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Negotiating with vendor after a survey - Chimney issues

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We're in the process of buying a property but the survey has just come back showing issues with the chimney stack (supported by a bit of wood. The surveyor said it's unsafe and a risk to life and needs sorting asap). 
We're in the process of getting a structural engineer and then will get builders quotes. I think an rsj is needed as it's connected to the neighbouring property so I doubt we can remove it. But I just wondered if anyone has done this kind of work and had any idea what it costs? 

And secondly, we'll need to go back to the vendor to negotiate price to allow us to fix this (unless they want to do it themselves.) Has anyone has much experience with negotiating with vendors recently? I worry that there is such lack of properties on the market that they'll tell us they won't drop the price. (For additional context, there is other work needed but all of that we could have reasonably worked out based on viewings so won't reduce our offer for that and we have offered 20k over the asking price.) 

Any thoughts appreciated! 

Comments

  • ciderboy2009
    ciderboy2009 Posts: 1,243 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Car Insurance Carver!
    What did the survey value the house at?  If it says that it's worth the agreed amount without getting the work done then you're possibly going to struggle to get the vendor to contribute towards the fix.

    Whatever you do, DO NOT allow the vendor to fix it themselves - you will then have no guarantee as to how well it's been done.

    Bear in mind that getting a structural engineer to visit (& presumably do the calculations to work out what is needed) is going to cost you a few hundred at least.
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,259 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    ciderboy2009 said: Bear in mind that getting a structural engineer to visit (& presumably do the calculations to work out what is needed) is going to cost you a few hundred at least.
    Building Control will want to see the calculations before they sign off on the work. And the OP shouldn't skimp on the BR side of things. It will make selling the property at a later date much easier and also avoid any risk (however minimal) of the council taking enforcement action.

    Her courage will change the world.

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  • aoleks
    aoleks Posts: 720 Forumite
    500 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    I'd be cautious as people who risk their lives with such important issues might cut corners everywhere...


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