Kingsbury surveyors Homebuyers Survey Report on a 1933 Terrace house

This was a Homebuyers Survey of typical 1933 ex local authority Kingsbury end terrace house. Cavity brick walls concrete lintels and concrete tile roof. Vents suggest that the roof is a replacement. Our surveyors suggested that it might be possible to insulate the cavity by injection. Water has entered the concrete lintels allowing the reinforcing steel to corrode the expansion of which forced of the concrete allowing more water to enter. Our surveyors suggested treating the steel with an inhibitor and a small mortar patch to prevent serious deterioration. Evidence of beetle activity was found in a timber ground floor. The date and extent of the activity is not clear. The boards and joists were firm at present suggesting that the infestation may be superficial. Our surveyors suggested it would be wise to lift a small areas of the floor boards and check the structure before exchange of contracts. Damp stains on a chimney were probably due to condensation. Condensates in chimneys can contain salts that attract moisture. Our surveyors suggested venting the flue at the top and bottom to help remove condensation and re-plastering over a sand and cement render to ensure that any contaminates are trapped. The head room above the stairs is only 6'0 about two feet short of the current building regulation requirements. Our surveyors suggested getting a hard hat as to move the stairs would require a complete re-modelling of the property. The floor has humped. The cause was not clear. Possible cause considered were trapped moisture below a bitumen covering or expansion of the concrete floor slab. The latter would make the property unsuitable as a security for a mortgage. Our surveyors suggested that further investigation before exchange of contracts including a chemical analysis of the floor slab was essential.

Tamworth RICS Surveyors Homebuyers Survey of a 1900 terrace