Problem prior to exchange: WWYD

[BewareOfTheToddler]

We're about to exchange on a house. Survey highlighted that it needs a new roof and a possible guttering issue; we negotiated and got about half the money off the asking price.

Turns out there is indeed a guttering issue: EA has been in touch to say the recent heavy rain has revealed that the gutter is blocked and the vendors have wet patches on the bedroom wall and landing . They've proposed they pay for the guttering to be cleared and then leave it to dry out but obviously some redecorating and probably repointing is in order once we move in.

DH is concerned this could be something bigger and is getting twitchy. I don't think it sounds like a major problem as we have to replace the roof anyway, and think it's decent of the vendors to have informed us. We're FTBs and I think he's just a bit nervous.

Any thoughts?

My concern is that people too stupid or idle to clear gutters (basic maintenance) may have done other stupid things.

A blocked gutter will cause penetrating damp, which can make internal plaster damp.
Easily fixed, and plaster may dry out leaving no problems whatsoever. If you're having roof redone, easy to completely sort gutters at same time.Don't really see this as an issue.Given that you knew roof needed doing anyway.
But then I always redecorate everywhere anyway.

I'd just replace the guttering once you replace the roof. Hopefully the plaster is OK and will dry and need repainting/papering. Which chances are you'd be doing anyway.

Agree with dancing ledge. You were having the gutters looked at anyway. Once the problem is resolved the damp will dry out but you may need to get a plasterer in depending on how bad it was, I assume you will be decorating anyway?

Ask to go and have a look at it yourself? To be honest it's encouraging they've mentioned it rather than just covering up (which our vendors did with a slight damp issue).

May well not need replastering.
A brief episode of complete soaking, and sound plaster can dry out fine ,and still be good.V. different from plaster that's been slowly damaged over a long period, as with rising damp.

I wouldn't see this is an issue. It's a problem which will have been sorted out before you move in.

That was honest of them!

Probably be totally fine. My old house had a few episodes of water ingress with various roof problems sorted oit and never needed replastering.

Thanks all - this is really reassuring. Think DH is just getting himself into a lather, he's not very experienced with DIY and doesn't have a sense of what might be a major/minor issue.

To be fair to the vendors, the gutter in question is on a side return and looks awkward to access. I don't think they're likely to have hidden anything else - survey came back fine (bar roof) and they've been very reasonable about knocking off some money towards that. It seems generally well-maintained so I think it's just one of those things.

Good to know I was right

We've had a problem with a leak due to blocked guttering recently with all the heavy rain in the last week. DP cleared the guttering out and the leak has stopped. Luckily ours just needed a strategically placed bucket under it.