5 Common Issues Found in Homebuyer Surveys (and What They Mean). Published by Alderson & Co.
When buying a home in the UK, a homebuyer survey is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment. These surveys, conducted by qualified chartered surveyors, provide a detailed inspection of the property, highlighting any issues that could lead to costly repairs or safety concerns down the road.
Surveys often uncover problems that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. Knowing what these issues mean—and how to address them—can save you from unexpected expenses and give you peace of mind in your homebuying journey. Here are five common issues found in homebuyer surveys and what they mean for you as a buyer.
1. Damp Issues
What It Is: Damp is a common problem in UK homes, particularly in older properties. It occurs when moisture penetrates walls, floors, or ceilings, often leading to mould growth and structural damage. There are three main types of damp: rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation.
Rising Damp: Caused by moisture rising up through the walls from the ground due to faulty or missing damp-proof courses.
Penetrating Damp: Occurs when water enters the building through walls, roofs, or windows, often due to poor maintenance or structural issues.
Condensation: The most common form of damp, caused by excess moisture in the air that condenses on cold surfaces like walls and windows.
What It Means for Buyers: Damp can affect the structural integrity of the property and lead to mould, which poses health risks. Depending on the severity, damp treatment can range from a few hundred pounds for simple fixes to several thousand for more extensive repairs.
Potential Solutions: Solutions include installing or repairing damp-proof courses, fixing leaking gutters or roofs, improving ventilation, and using damp-proof paint. A qualified damp specialist can assess the extent of the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment.
2. Structural Movement
What It Is: Structural movement refers to changes in the stability of a property’s structure, often caused by subsidence, settlement, or heave. These issues can result in visible signs like cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that no longer fit properly.
Subsidence: When the ground beneath a property sinks, pulling the foundations down with it. This is often caused by tree roots, clay soil shrinkage, or water damage.
Settlement: A common and usually harmless issue where a property gradually settles into its foundations over time.
Heave: The opposite of subsidence, where the ground beneath the property rises, pushing the foundations upwards. This can occur when clay soil absorbs water and expands.
What It Means for Buyers: While minor settlement is normal, significant movement like subsidence or heave can lead to serious structural problems. These issues can be costly to repair, with underpinning often required, which can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £50,000 depending on the severity.
Potential Solutions: If a survey highlights structural movement, further investigation by a structural engineer is essential. Solutions might include underpinning the foundations, tree root removal, or improved drainage around the property.
3. Outdated Electrical Wiring
What It Is: Electrical systems in older UK properties may be outdated, unsafe, or not compliant with current standards. This includes old fuse boxes, wiring that’s not earthed, and a lack of modern safety devices like residual current devices (RCDs).
What It Means for Buyers: Outdated wiring can be a fire hazard and may pose a risk of electric shock. Additionally, it may not be capable of supporting modern electrical appliances, leading to frequent tripped circuits or blown fuses.
Potential Solutions: Rewiring a property can cost between £3,000 and £10,000 depending on the size of the house. A qualified electrician can conduct an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the extent of the problem and outline necessary upgrades, including replacing the fuse box, adding RCDs, and updating wiring.
4. Roof Defects
What It Is: Roof problems are common in UK properties, especially in older homes. Issues can range from missing or broken tiles, leaks, sagging roofs, or inadequate insulation. These problems often arise due to age, storm damage, or lack of regular maintenance.
What It Means for Buyers: Roof defects can lead to water ingress, damp, and structural damage, all of which can be costly to fix. The extent of repairs required can vary widely, with minor repairs costing a few hundred pounds and full roof replacements reaching £5,000 to £12,000 or more.
Potential Solutions: Solutions might include replacing missing tiles, repairing leaks, re-roofing, or upgrading insulation. A professional roofer can provide an estimate based on the specific findings of the survey.
5. Timber and Woodworm Infestation
What It Is: Timber issues often stem from damp problems, but woodworm infestations are another common concern in UK homes. Woodworm is a general term for various beetle larvae that burrow into wood, weakening structural timbers over time.
What It Means for Buyers: Left untreated, timber decay and woodworm can compromise the structural integrity of wooden beams, floorboards, and roof structures. Repairing or replacing affected timber can be costly, and if the infestation is severe, it may require extensive remedial work.
Potential Solutions: Treatment for timber decay and woodworm often involves professional application of insecticides, improving ventilation to reduce dampness, and, in severe cases, replacing damaged timbers. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the extent of the damage.
What to Do If Your Survey Uncovers These Issues
If your homebuyer survey reveals any of these common issues, don’t panic. Here are the steps you should take:
Get Professional Advice: Seek quotes from qualified professionals such as damp specialists, structural engineers, electricians, or roofers to understand the scope and cost of repairs.
Negotiate with the Seller: Use the survey findings as leverage to negotiate a lower price or request that the seller addresses the issues before completion.
Consider Your Options: If the repairs are too extensive, you may want to reconsider your purchase or seek a reduction in price that reflects the necessary work.
Budget for Repairs: Factor in the cost of repairs when calculating your overall budget to ensure the property remains affordable.
Conclusion
Homebuyer surveys are an essential part of the property purchasing process in the UK. They provide crucial insights into the condition of the property and can save you from unexpected costs down the line. By understanding the common issues that surveys uncover, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and protect your investment.
Remember, no property is perfect, but being prepared and informed about potential problems can help you turn your new house into a home without hidden surprises. Don’t skip the survey—it’s your first line of defence against unforeseen expenses and a vital step in the homebuying journey.