Homebuyers Survey - Conservatory Issues

KatieDee

We have just had our Homebuyers Report returned and it is a mixture of 1's, mostly 2's and a couple of 3's. This is exactly what we were expecting and most of the 2's are commenting on things we had factored into the cost of the property when making our offer, so no issues there.

The big curve ball we've had is the conservatory, and now we're a bit unsure of how to tackle this. It was given a 3, with the following description:

To the rear of the property a conservatory has been installed in the past. We are of the
opinion this is likely to have been constructed approximately 20 years ago. Any planning
permission and building regulation approval should be obtained and retained for your benefit
prior to entering into legal commitment to purchase.

The conservatory is formed from brickwork to the lower sections together with uPVC double
glazing being provided over and a hipped translucent roof is installed which incorporates
lead flashings forming the joint with the rear elevation. A uPVC double glazed sliding door
is provided together with modern PVC ogee guttering being installed and this is connected
to a rear left round PVC downpipe which disperses into a gully. A modern PVC damp proof
course was visible to the conservatory itself.

The brickwork and pointing to the conservatory were generally weathered but in the main
were in a fair condition. It was noted that the conservatory has not been toothed into the
rear elevation and some significant movement has occurred to the joint between the
conservatory and the rear elevation. This is visible both externally and internally within the
conservatory where cracking was noted. We would now advise that further investigations
are undertaken by an appropriately qualified contractor and the conservatory should be tied
into the rear elevation as appropriate. Some repair works are also going to be required and
full costs and estimates should be obtained prior to entering into legal commitment to
purchase.

We would advise that the lead flashings are checked now and on a regular basis for any
signs of leakage together with checking all adjacent timberwork for any signs of decay as
this is an area that is prone to failure. It was also noted at the time of inspection that the guttering to the conservatory is leaking for which repair works are now recommended and
we would advise that all the gutter joints are checked and re!made as appropriate to ensure
they are watertight and all gutters and gullies should be cleared from debris. It was also
noted that approximately four of the double glazed units to the conservatory have now failed
for which repair and replacement of the glazing is required.

Internally within the conservatory a solid floor is provided which incorporates a laminate
type finish. A plastered and painted finish is provided to the walls together with a radiator
being installed. Dampness was noted within the conservatory to the elevation adjacent to
the door into the kitchen. Further investigations with regards to this dampness are
recommended although this was only isolated to this area. Electricity is laid on within the
conservatory together with a radiator being installed and cracking was indeed noted to the
joints to the front right and front left hand sides where repair works and upgrading works
have already been recommended. Full costs and estimates should be obtained

So the guttering isn't a problem, nor is the roof of the conservatory itself as we were completely expecting this to need replacing just from the viewing. However, the part about movement, cracks and damp has me a little worried.

How do we do our best to prepare for this? Is it worth getting a quote and if so, who would we go to for this? Conservatory guys? Surveyor? In the event that this does cost a significant amount to put right, are we justified on reducing our offer or is this unreasonable due to the fact it's a conservatory?

Overall we're still happy with the house so we're not looking for a cheeky last minute discount, but I do want to make sure we're financially prepared. I understand that surveys are essentially just the surveyor covering their backs, so it can sound a bit scary when it's actually an issue many houses of the same age have. I suppose I'm wanting an unbiased person to say whether it sounds serious or absolutely normal (albeit needing repair).

Thanks for sticking with this, and thank you in advance for your suggestions