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Renegotiate or...

KatieDee
Posts: 709 Forumite

We had a Homebuyers Survey carried out on the property we are due to buy, which is a 1930's semi.
Most of the survey was made up of 2's, with a few 1's and a couple of 3's. My partner and I have discussed whether we have the grounds to renegotiate, or whether these are perfectly acceptable things. We understand the point of a survey is to highlight potential future issues and is written purely to protect the surveyor, so we want an outsiders view.
The 3's are the conservatory, which wasn't toothed into the property when built which has resulted in cracks and a small but completely separate area of damp. Another 3 are the ceilings, mostly due to a small amount of artex and cracks which need minor repairs, as well as polystyrene coving which needs to be removed due to being a fire hazard.
There are 18 things that have been marked as 2's, most of which we expected due to dated kitchen and bathroom which we factored into our offer. Some things we didn't know about, such as the five blown double glazing panels throughout the property.
Things such as the roof seem to be fine, with minor repairs needed in future. No damp found in the property at all. Walls all in good nick and even the gas/electric got a 2.
We see the conservatory as an add on, but the damp and the movement is slightly worrying. It would be nice to sort the windows (as it may improve the damp) but we're unsure whether this could be done beforehand or whether it's really just standard maintenence?
We love the house but as this is our first house together, we want to make sure we're paying the right amount. We accept we're not buying a new build and therefore maintainence costs and improvements need to be factored in. We don't want to be cheeky either, as we love the house. Partner thinks we just need to accept the work and plan for it.
Any ideas? Stick with our offer price or renegotiate?
Most of the survey was made up of 2's, with a few 1's and a couple of 3's. My partner and I have discussed whether we have the grounds to renegotiate, or whether these are perfectly acceptable things. We understand the point of a survey is to highlight potential future issues and is written purely to protect the surveyor, so we want an outsiders view.
The 3's are the conservatory, which wasn't toothed into the property when built which has resulted in cracks and a small but completely separate area of damp. Another 3 are the ceilings, mostly due to a small amount of artex and cracks which need minor repairs, as well as polystyrene coving which needs to be removed due to being a fire hazard.
There are 18 things that have been marked as 2's, most of which we expected due to dated kitchen and bathroom which we factored into our offer. Some things we didn't know about, such as the five blown double glazing panels throughout the property.
Things such as the roof seem to be fine, with minor repairs needed in future. No damp found in the property at all. Walls all in good nick and even the gas/electric got a 2.
We see the conservatory as an add on, but the damp and the movement is slightly worrying. It would be nice to sort the windows (as it may improve the damp) but we're unsure whether this could be done beforehand or whether it's really just standard maintenence?
We love the house but as this is our first house together, we want to make sure we're paying the right amount. We accept we're not buying a new build and therefore maintainence costs and improvements need to be factored in. We don't want to be cheeky either, as we love the house. Partner thinks we just need to accept the work and plan for it.
Any ideas? Stick with our offer price or renegotiate?
0
Comments
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What did the valuation come in at?
Ceilings - you would have been aware of these after viewing so no reduction.
Blown windows - again, should have been obvious due to misting. Not that pricey to fix. Hundreds rather than thousands.
I don't think you have any grounds for a reduction from that list unless it was valued at less than your offer.2024 wins: *must start comping again!*0 -
What did the valuation come in at?
Ceilings - you would have been aware of these after viewing so no reduction.
Blown windows - again, should have been obvious due to misting. Not that pricey to fix. Hundreds rather than thousands.
I don't think you have any grounds for a reduction from that list unless it was valued at less than your offer.
I forgot to mention the valuation - came back at bang on what we offered. This is our logic behind maybe sticking at the price we offered, as I understand this valuation takes into account the relevant work that needs carrying out?
Shockingly I didn't notice the cracks in the ceilings, although realistically a property of this age is likely to need replastering and other minor works so it isn't really a surprise.
My biggest concern is the conservatory really, but short of somehow paying to have it attached to the house (which I'm not really interested in) or knocked down (which seems a bit odd lowering an offer for) there isn't really much that can be done. From my understanding, most conservatories seem to have less than perfect assessments during a survey, due to the fact that they're not really classed as part of the property and therefore, don't have the same standards or longevity.
I think it just worried me seeing all of those issues written down, as I am really not the best at DIY and most will involve getting professionals in to resolve the problem before it gets worse. It's our first home together, so I want to make sure it isn't a nightmare property (or if it is, the price reflects this), so some guidance is really welcome.
From other threads on this site, it looks as though ours isn't too bad though!0 -
I suppose you have three basic options:
1. Try - they can only say no. (I'd definitely say no and I'd be a tad worried you'd try it again before exchange.)
2. Buy a new build instead (although still unlikely to be perfect).
3. Pay it.
Yep valuation will take everything into account.
Conservatories only have a limited lifespan (10-25 years ish) and often don't add (much/any) value. Many will choose to get rid of them.
Good luck.2024 wins: *must start comping again!*0
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