Survey come back, quite a few things we had not anticipated, including roof, damp kitchen floor and wood boring beetle infestation! Is mortgage likely to be refused?

[CrapBag]

We have had our Homebuyers Report back and there are a fair few points that need addressing.

Out of 18 points, only 3 are level 1 (nothing needs doing), 9 are level 2 (not immediate but need addressing in the future) and 8 are level 3 (needs immediate attention/fixing/further investigation and quotes).

The roof is level 3 which is a pain as we thought it looked ok but he said that other roofs in the area of the same age are being replaced and there are things on the inside that are worn and need replacing. Apparently the electrics box wouldn't meet todays standards and needs replacing. Most concerning is there is apparent damp underneath the kitchen floor and there needs to be more investigation into this. Also there is a wood boring beetle infestation in some of the timber in the loft that potentially could have spread into the upstairs flooring. This needs further investigation by a specialist (great, more money to fork out upfront and I am concerned that we are going to get told a load of stuff that needs doing which doesn't really and stuff that will be very costly).

The house is was built in the 50's and is ex local authority (no real relevance). Also it says about the 2 chimney stacks. One is redundant and sealed off and had no chimney breast inside the house. It is marked as a level 2 saying that we should get the chimney removed. Why on earth would this matter?

If anyone can help I would appreciate it. I am quite concerned about this report. We have already pulled out of one house and our buyer, whilst holding on for the moment, is getting anxious.

Here is a list of the categories and their scores.

Structural movement 1
Dampness, rot and infestation 3
Chimney stack 2
Roof including roof space (over the extension) 3
Rainwater fittings 2
Main walls 2
Windows and external joinery 2
External decoration 2
Outside access and boundaries 2
Drainage 3
Ceilings (artex possible asbestos?) 2
Internal walls 2
Floors including sub floors 3
Internal joinery and kitchen 2
Chimney breast and fire place 3
Internal decoration 1
Electrics 3
Gas 1
Water, plumbing and bathroom 3
Heating and hot water 3

"electrics box wouldn't meet todays standards" this is vastly vague and meaningless.

If it was installed in 1905 the latest standards are not the same. It certainly needs to be ripped out and replaced/

If it was installed in January 2011 the latest standards are not the same. It might however still be adequate and safe.

Standards for buildings, including the electrical regulations, change quite often. Nobody is obliged to demolish their house and rebuild it every time they do.

Expect to pay a reputable local electrician who is a member of a Competent Persons Scheme to inspect the electrical installation and advise what needs doing.

Thanks.

I did wonder about this one because electrics are quite specific and surveyors don't often have a clue about them.

Also the water, plumbing and heating I wasn't overly concerned about as there was a mention that the hot water tap in the kitchen was on the right and they are generally preferred on the left. I don't know why that matters. The water is losing pressure though so that is something else to get seen to.

I just don't want a load of things to get looked at before we can even buy the bloody house!

Hi. Our survey was worse (only two 1's, a few 2's and the rest 3's!) and the lender didn't even comment. As long as the valuation won't muck up you ltv they might not care.

Its ok, they issued our mortgage offer today so they obviously weren't concerned.