Building Survey in Kent reveals a potential Party Wall dispute

A Home Buyers Survey in Kent was recently undertaken on a solid brick house near Rock Hill in Orpington

The potential for a Party Wall dispute was not the only concern which arose during this Home Buyers Survey in Kent.

The house has a combination of suspended timber and solid concrete floors, and timber double-glazed windows. The Home Buyers Survey in Kent suggested a current market valuation of around £445,000.

The Surveyor's HomeBuyer Report suggested that the mains electricity in the property was probably last rewired in around 1994. He recommended that the wiring should be tested by an NICEIC-qualified electrician, and maybe rewired. This check should ideally be done every ten years, and certainly when a new owner acquires a property.

Home Buyers Survey in Kent reveals heating issues

During the Home Buyers Survey in Kent, the primitive Calor cylinder gas system wasn’t tested. The Home Buyers Survey suggested that a gas safety test should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and also that a carbon monoxide detector should be supplied.

It was recommended that a Gas Safe registered engineer should test the system before exchanging any contracts for the house, and also that an annual service contract should be arranged for the boiler and central heating.

Costly Insulation Recommendations

The insulation quilting fitted into the roofing areas that were visible was found to be of an average thickness of 100mm.  The Home Buyers Survey in Kent recommends an increase in the thickness, to 270mm to comply with current Building Regulations.

The HomeBuyer Report also points out that the eaves partitions to the first floor were insulated between the timber framing.  However, the surveyor was unable to investigate its thickness, and suggested that this insulation was likely to comply with only 1994-era regulations. These have since been updated, and as a result this may also need updating to improve efficiency and reduce heating costs.

Party Wall Problems?

There was also timber-framed summer house at the end of the garden, which overhangs the property next door. In the Home Buyers Survey, the Surveyor suggested that this was an issue to run past the client’s lawyers, as there may be objections from the neighbours.

Furthermore, the Home Buyers Survey in Kent pointed out that it should be investigated as to whether Completion Certificates were issued for the extensive extension, alterations and refurbishment of the original building, which took place in the mid-90s.

Home Buyers Surveys can reveal issues of not only practical consideration, as with the heating defects, but also legal matters worthy of closer inspection. That being said, it is vital that any suspected legal issues be referred to the Conveyancing Solicitor acting on their client's behalf.