Survey report - what to do?

martindow

If it is possible, I would phone the surveyor to chat about his report.  In a phone call they tend to be less guarded than what they would be willing to put in writing.

Having said that, this sounds a daunting project to take on and your fee to the surveyor seems like money well spent.

JuanBallOfWimbledon

Thanks everyone. I’ve spoken to the surveyor on the telephone who really stressed his advice that we not continue with this purchase. He is also a RICS Registered Valuer and, although we’d not instructed him to perform a valuation, said if he were to do so he’d value it at ‘substantially less’ than our asking price offer. He said there was evidence that some effort had been made to cover issues, and heavy furniture appeared to have been moved against walls of concern (although this didn’t impede his inspection much). He said it is liable to become a money pit on which we would quickly over-invest. He also said that money aside, the work required is mostly very disruptive.

I then spoke with the EA to explain that we are withdrawing and briefly why. They then spoke with the vendor, and called me back to let me know they are ‘furious’ and are demanding a copy of the report along with the surveyor's name and number. They also wanted us to know they aren’t willing to drop the price a penny below asking. We stressed that we no longer want to buy the property and that we aren't posturing for a reduction in price. I offered to pass the report to them for a fair price, but I’ve not heard back.

It is disappointing but another bungalow appeared on the market today, which we’re viewing in the morning. Wish us luck! 

youth_leader

Good luck JuanBallOfWimbledon, 

Do inhale deeply when you view tomorrow to see if it smells at all damp, and if fully fitted carpets, ask if the floors are timber or plasterboard. So funny I had secretly hoped for parquet, and got chipboard with mould.  The surveyor can't understand where the water under this bungalow is coming from,  it's not a leaking pipe.

Thanks for the caravan tip Freebear, unfortunately nowhere to park it as the cement mixer will have to go on the drive.

 

JuanBallOfWimbledon

youth_leader said:

Good luck JuanBallOfWimbledon, 

Do inhale deeply when you view tomorrow to see if it smells at all damp, and if fully fitted carpets, ask if the floors are timber or plasterboard. So funny I had secretly hoped for parquet, and got chipboard with mould.  The surveyor can't understand where the water under this bungalow is coming from,  it's not a leaking pipe.

Thanks for the caravan tip Freebear, unfortunately nowhere to park it as the cement mixer will have to go on the drive.

 

I’m sorry you’re having such a stressful time. It really is a minefield isn’t it? All the best with your repairs, I hope it’s all done quickly and you’re back in your bed asap. Perhaps try to spend a few days here and there with family or friends to break it up a little? Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.