HomeBuyer Report Anxiety

Flo_89 · 20 May 2019 at 7:45PM

Hi All

Just had the HomeBuyer Report back on an end terrace property and of course I am anxious as it's my first purchase so this is all new to me. I am aware that there will always be issues that the report uncovers - I guess that's the point of it. I am aware that FTBs are notorious for panicking and just hoped for a little reassurance from the more experienced folk about what is/isn't worth panicking over!

These are the following issues that received 3 Rating that I am most concerned about:

* Windows - some needed easing and adjusting, and repair and replacement of the locks and hinges was identified. There were also concerns that there is no proper fire escape from the windows to the upper floor - I was most worried about this one as I am not sure how that can be remedied? It was also noted that "the opening casement to the bathroom is restricted by the over-clad fascia board" - again, not sure how this can be sorted?

* Floors - minor and unevenness to the floors but no sig. deflection or distortion. However, there were inadequate vents to provide ventilation under the floows - could this be remedied with airbricks? There was no 'visible' evidence of dry rot, wet rot or active woodworm.

* Drainage - staining was noted which may suggest defective waste fittings/poor flashing.

There were also areas that were rated as 2 and although there was no evidence of significant rising dampness, they suggested that "external levels should be reduced as a precaution" to avoid bridging. I wasn't sure what this meant so would appreciate some thoughts.

I might add that the valuation was the same as I offered - I have read that it rarely isn't. I am also aware that if I am concerned, I should get quotes from specialists to give me a sense of how much it'll cost to remedy the issues.I plan to contact the surveyor for clarity, but thought I'd double check on MSE incase I am over-reacting.

Thank you in advance

jonnygee2 · 20 May 2019 at 8:10PM

Nothing you mentioned would bother me apart from this:

There were also concerns that there is no proper fire escape from the windows to the upper floor

I am admittedly a bit funny about fire safety, but for me I would want an escape plan. If the main stairway is on fire how will you get out? Can you fit a different type of window that would let you get out in a fire etc? Escape through the roof? (you can buy fire ladders to get down).

Everything else is either a project to work on, or (in the case of very slightly uneven floors) something you can ignore for the time being.

G_M · 20 May 2019 at 8:22PM

There are thousands (millions?) of home with no escape through windows on upper floor.

Sure, modern Building Regs require this, but houses built before it became mandatory don't need to comply and often (usually?) don't.

Now sure, you may be like jonneygee above and be unhappy living in a house with only one exit route. If so, fit a new window that opens fully to allow escape after you move in.

Flo_89 · 20 May 2019 at 8:27PM

Hi Both,

Thank you for the replies - I also thought that lots of homes don't have a fire escape from the upper floor. As you suggest, think the solution is to fit new windows which open out.. not sure where to though!

G_M · 20 May 2019 at 8:30PM

Flo_89 wrote: »

Hi Both,

Thank you for the replies - I also thought that lots of homes don't have a fire escape from the upper floor. As you suggest, think the solution is to fit new windows which open out.. not sure where to though!

Is this a 2 storey property? If so, it doesn't really matter which window. Ifn the house is on fire, you'll get yourself out and drop without a 2nd thought...........!

Flo_89 · 20 May 2019 at 8:46PM

G_M wrote: »

Is this a 2 storey property? If so, it doesn't really matter which window. Ifn the house is on fire, you'll get yourself out and drop without a 2nd thought...........!

It is a 2 storey property.. as you say, it doesn't matter which window(s) need to be replaced. It's unlikely that the vendor would negotiate on this though but it does feel important to sort out, possibly sooner rather than later.

jonnygee2 · 20 May 2019 at 9:03PM

It's unlikely that the vendor would negotiate on this though but it does feel important to sort out, possibly sooner rather than later.

Yes I agree. To be clear I wasn't really saying don't buy the house or try and renegotiate. Your survey is just fine. Basically, I just think when you move in to your new home you may want to think through the 'what do I do in a fire' plan carefully.

Still, as I said I'm about as paranoid as it gets when it comes to fires. I always think through fire risks in a new home.

Albala · 20 May 2019 at 9:18PM

G_M wrote: »

There are thousands (millions?) of home with no escape through windows on upper floor.

Sure, modern Building Regs require this, but houses built before it became mandatory don't need to comply and often (usually?) don't.

Now sure, you may be like jonneygee above and be unhappy living in a house with only one exit route. If so, fit a new window that opens fully to allow escape after you move in.

I wonder if what was meant was 'means of escape'? As you say, you don't expect domestic properties to have actual built fire escapes. But you do need to be able to get out in a fire- if there is no opening window upstairs, I'd want that sorted before I slept upstairs. But I remember seeing the Woolworths fire many years ago up in Manchester, where barred windows meant people couldn't get out. I'm not sure, though, that 'millions' of houses (as mentioned in a previous post) have no opening upper windows. I can't think of even one that I know.

Flo_89 · 20 May 2019 at 10:06PM

jonnygee2 wrote: »

Yes I agree. To be clear I wasn't really saying don't buy the house or try and renegotiate. Your survey is just fine. Basically, I just think when you move in to your new home you may want to think through the 'what do I do in a fire' plan carefully.

Still, as I said I'm about as paranoid as it gets when it comes to fires. I always think through fire risks in a new home.

I totally agree that it's important to think about fire safety - as you say, this is something that can be remedied. I think the suggestion of negotiating was my anxiety creeping through (oops!).

I've had a look again at the pictures and noticed that what the surveyor probably meant is that the windows on the 2nd floor are top-hung/top light windows (suited for ventilation) but don't open out far enough to be able to actually fit through incase of a fire.

LadyDee · 21 May 2019 at 5:37AM

During my time working for a chartered surveyor I prepared hundreds of both HBR and full structural surveys, and I can't remember the question of a fire escape ever being raised for an ordinary private dwelling. If it worries you at all, you can buy emergency escape ladders such as this https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Kidde-468093-Two-Storey-Escape-Ladder/dp/B00005OU7B/ref=sr_1_3?crid=31D1AG6WWUM3N&keywords=fire+escape+ladders+2+storey&qid=1558412833&s=gateway&sprefix=fire+escape+ladder%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-3
Your main defence is precaution against fire - never leave things charging while you are out or in bed, never use washing machines or dishwashers in use unattended, no smoking in bed, don't use candles, and stand over the chips while they're cooking!
Seriously OP - fires in private houses do happen but so rarely that with normal care it should never happen. Most occur through carelessness, and with sensible precautions, smoke detectors, and if you are really concerned a ladder like the above, and you can sleep soundly.
Good luck in your new home.

Splatfoot · 21 May 2019 at 8:15AM

They do just mean that the windows in the rooms upstairs don't open fully to allow you to climb out. But lots of houses are like this. The bathroom doesn't need to comply with this but I would just get a quote for changing the bedroom windows as a safety precaution.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

HomeBuyer Report Anxiety

Comments

Categories

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free