Homebuyer survey results

Jet

OK, I'm in the process of buying a 1960's 3 bed semi. I've had the survey results back today.

Now, are these homebuyer surveys extra picky or should I be worried?

They have numbered the report for each item, 1 through to 3. 1 being nothing needs doing and 3 being urgent attention.

Most items get a 1, some a 2 and 2 items get a 3. the urgent repairs needed are for the electrics (original wiring) and the rotten fascia boards and external timber (all windows are pvc).

The items that get a 2 are;

Dampness coming from the back door - I'm sure the door is metal framed, but think the frame is wooden - would that be right? (was going to replace door at some point anyway)

The loft insulation isn't adequate, the tanks in the loft need proper insulation, some of the roof underlay is torn and the porch flat roof has had it.

The shower doesn't work and the bath is chipped, worn and dated (I can't see how I missed that - I thought it was a new-ish suite!)

The central heating system is old and needs looking at.

A few other minor bits and pieces - badly fitting internal doors, kitchen waste pipe not fitted to wall etc. etc.

I've got an electrician and corgi contactor looking at the property at the weekend to advise me what needs doing, if anything

Obviously the house isn't about to fall down, but I would appreciate any comments. Please be nice to me though.

silvercar

nothing structural

Your buying a 40 year old house, so its not suprising bits and bobs need attention.

gps_2

yes does not seem too bad at all.

surveyors seem to have all encompassing comments on faults found or not so you cannot sue them retrospectively, our last survey came up with all sorts of things but missed the woodworm on the ground floor as he could not "lift the carpet" also he could not fit through the hatch to inspect the loft!
i could i am not that slim!

£300 for about 40 mins work hmmm?

to be honest unless it is a full structural survey a competent builder to take around with you is a good idea.

i wonder how many other people have the same standardised answers in their reports i.e check the wall ties, bits of re-pointing etc.

Money4uMortgages

Home Buyers reports can be quite picky and there is always the argument that there is a certain degree of back-covering going on from the surveyor's in case things go awry later. The best thing to do is to go over it with your solicitor in detail so that they can allay any concerns you have and point out what the really important bits are.

gps_2

Money4uMortgages wrote: »

Home Buyers reports can be quite picky and there is always the argument that there is a certain degree of back-covering going on from the surveyor's in case things go awry later. The best thing to do is to go over it with your solicitor in detail so that they can allay any concerns you have and point out what the really important bits are.

sorry but what qualifies a solicitor to know about structural and general building maintanance work?

all they usually do is give there opinion, a good builder or independant surveyor is better for this particular kind of advice in my opinion.

Money4uMortgages

GPS, I wasn't suggeting that solcitors know about building work. But they do see an awful lot of surveys. It's a good first port of call. Also, if there is anything that the lender considers to be serious, they will either ask for a specialist to view the property (ie. damp and timber specialist) as a condition of the loan, or they will reduce the amount of the loan, or both. In fact, if the amount the surveyor has valued the property at (on the survey or valuation report) is the same as the asking price, then they generally don't have any major concerns.

By all means, get your own specialists in if you have concerns, but a good solicitor can help read between the lines.

cattie

gps wrote: »

sorry but what qualifies a solicitor to know about structural and general building maintanance work?

all they usually do is give there opinion, a good builder or independant surveyor is better for this particular kind of advice in my opinion.

My solicitor actually warns clients not to send a copy of the survey report to him or ask his opinion about the contents of one, seeing as he is not qualified to comment on any points surveyor feels need further attention. He, like most surveyors recommends getting your own specialist reports regarding anything you are unsure about.