FTB - Survey recommended further investigation. Who pays?

Smodlet

Seriously, OP, how would you like it if you were trying to sell your car and someone wanted to take it apart before offering on it?  Do you really expect anyone to allow some random's surveyor to start carving up their ceiling on the off-chance you might decide to buy their house?  What would you say to them?

Thank you for reminding me there are always more shocks to be had on this thread...

Sachs

I actually think the OP is sensible to be doing due diligence. So many people spend hundreds of thousands on the basis of a Homebuyers report and a sausage factory conveyancer (who's report on title they don't even read anyway).
On the specific question of is it reasonable to ask to install a new loft hatch in a sellers house the answer is... maybe.
Is it reasonable to ask them to pay for it; absolutely not, do not to this.

I say maybe on the ask because it depends on whether they expect to find something that is material to the transaction. If you're asking to do it just in case I would be inclined to say thats overkill. If you have reason to believe that there is something in the loft that could have a material impact on the transaction I would explain to the vendor what that thing is and why its so important along with your request. Not asking, when you have reason to suspect a material issue you need clarity on, for the sake of politeness would be foolish.

alicechristina92

Sachs said:

I actually think the OP is sensible to be doing due diligence. So many people spend hundreds of thousands on the basis of a Homebuyers report and a sausage factory conveyancer (who's report on title they don't even read anyway).
On the specific question of is it reasonable to ask to install a new loft hatch in a sellers house the answer is... maybe.
Is it reasonable to ask them to pay for it; absolutely not, do not to this.

I say maybe on the ask because it depends on whether they expect to find something that is material to the transaction. If you're asking to do it just in case I would be inclined to say thats overkill. If you have reason to believe that there is something in the loft that could have a material impact on the transaction I would explain to the vendor what that thing is and why its so important along with your request. Not asking, when you have reason to suspect a material issue you need clarity on, for the sake of politeness would be foolish.

I've realised that. But like I said we are first time buyers and a bit clueless on how this process works. We aren't all born as expects in purchasing property. Give me some slack for god's sake. We all ask stupid questions sometimes 

Sachs

I'm not sure how you've negatively interpreted a post starting " I actually think the OP is sensible"  but good luck either way.

davidmcn

I'll go against the grain and say that increasing the size of the loft hatch wouldn't seem that big a deal to me if I were selling, especially if I had a prospective buyer who is (probably) going to proceed.

alicechristina92

Sachs said:

I'm not sure how you've negatively interpreted a post starting " I actually think the OP is sensible"  but good luck either way.

Sorry! this was in response to the previous comment not yours!