Multiple Surveys

jojo_hall

Hello MSE people,
I just wanted to get your collective view on something.  Our house has been under offer for 2-3 months. We accepted a much reduced offer in order to sell.  Homebuyers survey was done within a month.  Then they said about a month ago that they wanted to send round their builder to look at the loft. Fair enough. At this point we were talking about possibly completing at the end of October. Then a week ago they sent round an electrician to look at the fuse box.  Then they sent round a plumber today to look at gas safety.  We have been fully accommodating with all the inconvenience of the multiple (four) visits to the house.
Today they said they want the electrician to come back later this week and do some more comprehensive checks spending a full day in the house.  Given that we are hoping to complete in three weeks, I am a bag of nerves!  My understanding from the nod we got from their homebuyers survey was that the house was in decent nick with no serious issues.  Yes, some things are dated (house dates back to 1930), but nothing terrible.
I have said no to this electricity check as I just can't take any more.  I just think they need to take a view and buy it as it is with all previous checks that have been carried out, or they don't.  I'm not prepared to sit round the house with a toddler all day while their electrician carries out a load more checks.  We've never had any issues with the electrics since we moved in 12 year ago and have never done any extensive testing on it either.

I need to plan to move or not with a degree of certainty that things are going ahead or not.

Please tell me, am I being unreasonable?

jojo_hall

Bump so it doesn't get lost

MultiFuelBurner

You have been very accomodating. Is there any indication from the solicitors that exchange will.not happen in 3 weeks time?

martindow

They seem very keen and are sinking increasing amounts by spending on several surveys.  I think it leaves you in a strong position to rebuff attempts to drop the price if that is what happens, particularly if it is a series of minor things.  I would be inclined to let them go ahead with this survey as well to add to their investment.

But, the electrician is going to spend all day in the house?  That seems a very long time unless it includes testing your oven by cooking himself a grand lunch while he is there.

Jonboy_1984

Sounds to me like they have booked an EICR (electrical inspection condition report). This starts with a detailed inspection inside the consumer unit checking resistance levels and things on all the ring mains and the goes onto inspect a percentage of the fixtures and fittings around the place. They would do this by opening them up and inspecting the wiring etc. 

Are they buying the property to rent it as they need to have one done and any repairs made before they can rent it out? 

(They are recommended every 10 years on all properties, but owner occupiers almost never bother in practice).

silvercar

At a guess they are planning a big extension and are getting quotes or an idea of costs beforehand. Either that or they are nervous buyers and following every recommendation in the surveyors report.

Brave to refuse an electrician inspection as they could suspect something is amiss, though I understand you don't want to stay in all day. I would take a photo of the consumer unit so they can get an opinion on how dated it is. It may give enough clues to satisfy them.

gwynlas

Either they require an inspection report as previously stated or they are being ultra cautious. Most houses of that period will require full or partial rewiring and installation of further sockets to meet current needs. They seem to be very keen so I would allow the electricians visit but say no to any great price reduction for reason stated in last sentence.