be asked to check whether it has been inspected within the last 12 months.

G6 Drainage

The above ground waste pipes are a combination of plastic, cast iron and asbestos cement. Some waste pipes are leaking and corroding. Repair/replace. The vertical main above ground drainage pipe is missing a capping balloon terminal. Repair/replace.
.
No access points to the underground drainage could be located within the curtilage of the site. Clearance of any blockage will be difficult and could be costly.

H2 Other

The boundary wall to the right side of the property is in danger of collapse and considered a safety risk.
Considerable repair is needed, and this will be costly. Elsewhere the boundary walls are in need of repair. The paving is loose and uneven and requires repair.

Still confused though...should i go for it and use the money i had to spent on new kitchen and bathroom on correcting the issues or should i walk away? im a cash buyer so can't rely on a mortage company to advise.
So, best to get a survey...

Sibz

Joanne_MH wrote: »

I thought this too. I looked at house that seemed in good shape. non the less I commissioned a report anyway. It came back with 14 reds. I was dazed after reading it. I had my heart set on the house. I copied and pasted all the issues into a word document where it didnt look so bad. The house was build 1900. a mid terrace house that had been reasonable maintain. what could be so bad about it, I asked my self? the house was on the market for 135k the vendor accepted my offer of 130k. The location is good. the valuation came in as the 130k and a good reflection of what its worth if i was prepared to do the works. I wonder if the report is covering their backs?

E1 Chimney stacks

Repairs are needed to the bricks to the rear stack as they are weathered. Repairs are needed to the flashings around the rear stack as they are pulling away from the masonry.

E2 Roof coverings

The main roof coverings are nearing the end of their performance life and need comprehensive overhaul or replacement.

Flashings to the rear projection roof are in poor condition. Repairs are required to reduce the risk of water ingress.

The roof covering to the bay window is in poor condition and should now be replaced. There may be associated damage to the roof deck and supports and you should ensure these are checked and repaired or replaced as necessary.

E3 Rainwater pipes and gutters
.
The cast iron rainwater fittings are in poor condition and should be replaced.

E4 Main walls


The walls are of part rendered solid brick construction. There is a blue brick (engineering brick) damp-proof course.

I recorded high damp meter readings to the ground floor walls. This appears to have been caused by the high external ground levels and failure of the damp-proof course. There is also a risk of associated decay in adjacent timbers.

I also recorded high damp meter readings and noted staining to the right-hand wall of the lounge where the evidence suggests damp is penetrating through the wall as a result of what is likely to be a defective roof covering and porous brickwork. Repairs and improvements are required.

High damp meter readings along with mold growth were noted to the property generally.

The render finishes are loose. Re-rendering or extensive patch repairs are needed to prevent water ingress and further deterioration. There are several weathered and damaged bricks. The affected masonry needs to be cut out and replaced.


E5 Windows.

The glazing in the rear bedroom has misted; this cannot be repaired, and the affected panes need re-glazing.


E6 Outside doors (including patio doors)

The outside doors are uPVC and are double glazed. 2
The front door has defective paneling, a cracked sill and a missing weather board. Repair or replacement is needed.

.
F1 Roof structure

The roof space is insulated between the ceiling joists. The roof has been insulated with vermiculite. This material may contain asbestos and if disturbed harmful fibers could be released in the property.

There is excessive moisture within the roof because of a lack of ventilation. This heightens the risk of decay to
the timbers and repairs/improvements are needed.

F3 Walls and partitions

The textured finishes may have an asbestos content. These are easily disturbed, and this introduces the risk of releasing harmful asbestos fibers.
.
The walls are affected by dampness and I refer you to my earlier advice in Section E4 of this report.

F4 Floors

The floors are of suspended timber and solid construction. 3
As mentioned in Section E4 damp was found. Timbers in contact with damp walls are at risk of decay.


G1 Electricity

Contains older type rewireable fuses. Where visible the wiring is in plastic covered cable. The installation appears dated. There are safety deficiencies. For example, the consumer unit does not incorporate modern circuit protection devices and some fittings are damaged. Further investigation by a registered electrician is now required.

G2 Gas

I do not know if there is a current test certificate for the installation. Your legal Adviser should establish whether there is a current test certificate. If not, then it should be checked before purchase.

G4 Heating

Your legal Adviser should be asked to check whether it has been inspected within the last 12 months.

G6 Drainage

The above ground waste pipes are a combination of plastic, cast iron and asbestos cement. Some waste pipes are leaking and corroding. Repair/replace. The vertical main above ground drainage pipe is missing a capping balloon terminal. Repair/replace.
.
No access points to the underground drainage could be located within the curtilage of the site. Clearance of any blockage will be difficult and could be costly.

H2 Other

The boundary wall to the right side of the property is in danger of collapse and considered a safety risk.
Considerable repair is needed, and this will be costly. Elsewhere the boundary walls are in need of repair. The paving is loose and uneven and requires repair.

Still confused though...should i go for it and use the money i had to spent on new kitchen and bathroom on correcting the issues or should i walk away? im a cash buyer so can't rely on a mortage company to advise.
So, best to get a survey...

A great deal (if not all) of this would be expected in a property that age.
What you do depends on what funds you have to do the necessary work. As with all surveys, some things will be less important than others. But it looks like there are some fairly large jobs you ought to do sooner rather than later.

Things like the roofing and damp work (sounds like you need a whole damp proofing course done) will go hand in hand and are best done before you move in (because they are messy jobs). It sounds like it is out of date wiring too - that's another big messy job. You should get quotes or ideas of the cost of having this work done - this may lead you to adjusting your offer, though the survey should suggest a value based on current not future condition.

supa34

Having done reports in the past, I don't see benefit of them.

The surveyor doesn't really do a full inspection and only mentions what they can see. No looking on loft, under floor boards etc.
They also Contain it if "may" "could" "probably" etc
Most houses are old and have some defect.

However if you have paid at or above asking price you can use it to get it lowered if it comes with alot of issues. Depends on the seller. How good is your poker face? Send them a copy of report, then call back a few days later after they have had a think. Theu can either carry out the work and you'll pay price agreed or they can lower asking price. Of course they also tell you where to go to aswell!!