New build storage cellar leaks

RPC_2

I am buying a renovated house that is 120yrs old but is classed as a new build. Estate agent blurb describes cellar as storage space, it has lights and the gas and electric meters are down there but no windows or power points. When it rains water is coming up in the back cellar room to about an inch deep. The developer is saying that the cellar is a separate entity so doesn't need waterproofing. I have said I think it should be what I think is  level 2 on nhbc so although some dampness allowed no water should be coming in? Its only a small development of houses. I would appreciate if anyone could advise if the cellar should be waterproofed under building regs or covered by nhbc standards? Many thanks in advance for any info.

AdrianC

That's what cellars do. They're underground, water ingress is to be expected. Water has been getting into that cellar for 120 years.

If you really want it to be dry-dry-dry, then it will need to be tanked (which won't stop water getting into the masonry of the walls, but should stop it coming into the space) and/or a pump installed into a low-point to get rid of any that does get in.

Chandler85

Some old houses with cellars have little streams running through them and all sorts.  So I somewhat doubt you would get anywhere with the developer.

Blue_bell_20

We are buying a house that includes a spring in the cellar - looked like a tiny puddle and the seller said this is the worst it gets. I hope that’s right, also hope it’s ok to insure. Other than that we are not worried. 

RPC_2

Thank you both. I am wondering whether building regs require some waterproofing or if it is covered under nhbc as they stipulate 3 levels of requirements for waterproofing depending on what the room is used for as it is classed as a new build house.

RPC_2

Blue_bell_20 said:

We are buying a house that includes a spring in the cellar - looked like a tiny puddle and the seller said this is the worst it gets. I hope that’s right, also hope it’s ok to insure. Other than that we are not worried. 

I hadn't thought of insurance implications yet! I wanted to store things like the bbq and stepladders down there as I had a garage in my old house for all that. I dont mind it being a bit damp but an inch of water is too much so I was hopeful it may be on the developer to sort out. Are you getting anyone professional check it out before you buy? I think I might get quotes in if its on me to fix it. Good luck with your house buying i know it is a bit stressful with all the delays at present so hope it goes well

Blue_bell_20

RPC_2 said:

Blue_bell_20 said:

We are buying a house that includes a spring in the cellar - looked like a tiny puddle and the seller said this is the worst it gets. I hope that’s right, also hope it’s ok to insure. Other than that we are not worried. 

I hadn't thought of insurance implications yet! I wanted to store things like the bbq and stepladders down there as I had a garage in my old house for all that. I dont mind it being a bit damp but an inch of water is too much so I was hopeful it may be on the developer to sort out. Are you getting anyone professional check it out before you buy? I think I might get quotes in if its on me to fix it. Good luck with your house buying i know it is a bit stressful with all the delays at present so hope it goes well

We asked the seller if they’ve ever had flooding or insurance issues, they said they haven’t to either. The house is on a bit of a hill, so I assume the spring under the house would just keep flowing downhill. 

We are going to get a structural survey done (the house is very old). The house looked very well looked after, it’s mostly due to its age why we are getting it. My OH said the house has been there for a long time with the spring and it’s still standing. I guess he has a point.

Thanks, good luck with your house. I guess if you know what level the water raises to you could put shelves in or hang the ladders up? As long as it never floods. Could you buy a small shed instead to store the ladders/bbq? 

RPC_2

Yes being on a hill is better for flooding in general. I do love old houses despite the quirks!
Theyve extended the back quite a lot on the mid terrace I am buying so only a small garden space at the back which I want to keep all of for sitting out in. I can put bike racks on wall and it is only the back of the cellar that gets wet, just means I need to throw more stuff out so have less to store and have good storage in rest of house for now!

Doozergirl

It shouldn't be classed as a new build.  It will be classed as a conversion for the purposes of Building Control and the warranty would also specifically need to cover a conversion project as it's a different animal to a new build and needs specialist cover.  

There's no way building control would demand that the cellar is watertight and the estate agents have described it as storage meaning that it isn't sold as habitable.   Building control would want to the see the ground floor insulated and that's about it.  

It sounds perfectly normal to me.  You may need to temper your expectations somewhat.  

RPC_2

It is classed as a new build for mortgage purposes. 
I know it is normal due to water table etc but I still don't want it in my house and just wanted to see if it was part of nhbc standards for this to be done. so no big expectations just checking that I am getting what I am due.

greatcrested

You are getting what you are due.

If you want a house with a hibitable (ie 'dry') celler, find one which is described as 'habitable'. The clue was in the description: 'storage' (though obviously even that requires care - storing valuable paper archives for example would not be recommended!