clay lump, surveying and timing

goathead

A wee question about timings and things if I may. We've had an offer accepted on a property, Original part of the building is clay lump which has been extended at some point. We are aware that clay lump can have some issues. Going through the process or mortgage application/ porting with nationwide. They should be doing their valuation soon and we will be getting our own survey done.

We have found someone who will do a specialist survey of the clay lump constructed building although this is not a homebuyers report. We are unsure if it would be best to get a homebuyers report as well or if this will muddy the waters if that surveyor doesn't understand the idiosyncrasies of clay lump construction.

Also with it being partly non standard in its construction would it be best to hold off on surveys until after a mortgage offer has been issued?

[Deleted User]

I would hold off on survey until after offer but I know Nationwide allow you to upgrade from basic mortgage valuation to homebuyers at a cheaper cost than getting a standalone homebuyers done.

I have spoken to Nationwide regarding this and they said the valuer would not be able to not do the homebuyers if it is unmortgageble so you would sick losing the money paid to Nationwide for upgrading the homebuyers.

Saying that, upgrading is about £250 and doing a standalone is about £500 so you might want to take the risk (prices in my area, yours might be different)

I would be checking with the surveyor that they know clay lump properties and can advise accordingly.

goathead

cheers Deleted_User. Have been in touch with Nationwide, bit more expensive than yours for a homebuyers but not too bad. Think we will go with a homebuyers from them and once the mortgage offer is issued, assuming that all goes well, we'll ask the specialist surveyor to go in and have a look at the clay lump elements of the building with specific advice. Should cover most of our bases. ideally he would like to drill a few holes etc. for his survey but can't see the owner agreeing to that, pretty sure I wouldn't if it was me. We've also asked the current owner if they have any specific info about the building.