Moving home can be stressful. Not carrying out the correct surveys could make things worse.

conveyancing

Image Credit

You should always be careful to have a house survey conducted when considering buying a new property. House surveys can bring a range of potential issues to light. In many cases these issues can be resolved if you’re willing to put in the time, effort and money needed to fix them. However, some problems suggest you should walk away from the sale. Here are some survey problems that should make you consider not going forward with a property purchase.

1. Subsidence

You’re unlikely to be happy with a home survey that reports subsidence. You can fix subsidence by re-doing the property’s foundations. Be aware that this will be costly to fix and any insurance you find will likely come with a premium.

Image Credit

2. Roof Issues

Likewise, it’s possible to fix issues with a roof, but be aware that retiling an entire roof and replacing the underlying timber is likely to be an expensive, time consuming project.

3. Asbestos

Asbestos is a substance known to cause numerous health issues. It’s most often found in the attics of older properties but is also sometimes found around boilers and in pipes. Asbestos is dangerous and must be removed by licensed firms.

4. Damp

It’s very common for a house survey to find damp problems, especially when you’re looking at buying an older house. It’s especially important to treat damp if you have underlying respiratory issues, as the presence of damp is highly likely to make such conditions worse.

5. Wiring & Plumbing

Upgrading wiring and plumbing can be disruptive and costly. If you don’t want to spend months living on a building site, this project might not be suitable.

6. EPC

A home’s EPC rating will give you an idea of how energy efficient it is and how expensive it will be to run. EPC ratings run from A to G, with the UK average being D. You can improve a home’s energy efficiency by installing insulation, but this will be costly.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide when to walk away from a house purchase. Always make sure you’ve had a survey carried out so that you don’t purchase a property only to be faced with some nasty surprises.