Chimney woes

FreeBear

Bendy_House said: It ain't going to fall down this year. Or next. Probably not the following year either.

But, it's gonna come down at some point.

If we get another spot of wind like we did back in October 1987, there is a good chance that it will come down. Then again, the UK gets about 30 tornados each year - Some of them can do serious damage.

wazza99

That is partly the issue Bendy_House, we are selling and apart from being undervalued by the 1st buyers surveyor the bank have said they will actually lend £0 (without a structural survey and consequent repairs) due to concerns over the chimney on the neighbours side, so the state of the neighbours chimney is already causing us issues that's before or if it falls. If we could get them to repair it at least it would take it out of the equation. I have no doubt every surveyor that comes out will have their eye drawn to the glaring issue.

wazza99

Would this be ok to send to the property owner ?

I am writing to formally inform you regarding repairs required to your property.

It has come to light whilst our property was being surveyed that in the opinion of the surveyor that your side of the chimney stack is visibly in a very poor condition and in her opinion unsafe and at risk of falling causing damage to both your and potentially our roof, as well as being a risk to people in the garden. The stack clearly has gaps forming and is in a weakened condition.

I would request you look to inspect and repair the issue without delay.

If the repairs are not carried out in a timely manner, we will have no alternative other than to report the issue to building control via unsafe buildings reporting.

I include a photograph of the damage, clearly showing brick movement and large gaps appearing.

Bendy_House

wazza99 said:

That is partly the issue Bendy_House, we are selling and apart from being undervalued by the 1st buyers surveyor the bank have said they will actually lend £0 (without a structural survey and consequent repairs) due to concerns over the chimney on the neighbours side, so the state of the neighbours chimney is already causing us issues that's before or if it falls. If we could get them to repair it at least it would take it out of the equation. I have no doubt every surveyor that comes out will have their eye drawn to the glaring issue.

Fair do's, Wazza.

That letter strikes me as being concise and clear, but I don't know about that from a 'technical' point. Can you get advice from your LP about this? And I also wonder if it should ideally have a timescale in it, rather than 'a timely manner'? Eg, 2 weeks to at least acknowledge the letter, and for them to confirm there's an issue they are now aware of, and will be tackled - or you will inform the LA? Give an actual 'date'.

Hopefully either LP or other folk on here will advise on that.

wazza99

I did wonder about timescale, going to call LP today before i send it, many thanks. Ive added this paragraph in

I would request you look to inspect and repair the issue without delay, an acknowledgement of this letter, acceptance of the issue and confirmation of timescale for repairs within 2 weeks would seem reasonable.