Home buyers report

[MushroomMama]

We are currently in the process of buying an ex local authority house. They all had a flat room extension added in the early 1980s to make the kitchen bigger or add a bathroom by the local council.

The flat roof needs replacing which is fine and it's not to expensive. The home buyers report says to contact the council to check it's got planning permission and whether they are responsible for the roof.

Surely it would have permission as the local authority built it but I don't think as its now private they would be responsible?

The report is over cautious like steps outside are marked as a trip hazard and need attention because of it. Do you think they are just covering their bums?


I'm a ftb so new to this!

[MushroomMama]

Responsible for the roof that is!

[specialsubject]

surveys are ALL about arse covering. That said, some steps can be more hazardous than others; wobbly bits, hard to see, slippery etc.

you would sincerely hope that the extension is not illegal but stranger things have happened. Ask your solicitor for advice.

[Lemansky]

We've had the same thing show up in our survey - that the solicitors should investigate whether planning permission was sorted out for the extension. It's a box bathroom that was added in the 60s (I think) by the council - they did it to every house on the estate. I'd imagine that it's all fine, but I suppose it has to be left up to our solicitors to look into now!

They said the flat roof looked fine but could 'fail at any time' as could most things I suppose, we're not overly worried about it at the moment.

The reports are definitely all about covering the surveyors though - we got told that the gas & electrics needed checking, but it's just because they don't test them. The electrics are fine and we're waiting for the gas report as we'd rather know what we were getting into before we're in.

[MushroomMama]

Oh that's good to know! Thank you! I did think some of the stuff they pointed out was a bit silly.

I have a rough idea on costs as step dad is a builder so not bothered at the cost!

Same here but they've extended the kitchen into it and all the houses are the same on the estate!

[Lemansky]

Do you mind me asking whereabouts you're moving to? I wonder if it's a similar area!

[MushroomMama]

Merseyside lemansky

[Lemansky]

Ah nowhere near, but defintely interesting to see there are other houses with similar issues!

[MushroomMama]

I think the estate was built 1920s/30s according to survey so maybe Indoor bathrooms weren't a thing? But for the life I can't see where the outdoor loo would of gone unless it just had a loo indoors?