Problems following damp proofing

Joe_Railwayman

Hi all,

Agreed to purchase a property as a first time buyer. Survey showed damp issues, seller agreed to pay for the work to be done. We have just been for a final viewing before exchange to find that the damp proofing has been done but radiators have not been reattached, electric sockets are hanging loose from the walls and most of the skirting boards have not been replaced.

Spoken to a professional who has advised that this will cost £1,000 to rectify. Are we within our rights to ask the seller to meet these costs as well? The house isn’t fit to live in at the moment because of this and we are due to complete next week!

Any advice greatly appreciated.

G_M

Have you exchanged?
If yes, why?
If not, don't.


Why did you agree to let the sellers fo the work? They have no interest in a good job. Far better to get price reduction and arrange the work yourself.

RedFraggle

Don't exchange. What was the cause of the damp and has that been fixed. Sounds like they might have injected the walls which is rarely appropriate.

https://www.heritage-house.org/building-surveys/the-scam-of-rics-timber-and-damp-reports.html

Joe_Railwayman

Haven’t exchanged and have contacted our solicitor. Were advised by our mortgage broker that having the seller arrange for the work to be done and then have them send us the long term guarantee documents was the best thing to do as our mortgage wouldn’t be granted otherwise.

Mickygg

Oh wow I would never have them do the work. You won't know if it's been done properly all the seller's want is a piece of paper to pass on to you. They would just have got the cheapest in not the best.
It is also amazing they have done this considering you can pull out up until exchange.
Definitely get them to put everything back and complete the job.