Survey help

[FoxTeaParty]

We are 1st time buyers and have just had a valuation/survey done on the house we want to buy.

Having never been in this position I am unsure now what to do after having the results of the survey back. Im just looking for some advice really, is it as bad as it sounds and worth going forward with the more detailed surveys?

• Evidence of rising and penetrating damp and woodboring insect infestation (no evidence of current activity)

• Whilst roof coverings appear to of been renewed a check should be carried out by a competent builder.

• Property has been affected by structural movement and roof distortion. This is considered longstanding, likelihood of further movement is remote.

• Aspects of electrical installation will not comply with current electric and building regulations.

Before viewing we were told that the property had recently been treated for damp and it had been re-roofed (both within the last 2 years) I have no idea what is normal and what to avoid so any advice would be much appreciated!

I have no experience of this but when I was researching and looking at house I picked up a few things so I think you need to get a builder to come in and assess the cost of repairs and then you see if the seller will knock that off the price? You may also need to get some sort of certification for the electrics?? Hopefully someone with more experience will be along soon :)

Highlight all this to your solicitor so that they can ask for the appropriate certificates - the recent work is very likely to have been covered.

Thank you for the replies. We need a builder/roofer, a damp and timber specialist and an electrician.

Im just not sure if its worth going ahead with the further surveys or are these just little things in the grand scheme of houses?

Ok. Firstly how old is the property? This will have a bearing, basically it seems to be an older property and the things you describe are relatively normal and par for the course on say a Victorian or Edwardian house

Electrics not to current standard. - basically what this means is it was to the standard but now is not. It is not saying it is unsafe. Surveyors cover themselves here on this and basically are saying get it double checked. Ask for an electric check £150 ish

The roof and damp - if full work was done 2 years ago ask for the schedule of works and guarantees - if all the work was done basically the surveyor has said they can see there was work done and that there was movement/damp - if however they are saying there is ongoing damp see if it is where the damp works were done and get seller to get the people back round to fix the work. If not where previously dealt with then factor that into your offer

Insects - says no current activity. So seemingly a historical thing, if it's a rural property this is more common but overall not a big issue if no longer continuing. Even if ongoing a contractor can be brought in to spray it and give a guarantee and it's not super expensive

Thats really helpful thank you. On the survey it says the property is approximately 120 years old. I will get on to the estate agents tomorrow and ask them about the previous work which was carried out.

My main worry was the woodboring insects and might alot of the wood need replacing. The property definitely was rural, not so much now in comparison.

Phone the surveyor and ask them how bad the infestation was

Personally I'd say if it's historic it'll generally be fine

If you find floor boards need to come at any stage have a good look around then but otherwise in the roof space you could have that easily sprayed if you're really worried

As for 120 year old property and formally rural I'd say par for the course re the odd insect infestation in the past and monitor it going forwards

I live in the country on a farm, and these things happen

Just budget that older properties need a bit more tlc and maintenance than a newer one

Really appreciate your input, thank you. Will also add giving the surveyor a call to my list.