Buying a property - hard to access loft

user1977

bexleyheath said:

user1977 said:

bexleyheath said:

Does anyone know if it is the sellers legal responsibility to organise this, or if they are correct and it’s mine/surveyors? 

Why would there be any relevant laws? They don't need to let you view the property at all. And you don't need to buy it...

I guess that’s true. I think I was looking at it wrongly. I’m going to go up with a ladder this week. Turns out when they said “24ft vaulted living room” they meant length not height… been laughed at for thinking by eye the 4m ceiling was 7m haha 

Yes, 24ft sounded absurdly high!

FreeBear

LHW99 said:

https://www.laddersukdirect.co.uk/ might be cheaper than hiring and would leave you with one for decorating purposes (have used them as we also have very high ceilings)

Went and got myself a scaffold tower - Brilliant thing to have, especially when doing ceilings, even low ones @ 2.4m.

With a bit of careful assembly, it can also be used in the stairwell.

RHemmings

If I was in the situation of the OP, then I'd look for a builder who has a suitable ladder, and will not only go up in the loft but will give a professional evaluation of the loft and perhaps other areas of the house as well. And, who will take photos. This will cost money, but if the OP is very serious about the house checking out the loft is important. 

If the OP is serious about progressing with the house, then a surveyor should inspect the loft. However, a quick google shows that there are people who have reported that a surveyor was unable to access the loft for various reasons. When engaging a surveyor, making sure they are aware of the height of the ceiling and will come equipped and willing to access the loft space. 

EDIT: If the ceiling isn't as high as first stated (which make me imagine a huge stately home), then there are cheaper ladders for sale in Argos. They don't look as good as the ones on laddersdirect.com however. 

Alderbank

Surveyors will carry appropriate insurance but do you?

If you put a foot through a plasterboard ceiling you will be responsible for paying for the damage. If you fall between the ceiling joists and injure someone in the room below (not that unlikely, I had to deal with this twice when I worked in housing management) the costs to you will be substantial.

Sapindus

As a seller, I would not want to be providing equipment for a buyer to access my loft (except that mine has a pull-down ladder, so I have said yes to those who wanted to).  Not if it was very high and I had never been up there myself. I would be too worried about them falling off it and suing me. 

Albermarle

Hopefully has not got this in it !
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