Getting along with this House selling -

[starone]

So now a surveyor is going to have a look. Can anyone tell me what he will be looking for and what sort of faults he might find. I want to be prepared (must be a left over from the girl guides).

[bednobs]

are you instructing the surveyor or are they?
if them, you wont be privvy to the report i'm afraid.
if them it depends on how expensive they have gone - full structual survey? Homebuyers survey etc.
As to what sort of faults they might find - what sort of faults do you have?

[starone]

No they are instructing bednobs. I don't know what kind of survey they are having. I am a complete beginner at this. I think my house is lovely, but that doesn't mean everyone does and I know it could do with a bit of redecorating. Apart from that I have panicked and wondered what I could do to improve matters.

[bednobs]

probably nothing at short notice - they are looking at structual things rather than decorating (whuich presumably the buyers have already seen). The surveyor will probably have a good look round might lift some carpets, look at the loft space, the roof boiler etc. They will make their report sound completely over the top drastic and then your buyers will try to negotiate the price down in lieu of the fact the surveyor has been vgue aboou the roof lasting for the next 20 years!

[The Builder]

What type of house, and approx what age is it, Starbers?

[starone]

Sorry I didn't answer right away - I had some visitors. Thanks for your replies. Builder - it is an ex Council House and was built in 1930. The walls are bricks but they have a pebble-dash covering. The loft has a floor and the roof has warm-roof so the tiles ought to be firm. It has gas central heating and cavity wall insulation, and double glazed windows. I think council houses built then are quite good, but I don't know much about that sort of thing.

[The Builder]

Ok ...... council houses from around then were most often of a simple, basic construction. What makes it easier for a surveyor is that the construction is "predictable". i.e what you see is what you get. He should know what's hidden from view, and defects tend to show themseles easily.
Importantly, it sounds like the roof has been overhauled comparatively recently. That's a big part of a survey.
I guess what I'm trying to say is - if you can't see any obvious defects, then I wouldn't worry.
Of course, no one could get away with saying it's all perfect. There will be concerns, but I'd be very surprised if they're terribly serious.
Do let us know how it goes :o)

[starone]

Thanks Builder, you have reassured me. I feel much happier with that. I know it will not be perfect, but as you said, the design is very simple and basic. It will be a little while before I know if there is a definite sell, but will let you know what happens.

[bednobs]

but also don't be surprised if the survey MAKES them sound serious. They point out every little thing in case it becomes a problem in the future, to cover their arses. I am also selling my house,

[starone]

I think I am now prepared for anything bedknobs, and am certainly more knowledgeable than I was before. Thanks a lot.