It is common for survey results to uncover areas of concern, whether in modern or older buildings, so it is crucial to be prepared for the types of issues that may arise. Here are five of the most frequent problems identified in home report surveys, along with guidance on how to tackle them.
1. Damp issues
Damp in a property can be caused by a variety of factors. Penetrating damp occurs when water enters the building from outside sources such as leaky roofs, cracked render, and damaged guttering. Additionally, condensation and poor ventilation inside the property can also contribute to this issue. Rising damp is often a result of a missing, defective, or bridged damp proof course (DPC). Dampness can lead to wet rot and dry rot, affecting timbers both internally and externally.
The severity and extent of damp in a property can vary widely, impacting the potential repair costs. Once the root cause of the damp is identified, remedying the issue is usually straightforward. However, a specialist damp survey may be necessary, especially when purchasing an older property, to fully investigate the problem.
2. Roof problems
Roof issues can vary in severity, from cracked tiles to overflowing gutters, defective flashing around chimneys and adjoining buildings, or, in the worst-case scenario, an unstable roof structure requiring replacement. Internal roof insulation and ventilation should also be considered.
Your survey should include a visual inspection of the loft, roof, chimneys, and high-level surfaces. Minor repairs can be carried out by a qualified handyman. If major roofing problems are identified, a roofing contractor should be consulted for an expert opinion on the necessary work and its likely cost.
Flat roofs typically have a shorter lifespan than traditional pitched roofs. If significant wear and tear or damage is found on a flat roof, replacement is often the best solution. This should be done by a roofing specialist and come with a warranty to protect against future issues.
3. Gas and electrics
As a practising building surveyor, it is important to note that a Chartered Surveyor is not legally qualified to conduct tests on the utilities within a property. However, the survey report typically includes a section on ‘services’, which is based on a visual assessment only. It is common practice for a general home survey to recommend further investigations into the condition of electrical installations and gas appliances, such as the central heating boiler.
Electrical issues identified in a specialist property survey can vary from minor repairs to potentially requiring a full rewiring of the property, with costs varying accordingly. It is also advisable to request a recent electric test certificate (within the last 5 years) and a recent boiler test certificate (within the last 12 months) from the vendor, conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
4. Japanese knotweed
If you’re anything like most homebuyers, you will have never heard of Japanese knotweed before. However, similar to subsidence, properties with knotweed in the garden (or a neighbouring property) can be blighted. It is a fast-growing, pervasive plant that is resilient to conventional methods of control and can be extremely difficult to remove. Crucially, knotweed invades buildings and structures, exploiting cracks and weaknesses. It is strong enough to push up through tarmac and concrete, can interfere with drainage pipes, lifting pipework, and clogging sumps.
The species was first introduced to the UK in the 1800s as an ornamental garden plant and is, therefore, most likely to be found in the vicinity of period properties. If knotweed is declared by your vendor or identified in the survey, it is usually necessary to eradicate the plant by implementing a Japanese knotweed management plan, and it is illegal to knowingly let it spread into the wild. Mortgage lenders will typically require a management scheme with an insurance-backed guarantee to enable them to lend. Needless to say, these can be expensive.
5. Structural movement
The mere mention of the word ‘subsidence’ can instil fear in homeowners and buyers. Structural movement often presents as cracks in walls, particularly around doors and windows. However, it should be noted that many cracks are harmless and do not indicate any structural issues.
If structural movement is identified in the survey home report, a thorough investigation by an expert is necessary to determine the extent of the damage. The root cause could be tree roots, leaky underground drains, or shrinkage of clay soil. Remedial action may involve underpinning the building’s foundations, a costly and invasive process.
Many potential buyers are discouraged from purchasing a property with subsidence due to the expenses involved in fixing the problem. Properties with a history of subsidence can be challenging to secure a mortgage for and may result in high insurance premiums.
To avoid unexpected costs in the future, it is advisable to obtain a home report survey to fully understand the condition of the property before making a purchase.
Differences of level 2 Homebuyers and level 3 Building surveys
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