Please help me with homebuyer report

jazzyja

Hi, today I got my report back for survey. I've also spoken to the surveyor on the phone, he kind of ripped the place apart really and dampened my excitement but.....trying to stay positive and actually be grateful to be buying. I'm a FTB so it's all new to me! I understand the rating of 1-3 on the RICS rating is somewhat subjective after reading previous threads on here. Some things that have been picked up I personally don't think are a big deal but some I'm not quite sure. Surveyor tells me I must go back to the seller with a list of what he has rated as a 3, and prices for work needed.
Now my offer was already lower than asking price so I'm abit reluctant to go back and try getting more money taken off, I don't this is entirely fair, unless of course its substantial/dangerous.
I've attached some pictures of the parts I'm not so sure about and would love some opinions/experiences please. 
The damp on the kitchen ceiling, in his opinion, is from the ensuite shower needing a repoint, this is fine as my boyfriend is a plasterer/jack of all trades he can do this. But should I be seeing if it is actually that that's causing the damp??
The windows section....im confused about that. He's saying the don't open from the bottom?! 

Sorry got the long post! Thankyou 

kdotdotdotdot

I can't see that there's anything substantially wrong with the house.  Your surveyor seems to be pointing out potential faults that may or may not happen in the future but are currently not at fault.

Forward to your solicitor (and summarise) so that they can ask the necessary questions of the vendor, such as location of stopcock, explanation of possible leak and fensa certificates.   Note that FENSA was introduced in 2002, so if the windows are older than that, then they won't have it.

Regarding the bedroom fire escape, I don't know if there are any special building codes that require one.  I believe you can buy something that's essentially a rope ladder on two hooks that you can keep in the room and hang out of the window if an escape become necessary.  I can't see a houseowner installing something like that for a buyer.  

MaryNB

I think first floor windows should be designed as fire escapes in homes in accordance with building regs. But the vast majority of homes in the UK won't be up to current standards and nobody updates their house everytime a new regulation comes out. 

The last condition rating there isn't an "urgent repair" 3, it's a "i have no idea what the condition is like" 3. 

My colleague replaced the lead pipe in his house. I gather it wasn't a particularly onerous job. ETA: The local water company went to his house to have a look at the lead pipe, did some testing and gave advice. Your local water company may do the same.

user1977

MaryNB said:

My colleague replace the lead pipe in his house. I gather it wasn't a particularly onerous job. 

And note the survey doesn't even say it is a lead pipe.

MaryNB

user1977 said:

MaryNB said:

My colleague replace the lead pipe in his house. I gather it wasn't a particularly onerous job. 

And note the survey doesn't even say it is a lead pipe.

Good point, I missed the may.

I'll refer back to the ETA bit in my post above. The local water company might be able to help investigate it.

jazzyja

kdotdotdotdot said:

I can't see that there's anything substantially wrong with the house.  Your surveyor seems to be pointing out potential faults that may or may not happen in the future but are currently not at fault.

Forward to your solicitor (and summarise) so that they can ask the necessary questions of the vendor, such as location of stopcock, explanation of possible leak and fensa certificates.   Note that FENSA was introduced in 2002, so if the windows are older than that, then they won't have it.

Regarding the bedroom fire escape, I don't know if there are any special building codes that require one.  I believe you can buy something that's essentially a rope ladder on two hooks that you can keep in the room and hang out of the window if an escape become necessary.  I can't see a houseowner installing something like that for a buyer.  

Thanks. The windows were fitted in 2017 as solicitor has sent me the warranty certificate. So I would assume theyl have this fensa thing? I've sent it over to my solicitor today 

jazzyja

MaryNB said:

user1977 said:

MaryNB said:

My colleague replace the lead pipe in his house. I gather it wasn't a particularly onerous job. 

And note the survey doesn't even say it is a lead pipe.

Good point, I missed the may.

I'll refer back to the ETA bit in my post above. The local water company might be able to help investigate it.

Ahh yes good idea. Il see if they can help 

Ally_E.

Sounds normal to me, what he basically said as he doesn't know if there will be problems in the future or not and is covering his bottom.

jazzyja

He actually said "I hope you're going to do the kitchen as it's old and needs a refit".......I actually loved the kitchen and was my favourite part!! I didnt really know what to say 

tdawber

Try checking the FENSA website see when the windows were fitted if the company registered it with FENSA
https://forms.fensa.org.uk/fensa-certificate

ss2020jd

I would say that all looks fairly standard, nothing too bad at all. I had to do a couple of those things when I moved into my house when I bought it - notably the water pipe, which was lead and also the extra vents. 

The window part that you are not sure about I would just call and chat to your surveyor so he can clarify. 

It’s up to you if you go back for further money off. But if you have already got it for a bit less, and you have someone who can easily do some of it, I wouldn’t think it’s worth haggling over those things.

You could always check with the seller about the cause of the leak from above and confirm that it’s been sorted.