The House Survey

By now, you probably have an idea of how much work needs to be done on our house. Are we mad? Maybe, but at least we went into the situation with our eyes open.

There are four different types of house surveys.

Although a survey can be quite expensive it is really important to have one done, as will let you know what may be wrong with the house and potentially help you negotiate a lower price if there is anything wrong or at least help you budget for any additional expenses.

The survey that your mortgage company carries out does not give information on the condition of the house. All they are bothered about is that the house is worth what you are paying/they are lending. You can find a lot of information about this available on the internet. We found that Which? offers a lot of information.

Okay, so back to our house… We decided to have the Homebuyer’s report carried out.

This survey gives information about the condition of the property and highlights areas that need further inspection. Looking back, we maybe should have gone for the more detailed full Building Survey, but up till now we have been lucky and not too much has cropped up that we didn’t know about.

Here are (just some of) our homebuyer’s survey results:

Dampness:

• Penetrating dampness around chimney breast in kitchen and bedroom above
• Penetrating dampness around back gutter to the rear chimney stack (damp staining to the ceiling in bedroom 4)

Roof Structure & Covering:

• One rear rafter has split
• Repair and replace broken slates
• Repair and replace lead valleys

Timber Defects:

• Overhaul and replace where necessary, paint finish to render and wood treatment to timber
• Roofline timber barge boards, fascia and decorative timbers over the front 2-story bay windows are in very poor condition, with significant softening and rot. Require complete overhaul/replacement
  

Grounds & Boundaries:

• Boundary walls and gateposts are in poor condition and require overhaul

Garage & Outbuildings:

• Poorly maintained and requires substantial improvement. Part rebuilding works.

• Inspection chamber within site could not be found.

Drainage:

• Underground drainage may be defective, drainage contractor to undertake testing and where necessary repairs
• Underground pipe work is likely to be of lead or cast iron and will need renewal

Water:

• Sanitary fittings are dated and should be replaced

• Enquiries recommended to flooding (foul drainage system)

Heating:

• Number of radiators poorly located and undersized, general upgrade required

• Gas fired in lounge and dining room – ventilation needs to be checked by Gas Safe registered contractor

Internal Decoration:

• In poor order and complete internal redecoration should be anticipated

Internal Joinery:

• Internal doors are in basic condition requiring attention/adjustment
• Internal joinery is hard worn and in need of attention
• Window operating fitments show signs of deterioration. Repair and replacement is difficult and costly

Other Internal Elements:

• Cellar is suitable for storage only, dampness to cellar will damage goods unless adequately stored

As you can see, we have our work cut out. I can’t believe we weren’t put off! At least there will be lost for us to blog about!