I just moved house two weeks ago. The survey conducted by the mortgage company revealed no significant problems and stated:
"The general condition of the property appears consistent with its age and type of construction but some works of repair and maintenance are required."
Only one week after moving in, a large damp spot appeared on the wall, and so I had a full survey carried out. The RCIS surveyor says that at least one room has damp, and this could possibly extend into the kitchen. Also, the roof of the extension needs replacing and the chimney needs fixing on properly. He stated that the first survey should have noticed this and advised on the report, it's possible that I can write to the mortgage company with a copy of the report and get money back for the repairs.
Can anyone advise on the best way to do this? And has anyone else had success using this tactic?
The standard disclaimer on the valuation says: It should not be replied upon.
2006-09-22 10:10:46 · 7 answers · asked by snuggleywuggle 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You should have had three "surveys" or inspections prior to closing the house. The first by someone hired by you to inspect the property prior to signing a contract. The second by the mortgage company to protect themselves against them lending you more money than the house is worth. The last would have been your final walk-trough before closing. This is less a "survey" and more of final check that the house is in move-in condition and theres's nothing preventing the sale.
Although the wording by the mortgage company's survey is vague, at best, they are usualyl up-front with specifics about what they found out. Again, the survey is for their protection. However, the buyers inspection should have alerted you of some of these issues. However, from your wording, it doesn't look like that happened.
Anyway, back to your current situation. I can think of a few options you may have:
(1) If you feel that you were truly wronged by someone (the seller, the mortgage company, an inspector, etc..) then you should consult a lawyer. Depending on the state you live in, you may have had one represent you at closing.I don't know what case you have agains whom, but a good lawyer may be able to scare the other party into a quick settlement out of court to help recoup your costs.
(2) If you can't afford repairs (or a lawyer), talk to your insurance company and see if you can file a claim. However, this will probably raise your insurance rate if they don't drop you all-together
(3) Fix and repair what you can afford to now and plan on mitigating the dampness as much as possible with a dehumidifier, for example. It doesn't sound like the problems are critical to the structural stability of the house. The first thing I learned when I bought my first house was that it's not necesarry (or feasible) to fix everything at once.
Good luck
2006-09-22 21:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by g0at_cheez™ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm afraid the survey undertaken by the mortgage company is for their benefit. It is really to check that the property has no serious defects that could affect the value of the property and hence their investment risk.
You will waste a lot of time and energy trying to pursue the original surveyor / valuer.
I would look into the damp problem with a reliable builder, checking with Trading Standards for any prior issues.
Repairs to cure damp need not be terribly expensive.
Ask for a second opinion on the roof as some surveyors tend to be over cautious when estimating the remaining life of components.
Good luck
2006-09-23 03:28:00 · answer #2 · answered by Tetanus Tim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reality is You are on your own with your new house. the energy you waste on trying to get the others to pay for it would be better used in looking for a contractor. Home inspections are only good as an idea of what your getting. I never use them other than for termite inspections.
2006-09-22 19:00:19 · answer #3 · answered by Jack 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does the damp patch look as though its been decorated to hide the damp? If so, you may have some recourse against the vendor. He has to act right and proper!!
2006-09-22 17:20:57 · answer #4 · answered by matt g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it said some repairs would be necessary and the disclaimer said it shouldn't be relied upon, then I doubt you have any chance.
2006-09-22 18:10:31 · answer #5 · answered by Phil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
consistant with age doesn't mean that everything is good. it means that things are typical of houses that old.
2006-09-22 17:14:36 · answer #6 · answered by Roger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE SURVEYOR WHO DID THE FIRST ONE AND ASK HIM FOR COMPENSATION
2006-09-22 17:57:42 · answer #7 · answered by RAMSBOTTOM 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋