Viewing / Buying a house

[KenjiOgiwara]

9 hours ago, Demitri_C said:

Question asbestos related.

Got my structural survey report back verbally. I asked if there was any asbestos on the garage roof. He said there was no evidence of any asbestos showing he stated that he wasnt sure but based on the age of the property he believes there may be.

What should you do in this situation? Would you still go ahead with the sale? How do i find out if the garage has it?

Why does asbestos worry you or become a subject ? 

[Demitri_C]

5 minutes ago, KenjiOgiwara said:

Why does asbestos worry you or become a subject ? 

Being exposed to it and how dangerous is it is to remove 

Edited August 15, 2020 by Demitri_C

[AvfcRigo82]

19 minutes ago, Demitri_C said:

Being exposed to it and how dangerous is it is to remove 

When was the house built?

There are specialist folk that come in and remove asbestos properly. I would invest in doing this for your own piece of mind if it's posing a problem.

[KenjiOgiwara]

47 minutes ago, Demitri_C said:

Being exposed to it and how dangerous is it is to remove 

Most asbestos people find are in eternit tiles. As long as you don't fractionate them, it's harmless. Be more worried about isolating asbestos wool that's mobile and easily airborne fibres. 

But I'll be careful here as building materials and technique often vary from country to country. 

Either way always get experts in to look it over. Not only peace of mind, but it's useful info if you need to do work on the building or sell it at a point in the future. 

Edited August 15, 2020 by KenjiOgiwara

[Demitri_C]

1 hour ago, AvfcRigo82 said:

When was the house built?

There are specialist folk that come in and remove asbestos properly. I would invest in doing this for your own piece of mind if it's posing a problem.

Im not actually sure not sure where i find that info not on the advert.

1 hour ago, KenjiOgiwara said:

Most asbestos people find are in eternit tiles. As long as you don't fractionate them, it's harmless. Be more worried about isolating asbestos wool that's mobile and easily airborne fibres. 

But I'll be careful here as building materials and technique often vary from country to country. 

Either way always get experts in to look it over. Not only peace of mind, but it's useful info if you need to do work on the building or sell it at a point in the future. 

Thanks will do kenji

[Mandy Lifeboats]

13 hours ago, Demitri_C said:

Question asbestos related.

Got my structural survey report back verbally. I asked if there was any asbestos on the garage roof. He said there was no evidence of any asbestos showing he stated that he wasnt sure but based on the age of the property he believes there may be.

What should you do in this situation? Would you still go ahead with the sale? How do i find out if the garage has it?

It was very common in houses.  For most instances it can be sealed in.  That’s quite a small job and is going to cost about £1000 with the proper certification.  If you need the stuff fully removed you would be talking 3 - 4 thousand pounds.
 

I recommend you check with your local council whether they offer any asbestos disposal services.  They are unlikely to do the entire job.  But many will dispose of boards that have been removed and sealed for a much cheaper price than you will be quoted by a private company.  They might even point you to approved contractors.  
 

Should you go ahead with the purchase?  I doubt anyone on here is qualified to give you truly informed advice.  I am not.  But it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me.  It’s something that might cost you a few thousand in a few years time.  But so will building a patio, changing your windows or installing a new bathroom!  I wouldn’t pull out of a deal because of any of those, so asbestos is the same.  Just keep it in your mind when budgeting for house improvements.  
 

I hope that helps put it into perspective. 

 

 

 

 

[Demitri_C]

8 hours ago, Mandy Lifeboats said:

It was very common in houses.  For most instances it can be sealed in.  That’s quite a small job and is going to cost about £1000 with the proper certification.  If you need the stuff fully removed you would be talking 3 - 4 thousand pounds.
 

I recommend you check with your local council whether they offer any asbestos disposal services.  They are unlikely to do the entire job.  But many will dispose of boards that have been removed and sealed for a much cheaper price than you will be quoted by a private company.  They might even point you to approved contractors.  
 

Should you go ahead with the purchase?  I doubt anyone on here is qualified to give you truly informed advice.  I am not.  But it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me.  It’s something that might cost you a few thousand in a few years time.  But so will building a patio, changing your windows or installing a new bathroom!  I wouldn’t pull out of a deal because of any of those, so asbestos is the same.  Just keep it in your mind when budgeting for house improvements.  
 

I hope that helps put it into perspective. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks mandy lifeboats very helpful advice 

[chrisp65]

@Demitri_C what’s the age of the house? If its 1982 or later, there really should be zero chance of asbestos. If it’s older and if you do have asbestos sheeting or tiles, the safest thing to do is also the easiest. Do nothing.

Just leave them where they are and don’t fiddle with them. If you have tiles on the floor, you can leave them and ‘encapsulate’ them. That is, put a new finish over the top. Same with a shed or garage roof, rainwater gutters. If they’re not damaged, just leave them alone. It’s far less risky than disposing of them.

They’re only dangerous when you break them, try to remove them, drill in to them.

I know a domestic garden where they regularly dig up pieces of the profiled (wiggly) roofing sheets people used to put on sheds and garages. Someone in the past had smashed it up and trampled it in to the ground. The solution, if you find a piece, pop it in a bucket of water. Once you’ve collected enough to make a trip worthwhile, take it to your local recycling / refuse centre.

The more dangerous stuff is the loose material, lagging, pipe insulation you might find on old boilers or behind an old fireplace. That stuff needs more specialist attention.

The HSE website has a list of things its ok to do... and where you need help.

[Demitri_C]

39 minutes ago, chrisp65 said:

@Demitri_C what’s the age of the house? If its 1982 or later, there really should be zero chance of asbestos. If it’s older and if you do have asbestos sheeting or tiles, the safest thing to do is also the easiest. Do nothing.

Just leave them where they are and don’t fiddle with them. If you have tiles on the floor, you can leave them and ‘encapsulate’ them. That is, put a new finish over the top. Same with a shed or garage roof, rainwater gutters. If they’re not damaged, just leave them alone. It’s far less risky than disposing of them.

They’re only dangerous when you break them, try to remove them, drill in to them.

I know a domestic garden where they regularly dig up pieces of the profiled (wiggly) roofing sheets people used to put on sheds and garages. Someone in the past had smashed it up and trampled it in to the ground. The solution, if you find a piece, pop it in a bucket of water. Once you’ve collected enough to make a trip worthwhile, take it to your local recycling / refuse centre.

The more dangerous stuff is the loose material, lagging, pipe insulation you might find on old boilers or behind an old fireplace. That stuff needs more specialist attention.

The HSE website has a list of things its ok to do... and where you need help.

Thanks chris mate helpful

[imavillan]

Question/request

I've sold my house so i'm now in the process of going through the rigmarole of solicitors and the waiting game.

I am starting to do a checklist of things that need doing who needs contacting etc. Looked on google but couldn't really find what i was after.

To save some time has anybody already done one they can share with me??? 

 

Thanks

UTV

[Genie]

5 minutes ago, imavillan said:

Question/request

I've sold my house so i'm now in the process of going through the rigmarole of solicitors and the waiting game.

I am starting to do a checklist of things that need doing who needs contacting etc. Looked on google but couldn't really find what i was after.

To save some time has anybody already done one they can share with me??? 

 

Thanks

UTV

Make sure you setup a mail redirection with Royal Mail. Take meter readings as you leave. Line up a removal company in plenty of time (if needed). Start collecting cardboard boxes. Take the shit you don’t want to move to the tip. Get internet and TV booked in as soon as you have a move date. 
The solicitor should guide you mainly with regards to what else you need and when. 

[imavillan]

Been doing some more searching and found this on MSE

Very useful for me and may be of use to others at some stage.

 

Before the Move

Buy a notebook for your lists!
Book Removers or Van
Eat up the contents of the freezer and plan meals to lower store cupboard levels
If you are going to use a coolbox on moving day, put the chillpacks in the freezer as you make space
Order packing boxes in good time plus luggage labels are handy for bags, keys etc
Declutter via eBay, Freecycle, Charity Bags and Shops
Recycle to the max
Set aside old sheets and blankets for wrapping, and as dust sheets on arrival
Organise care for children, pets and dependents
Plan a supermarket delivery for the day after arrival, easy meals as you will be busy
Stop watering outdoor plants in pots a few days before the move
Top up PAYG phones
Back up laptops and phones etc in case of loss or damage en route

Organisations to notify once moving date is known

Building and Contents Insurance including moving cover
Building Society, include Credit Card (for deliveries)
Broadband, Home Phone, Internet Service Provider
Car Insurance
Council Tax Department
Online Retailers (Amazon, eBay, Paypal, Supermarket etc if likely to need deliveries)
Post Office for redirection (takes 5 days and you need proof of address and identity)
Utility Suppliers

Packing Box (travels around the house with you!)

Bubble wrap, shreddings etc
Duster so things are clean as they are packed
Sandwich bags for small items - tape bags with screws and fixings to the item
Large Sandwich bags or carrier bags for anything liquid in case of breakage in transit
Scissors
Several marker pens for boxes - mark boxes ON THE SIDE
Tape, lots plus rubber bands
Plastic tub with lid for anything found until packed - lego, receipts, screws, clips, coins

House Pack (clearly labelled as To Stay)

Card to welcome them!
Forwarding instructions for any mail that slips through, and possibly address labels
Instruction books and guarantees for appliances
Leaflets about refuse collections, local services, takeaways
Note with bin days, window cleaner etc
Possibly the names of immediate neighbours
Radiator keys, meter box keys etc

The Day Before and Moving Day

Work through the house one room at a time. Close door as a room is packed/emptied
Make sure everyone has a bottle of water if it's warm
In the morning have breakfast and wash up
Make bedding rolls inside the mattress protector and slide into a bin bag, include curtains if necessary
Check cupboards, wardrobes, loft, garage
Take meter readings (don't forget water meter) - in notebook and on phone

Kitchen Box to be taken in first

Kettle
Mugs, Spoons
Plates or Picnic Plates
Tea bags, Coffee, Sugar
Milk
Soft Drinks or Bottled Water
Washing-up liquid, Sponge, Cloth
Biscuits, Cake, Cereal Bars, Chocolate
Kitchen Towels
Handwash, Hand Towel
Over the Counter Medicines and Plasters, ideally a First Aid Box
Toilet paper!

Cleaning and Essentials Box - the cleaning stuff can sit in a bucket

Any floor covering you want to put down in the hall
Basic tools for assembling furniture, radiator keys
Batteries (including smoke alarm) and light bulbs
Binbags, hand brush and pan
Bleach and antibacterial wipes for loos and sinks
Cleaning materials including lots of cloths and some rubber gloves
Gardening gloves, possibly - as moving boxes is hard on hands
Matches
Measuring tape
A5 paper and masking tape for room doors - masking needs to be the kind guaranteed to come off again)
Torch
Vacuum cleaner

Wanted on Voyage Bag(s) (the stuff you will need in the car with you)

Any medicines that will be needed during the day
Any warm or waterproof clothing and footwear that may come in handy
Handbags with phones, chargers, wallets and keys etc
Babywipes, nailfile and handcream
Phone Charger and Adapter Plugs
Moving Documents, Notebook with any essential numbers not saved in phones
Overnight bag and some extra underwear
Snacks and drinks, toys and games
Washbags - flannels, toothpaste, toothbrushes etc

On Arrival

Check all the sets of keys work
Take meter readings (don't forget the water meter) in notebook and on phone
Brew up!
If possible check the stop !!!! works especially if it is behind the washer
Check for working bulbs before it gets dark and make up beds while you have the energy
Switch on fridge and freezer
Switch on water heater and central heating if required
Start a To Do list in your notebook of non-urgent jobs/things to buy - keep it by the kettle

After the Move Changes of Address (less urgent)

AA/RAC
Clubcards, Membership Cards
Clubs and Societies
Doctor, Dentist and other Health Care
DVLA for Owner Certificate and Driver's Licence
Employer
Family & Friends
HMRC (Taxes and National Insurance)
Library
Life Insurance etc
Magazine Subscriptions
Mobile Phone Supplier
Neighbours
Pension Providers
Schools
TV Licensing Office

 

[Demitri_C]

I just got my survey report back saying one of the back windows in the room is a health and safety issue as might make it difficult to escape in case of fire they estimate this would be £3000. Would it be cheeky to ask this to be taken off the sale price?

[ferguson1]

27 minutes ago, Demitri_C said:

I just got my survey report back saying one of the back windows in the room is a health and safety issue as might make it difficult to escape in case of fire they estimate this would be £3000. Would it be cheeky to ask this to be taken off the sale price?

No, perfectly within your right to do so, as it’s an issue.  Your solicitor should be happy to do this or at least ask if they’ll resolve it before sale? 

[Genie]

38 minutes ago, Demitri_C said:

I just got my survey report back saying one of the back windows in the room is a health and safety issue as might make it difficult to escape in case of fire they estimate this would be £3000. Would it be cheeky to ask this to be taken off the sale price?

100% within your right to do that.

They can either drop the price of bring it up to code. (I expect the latter as £3k sounds like a lot to sort 1 window).

About 10 years back to the inlaws bought a house and the survey flagged a little bit of dry rot in the loft. They got £1,500 off the price. It was very minor and they didn't do anything about it. Then they sold about 5 years later and it wasn't mentioned in the new survey. 

[Demitri_C]

@Genie and @ferguson1 thanks boys i am going to highlight this to my solictor

Also i noticed this. How do i go about dealing with this? As how do i know the house doesnt need a complete rewire?

 

Edited August 18, 2020 by Demitri_C

[ferguson1]

5 hours ago, Demitri_C said:

@Genie and @ferguson1 thanks boys i am going to highlight this to my solictor

Also i noticed this. How do i go about dealing with this? As how do i know the house doesnt need a complete rewire?

 

 

Have messaged you mate

[Xela]

7 hours ago, Demitri_C said:

I just got my survey report back saying one of the back windows in the room is a health and safety issue as might make it difficult to escape in case of fire they estimate this would be £3000. Would it be cheeky to ask this to be taken off the sale price?

Entitled to ask mate. They're entitled to refuse! Give it a shot.

[AlwaysAVFC]

One lesson I've learnt this evening, is don't underestimate how much stuff you've got especially if moving it yourself 

Our jobs start next week so moving into my parents until our house goes through (hopefully this side of Christmas) Even though I'd say we have a lot less crap than most, and have been pretty ruthless clearing out. I have a Van for a couple of days. It's going to need 1 extra journey than I thought, and I should have got more help.

First Van loaded for the 1.5 hour journey in the morning.

[Demitri_C]

Did anyone get a specialist in for Japanese knotweed? My survey reports says none was visable but the surrrounding area was hidden due to fence. 

It was recomended to get one was not surr if this really necessary?