survey bits and bobs

dave76

the survey came back on our house purchse showing a couple of concerns (but generally pretty good for an 140 year old property!).

They said they found no signs of wood boring insect infestation, but as it is an old property and much of it was covered up then a more detailed investigation should be carried out of all the timbers in the property. Is this one of those things they put on all reports to cover themselves?

One of the rear window frames needs "some repair and making good" - not sure what to do about this one. I could get someone out to see it, or I guess I could go and visit the property myself again just to see what the extent of the problem is, I mean it might need the whole window replacing or might just be a little fill and paint job?

Hopefully my solicitor will advise once he has gone through the report, just looking for any similar experiences

cattie

It's pretty standard for a survey report to recommend a specialist check out timbers & damp, along with electrics & gas.

The window frame probably just needs repairing as if it were anything more then the surveyor would have mentioned it needed replacing, I'm sure.

I've had a similar comment made on a couple of windows of a cottage I'm buying. The making good part on mine is also to do with a window sill on one of the windows, but all relatively minor.

hierrodaknuckles

we had a similar thing in the report of the property we are buying, which was built around 1880. it has signs that there was once upon a time, an infestation that was treated and they could not find any signs of a live situation, but suggested we look into it. I guess it is to cover themselves really.

We have a bit of work to do on our place according to our report, flashing, pointing, ventilation and roof tiling, but we kinda knew this, hence our offer being quite a bit under the asking price. We're there for the long haul tho, so it's no worries, i hope.

good luck with yours

guppy

Remember you can always phone up the surveyor and ask for more detail...you are paying him after all

Running_Horse

As Cattie said, the window sounds very minor.

On a house that old I would want a recent Timber & Damp guarantee (even if they are worthless), or for a specialist to have a closer look under the carpets.

Doozergirl

Your solicitor won't comment on your survey. They are not qualified to and so they simply don't. They might give you an 'if it was me' answer.

Was it a homebuyers or a building survey? It doesn't sound like there was much wrong at all. Go and look at the window yourself.

dave76

Right, I might give the surveryor a call about the timber. The slight problem is the place is fully furnished and will be staying that way - I guess they could inspect some of the timbers without disturbing too much? (I know in the grand scheme of things its better finding any issues now). With the property being in a row of 4 or 5 cottages, I wonder if there is any benefit in asking the neighbours if they have had any issues with timbers?

The surveyor found no problems with damp but think the solicitor will look for any guarantees.

dave76

Doozergirl wrote: »

Your solicitor won't comment on your survey. They are not qualified to and so they simply don't. They might give you an 'if it was me' answer.

Was it a homebuyers or a building survey? It doesn't sound like there was much wrong at all. Go and look at the window yourself.

it was a homebuyers - from talking to a few people it seemed the best option due to the fact its fully furnished and a full survey probably wouldnt have gone under all the fixtures and fittings just as the homebuyers wouldnt have done. The survey raised legal issues that the solicitor will look at but I agree they wont comment on any structural issues.

I will try and get round asap to look at the window - is it just a case of asking the estate agents to let me go and look? (might be an obvious question, but this is my first purchase!)

Doozergirl

yes, call the agent and arrange another viewing.

doesn't have to be specifically to look at the window!