Survey needed?

mon05_2

Hi there,
I have recently received the valuation report carried out on behalf of the mortgage company to which they have come across the following areas:-
OBSERVATIONS
The general condition of the property appears consistent with its age and construction.Some damp identified by higher than expected moisture meter readings was discovered and it is probable, in a property of this age, that some wood rot or insect infestation (woodworm) will be found to exist.Based on the level of inspection appropriate to a mortgage valuation, it is possible to advise the Society that the amount of damp or insect infestation as discovered does not affect the security of the property for current mortgage purposes. However, the applicant would be well advised to commission a more detailed investigation to be carried out by a reputable specialist timber and damp treatment company which must be a member of the Property Care Association, prior to exchange of contracts if applicable. The specialist report might reveal the presence of defects needing immediate treatment work. The applicant must be aware that in the event repairs are needed, failure to have these carried out may impact on the security of the property for mortgage purposes and/or prejudice a future sale.A survey has not been carried out and unidentified defects may be present. If the applicant requires, or has been asked to supply, additional information in respect of any aspect of the condition of the property he should commission his own specialist report or survey

Therefore do I appoint just a specialised timber/damp firm or go the whole hogg and have a survey completed. The house was built in the 1930's and has never been extended.

I am so confused as to what to do as I dont want to receive yet another report that advises me to seek professional advice.

Many thanks in advance.

Biggie

For a property of this age I would advise a full building survey they should go into a little more details.


However regarding the damp, you can also ask the EA if they know any companies that will have a look at it under no obligation, but beware they do have a vested intrest.

Also take alot of these reports with a pinch of salt as many of them are just to cover the surveyors back. But in this case there appears that further inspection is needed.

Could always go back to the vendor and tell them it's a condition of the mortgage that you obtain a timber report, and this will be needed for any potentional purchaser who requires a mortgage as most valuers will pick it up. Therefore suggest to go 50/50 or better still get them to pay..

cattie

I'd always have a least a homebuyer's survey carried out on a property of that age.

As Biggie suggests, the ea may be able to arrange for somebody from a damp/timber company to visit the property. My ea arranged this for the buyer's of my house as a result of their survey & the report they got back showed that there were no problems found.