Concerns with survey results...

Sully

Hi,

I'm currently half way through the process of buying a house. Today I received the survey results which had a few areas of concern - notably a problem with penetrating dampness affecting timbers in the loft which is put down and as likely due to absence of ventilation.

I notified my solicitors of my concerns and they said I should have specialist reports carried out on anything I have any concerns about. I then called the estate agent who is selling the property and they said they would send someone out and get back to me with the results - is this the normal process? I'm slightly concerned that the estate agents selling the property will report back to me telling me exactly what I want to hear rather than the truth.

Can anyone enlighten me?

Biggie

EA normally have a few people to hand which may or may not be biased.

I would also comission an independent report.

General rule is get at least 3 quotes and then go back to the negociation table with the highest quote.

Sully

Are the quotes/reports normally expensive?

Biggie

well if you wanted a full report via a surveyor then yes it will cost.

but to put it right you can alternativily get a quote from a builder\damp proof specialist for free.

Also which survey report was it pick up on ? Is it the valuation survey ?
If so are there any retentions on the mortgage ? do they require a full report ?

Sully

Homebuyers Survey picked up on it.

I don't believe the mortgage providers require a full report.

Running_Horse

We got a roofer in to add a couple of vent tiles very cheaply and the damp was gone in a couple of weeks, and never got picked up on our buyer's survey.

Sully

Good to know runninghorse - I thought everything was all going a bit smoothly, oh well - I'll get the quotes to put it right and see what happens

Running_Horse

Our dampness was caused when we replaced the concrete at the edge of the tiles with lead, which sealed up the loft. Might still be worth seeing if any long term damage was caused? Our roof timbers had previously been treated for damp which may have given protection.

Sully

Yeah, I will do that - the list the homebuyers survey came back with as a cause for concern was pretty scary, just means I'm gonna have to be on the phone more than usual - it's taking over my life this move!

chappers

Is it possible for you to view the property again and gain access to the roof to check yourself for damp timbers.In my experience as a builder most surveys aren't worth the paper they are written on. I checked out an almost indentical situation for a friend and found that the dampness refered to was not dampness at all but staining from what must have been a previously leaking roof.
Just to get one thing straight, damp from condensation is caused by lack of ventilation, whereas penetrating damp is caused by a defect in the roof covering such as a missing slate or tile. I would be back onto your surveyor to find out if he has any idea what he is talking about.
Bear in mind with the survey that surveyors note down lots of things just to cover their backs. If you like PM me and I will send you my e-mail address and you can scan the report in and I will give it the once over for you if you want.