I am purchasing a property and the home buyer report mentions that remedial work would be required and also mentions that a specialist survey is required. The property was built in 1930s. Just wondering if I should be concerned about this or is it just a generic reports to cover liability.
The outer walls are in cavity brickwork with a brick outer face. The damp proof course could not be seen but is probably made of slate. Internally the walls have plastered finishes.
Damp proof course
Damp proof courses (DPC's) are built into properties to prevent the movement of
ground moisture through the wall and prevent deterioration of internal fixtures and
fittings and also to prevent high levels of moisture leading to wood rotting fungi.
Dampness was detected at low level to the main walls and further specialist
investigation to the whole property is required prior to exchange of contracts. Any
structural floor timbers which are in contact with damp masonry are at risk from
decay and you should instruct your specialist firm to check the subfloor timbers for
defects and again carry out appropriate remedial treatment as required. Please
see Section J1.
Condition Rating 3.
Wall finishes
Some repairs are required to the wall surfaces including repointing of open and
weathered mortar joints and replacing frost damaged bricks to prevent water
penetration. The front door sill is also in need of repair or replacement.
Cracking was noted to the masonry over the rear French doors This may be due to
inadequate lintel support and repair or replacement is necessary.
Structural stability
There is cracking above the front door which is caused as a result of shrinkage of
the masonry. This is not considered to be of structural significance, but the cracks
should be made good to prevent moisture entering the fabric.
The structural condition of the walls appears to be generally satisfactory and we
found no evidence of significant cracking, subsidence or structural movement.
Properties of this age are at risk of cavity wall tie failure. The property at present
shows no obvious signs of damage, however the degradation of wall ties is
progressive and may, in the long term, lead to structural weakness. The only way
to assess the condition of the cavity wall ties is to carry out a specialist borescope
inspection or expose the wall ties by removing bricks, neither of which we
undertook during our survey.
It is not known whether the external cavity walls contain insulation and as this
should be considered as a possible improvement as it reduces heat lost through
the walls. The cavities should be checked before installing insulation to ensure
they are not blocked which could lead to damp when the cavities are filled.
Properties of this age may not have lintels to support the masonry above the
openings. Whilst no signs of distress were noted above other windows and doors,
lintels may need installing or replacing when renewing doors and windows.
The outer walls are in cavity brickwork with a brick outer face. The damp proof course could not be seen but is probably made of slate. Internally the walls have plastered finishes.
Damp proof course
Damp proof courses (DPC's) are built into properties to prevent the movement of
ground moisture through the wall and prevent deterioration of internal fixtures and
fittings and also to prevent high levels of moisture leading to wood rotting fungi.
Dampness was detected at low level to the main walls and further specialist
investigation to the whole property is required prior to exchange of contracts. Any
structural floor timbers which are in contact with damp masonry are at risk from
decay and you should instruct your specialist firm to check the subfloor timbers for
defects and again carry out appropriate remedial treatment as required. Please
see Section J1.
Condition Rating 3.
Wall finishes
Some repairs are required to the wall surfaces including repointing of open and
weathered mortar joints and replacing frost damaged bricks to prevent water
penetration. The front door sill is also in need of repair or replacement.
Cracking was noted to the masonry over the rear French doors This may be due to
inadequate lintel support and repair or replacement is necessary.
Structural stability
There is cracking above the front door which is caused as a result of shrinkage of
the masonry. This is not considered to be of structural significance, but the cracks
should be made good to prevent moisture entering the fabric.
The structural condition of the walls appears to be generally satisfactory and we
found no evidence of significant cracking, subsidence or structural movement.
Properties of this age are at risk of cavity wall tie failure. The property at present
shows no obvious signs of damage, however the degradation of wall ties is
progressive and may, in the long term, lead to structural weakness. The only way
to assess the condition of the cavity wall ties is to carry out a specialist borescope
inspection or expose the wall ties by removing bricks, neither of which we
undertook during our survey.
It is not known whether the external cavity walls contain insulation and as this
should be considered as a possible improvement as it reduces heat lost through
the walls. The cavities should be checked before installing insulation to ensure
they are not blocked which could lead to damp when the cavities are filled.
Properties of this age may not have lintels to support the masonry above the
openings. Whilst no signs of distress were noted above other windows and doors,
lintels may need installing or replacing when renewing doors and windows.