Homebuyers report - Damp, roof space, boiler problems!
Discussion
I've just had the results of a home buyers report on a c1900 property I'm currently in the process of purchasing and it has come back with the following observations:
Rising damp necessitating the need for a further specialist report.
Gap in the party wall in roof space not complying with building regs. A new roof was installed approx 6 years ago.
Boiler being approx 11yrs old thus requiring replacement. Had been advised by estate agent it was approx 5 yrs but has been recently serviced.
I'm unsure what to think TBH. The house is near the top of it's budget for the location and is presented very well, there certainly didn't appear to be anything wrong in the three times I've visited.
Is the surveyor being extra cautious? This is the first time I've bought 'second hand' so unsure as to how many potential issues are thrown up.
If there is a genuine damp issue then this is something I'd clearly want resolved prior to moving forward.
Rising damp necessitating the need for a further specialist report.
Gap in the party wall in roof space not complying with building regs. A new roof was installed approx 6 years ago.
Boiler being approx 11yrs old thus requiring replacement. Had been advised by estate agent it was approx 5 yrs but has been recently serviced.
I'm unsure what to think TBH. The house is near the top of it's budget for the location and is presented very well, there certainly didn't appear to be anything wrong in the three times I've visited.
Is the surveyor being extra cautious? This is the first time I've bought 'second hand' so unsure as to how many potential issues are thrown up.
If there is a genuine damp issue then this is something I'd clearly want resolved prior to moving forward.
guitarcarfanatic said:
The damp is a standard phrase in any older property. Find a Victorian property without signs of damp etc... Usually easily resolved!
Thats my thoughts, I can't imagine many older homes come without any sort of doom & gloom warnings!One concern I do have and I've overlooked in the excitement of purchasing; although it is a semi-detached there is no side access to rear of the property, this means that access to the gable end is on the neighbouring plot, further complicated by the fact that a 'lean to' type affair has been built in the passageway.
surveyor said:
Did the report actually say rising damp? In my experience most surveyors will say something along the lines of "elevated moisture content readings are indicative of a potential damp problem and a report should be obtained from a suitably qualified professional. (can't remember industry body).
In reality you should also consider other possibilities. Is the house empty and unheated? An older terraced property that may be enough to cause elevated readings on it's own.
It said essentially what you've said - the only specific was 'damp around around bay and front alcove'.In reality you should also consider other possibilities. Is the house empty and unheated? An older terraced property that may be enough to cause elevated readings on it's own.
The vagueness is frustrating but I'm having a chat with him tomorrow to clarify a few points, I've also bitten the bullet and arranged for an independent damp inspection.
surveyor said:
Be wary of expensive damp solutions to problems that a bit of heat will resolve...
I've just been reading through that Heritage site linked previously; lots of good if somewhat scary advice.Everything around home buying seems centred around vagueness, it would be nice if answers were straight up and not just an exercise in arse covering.
This is the result of the additional independent survey we had carried out.
Followed by a recommendation of the following work:
TBH I'm unsure what to make of this, surely not every damp survey and proposed remedy can be a scam yet reading various 'sensible' opinions on the Internet it would seem all I have to do is turn the heating on and let the house breathe!
Followed by a recommendation of the following work:
TBH I'm unsure what to make of this, surely not every damp survey and proposed remedy can be a scam yet reading various 'sensible' opinions on the Internet it would seem all I have to do is turn the heating on and let the house breathe!
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