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Survey has highlighted building repairs - what do we do next?

3 replies

merrily · 18/08/2006 13:03

Just received the Homebuyer's Report on the house we are hoping to buy. The surveyor has pointed out a few problems which need urgent attention - brickwork needs re-pointing, flat roof on the extension may need replacing. I assume we should get a builder to go and take a look for us? What is the usual procedure with this? Anyone got any advice?

TIA

OP posts:
sdjones2 · 18/08/2006 14:07

Surveys will always show a house is falling down, it's part of the fun. If you do not have a pet builder I would first ask the Estate Agent for one. Perhaps no harm in showing them the report - they want to sell, you want to buy, so it is a case of negotiating either the current owner does the work, or perhaps discounts the price to take into account the costs.

Friends and neighbours, the Estates Department at work will also be able to suggest builders too I would have thought. usual rule of 3 quotes will give you a good idea.

Is there anything terminal - recovering a flat roof sounds like a cautious surveyor to me. When was it fitted, is there any signs of internal damp in the building?

Repointing the brickwork is obviously necessary to keep the house weatherproof, but is the house likely to fall down next week if it is not done this? Again, this sounds like surveyor's caution.

In summary, don't let the report put you off the house. Use the quotes as a negotiating tool to knock a few more K off the price. If the vendor will not move, at least you know whether the house is worth the extra costs.

Once you have builder/s you will need to liaise with the Estate Agent for access to the house anyway, so start there and see what they advise.

Was there anything alse more shocking on the report?

Very best of luck.

UCM · 18/08/2006 14:29

I would 2nd SJones advice, get a quote for the work, put it to the vendor and ask him to go halves or knock some money off bargain etc.

thewomanwhothoughtshewasahat · 18/08/2006 14:33

all surveys say that brick work needs repointing and flat roof may need replacing

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