Dilema

[Deleted User]

I'm in the process of buying house and had the survey done, some searches and almost arranged my mortgage.

The survey came up with repointing work to the back and side of the house, due to it being southwest facing, the mortar has eroded.

I requested a builder who specialises in brickwork to go round and quote me for the work. HE has said it will cost £4750 including the scaffolding.

I have gone back to the EA to see if the vendors will go halfs with me on this. I can't afford this extra work, even half, well i'll have to save for it.

If they say no, I guess i just dont' know what to do. Common sense says walk away, but just for some repointing seems a bit drastic. Although I know damaged bricks can lead to more if not dealt with quickly.

If and when I do proceed with the houes, I will get more quotes not just go with this one, but even so its a ball park figure.

Please help

lush_walrus

Just to let you know firstly costs.We generally set repointing costs at £25 per sqm, scaffolding I would estimate at approx £1000 per elevation, so probably your quote is not far off.

Im sure that the vendors will budge on this, its pretty normal for things to come up in surveys and then the price be re-negotiated following things such as this appearing. Don't let it put you off the house but do stick to your guns on the vendor putting money towards this cost. As ultimately if they don't another survey will produce the same results (assuming that your surveyor is not being over cautious).

The EA should fight your corner on this one, and advise the vendor to contribute (have you had a discussion with them to find out what they think? if not do).

If the vendors don't accept your offer to pay half (which in my experience is quite generous), then try to negotiate the agent to chip into the cost by reducing their fees. Most will to keep the sale in progress, especially the independant agents. If they agree to reduce their fees, then the vendor will have more revenue from the sale, and be able to hand this money over. If that doesnt work, then the agent can negotiate along the chain to try to find the money, again a pretty normal procedure, as if the chain is developed then they will want to keep the sale in place (everyone involved I mean).

So try the art of persuision on the agent to get them to negotiate for you, and if they dont come up with any method then try to prompt them to go along those tracks. Its not something you can insist on, and it depends how much money is in their fees if they can afford to 'contribute' but definately worth a try.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for those tips. In the end the vendors agreed to knock £2000 off the price, which is £350 short of half. We have accepted. And my parents have kindly offered to put in the rest as they REALLY want us to get that house and the work needs doing this side of winter, so we can't even save up or have a chance to recover from the expense of moving!!!!

I hope I will be able to be in a position to help my children (if I have any) in such a way.