Seller Unhappy with Offer - Survey Requested

ThisIsWeird

emploee_77 said:

I emailed a number of surveyors and one responded to say that they'd recently done a survey on the property and I could have it for a reduced fee and it would be adjusted to include my name etc. The surveyor who carried out the inspection left a voicemail advising "the original survey discovered issues but nothing overly concerning". I'll know in Tuesday exactly what the report says.

Well done!

And, since they'll be modifying the survey to your personal details, it'll be a 'proper' one, for which the surveyor will have responsibility. Just confirm it will be as if you'd had one taken it out independently.

It will also, of course, relate to the date it was actually undertaken, so if the vendor has knocked a wall down since then...

Please keep us updated - it's always good to hear how these things turn out. Good luck

silvercar

I would guess that the EA is hoping that you having had a survey will help convince the seller to accept your offer, that way the EA gets their commission. A survey is very very unlikely to value the property at more than anyone is paying, so the survey will add weight to the EAs argument to the seller that they should accept your offer, especially as there has been no other offer. Whether this is enough to convince the seller to accept is anyone’s guess. 

emploee_77

Thanks everyone for the very helpful advice. I'll know on Tuesday exactly what the report (level 2) states. One point that we were initially concerned about was the possibility of asbestos in the property. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience of this?

ThisIsWeird

Have you told us anything about the property? Age, for example. Whether ceilings have Artex? Has an ancient boiler? That sort of stuff.
Or, a linkie to the listings, so the sharp-eyed can prowl :-)

FreeBear

emploee_77 said: One point that we were initially concerned about was the possibility of asbestos in the property. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience of this?

Asbestos was banned late 1999, so any house built before then might contain the stuff. The most common source would be artex, but even then, not all contained asbestos, and if it did, the quantities would be small. Generally safe if left undisturbed.

Asbestos insulation boards, pipe lagging, and ancient heaters are a much bigger concern.

emploee_77

Survey report back:

Significant damp issues with the extension, approximately £4k repair.

The heating system needs replaced, not immediately but it's coming. £2k approximately.

Roofing repairs are needed with the slates and gutters, also both need cleaned. £1500.

The chimney is weak and needs a brace. £200

The flat roof part of the house (extension) will soon need replacing. £4k approximately.

Next step is my verdict to the agent, I have not yet given them the report. We're still interested but the house isn't at the ready to move into stage, certainly the damp issues need addressed.

Any advice as always is welcome.

youth_leader

Is the extension damp because the flat roof leaks? If you are going to have the roof replaced, I'd recommend also having it insulated.

emploee_77

youth_leader said:

Is the extension damp because the flat roof leaks? If you are going to have the roof replaced, I'd recommend also having it insulated.

The damp appears to be a separate problem from the roof.

Sarahspangles

emploee_77 said:

Survey report back:

Significant damp issues with the extension, approximately £4k repair.

The heating system needs replaced, not immediately but it's coming. £2k approximately.

Roofing repairs are needed with the slates and gutters, also both need cleaned. £1500.

The chimney is weak and needs a brace. £200

The flat roof part of the house (extension) will soon need replacing. £4k approximately.

Next step is my verdict to the agent, I have not yet given them the report. We're still interested but the house isn't at the ready to move into stage, certainly the damp issues need addressed.

Any advice as always is welcome.

A damp extension that also needs a new roof sounds like you’re not going to get much use out of it on moving in. Your offer could reflect that you will need to spend significant amounts in the initial years of ownership in addition to the upheaval of having the builders in.

emploee_77

Sarahspangles said:

emploee_77 said:

Survey report back:

Significant damp issues with the extension, approximately £4k repair.

The heating system needs replaced, not immediately but it's coming. £2k approximately.

Roofing repairs are needed with the slates and gutters, also both need cleaned. £1500.

The chimney is weak and needs a brace. £200

The flat roof part of the house (extension) will soon need replacing. £4k approximately.

Next step is my verdict to the agent, I have not yet given them the report. We're still interested but the house isn't at the ready to move into stage, certainly the damp issues need addressed.

Any advice as always is welcome.

A damp extension that also needs a new roof sounds like you’re not going to get much use out of it on moving in. Your offer could reflect that you will need to spend significant amounts in the initial years of ownership in addition to the upheaval of having the builders in.

Stick with the original bid?

The Estate Agent has had no interest in me for the past week, however, now I advised him I have the report and want to think it through, he's calling and leaving messages.