A Post-Survey WWYD

[LopsidedWombat]

We are ftb and the survey was yesterday. Not got the full report yet but during the initial call was told we will need a new roof!

He explained that the slate roof had been 'turnerised' at some point which basically means coated with bitumen as a means to hold off on replacing it for a while and that this process removes the option of replacing nails and individual tiles. Condensation in the loft was mentioned but no leaks.

He advised we negotiate a new price to reflect this finding. The vendor was very adamant about receiving asking price (and it is worth it) so not sure how to play it now. Was thinking maybe get a quote from a roofer to see what price we are looking at and the urgency. If it can hang on another few years and would be under £10k am thinking we should just proceed without any negotiation? Can't emphasise enough that we don't want to lose this place. It's a single storey 3bed with a slate gable roof so thinking it shouldn't cost the earth and that no leaks mean it isn't in need of doing immediately? Or am I being optimistic?

Any advice, experiences and guesstimates appreciated!

I would get a roofer out to look at it and quote / give advice.

Though you could always go back with a reduced offer and if they refuse proceed at full price. They may well offer to pay half if you can show it is urgent - send in relevant part of survey.

It is common though for surveyors to over-estimate work needed and urgency so a builder's opinion would be worth it.

If you want to renegotiate you will have to get a roofer to look and give you a quote anyway (and you should get a roofer to look at it regardless).
I bought a house that had an obvious roof problem but we went with it as we had already waited several months for the woman to decide to sell it to us.
The only issue is of the surveyor devalued the property and you think you won't get your mortgage.

Thanks for the replies.

I think that is what we will do then just in case there's some reason it would cost a lot more than we are thinking. Really don't want to hold anything up but I guess it's possibly something we can sort out while waiting for the searches.

Surveyors over estimating urgency is something I've learned from reading on here which is why I'm wondering if it can hang on another few years seeing as there's no leaks yet. He did say that it is something all surveyors would flag up so it would be prudent for vendors to accept an offer that reflects it.