Topic 2 - Property Defects

Question 1

What are the first signs of damp?

Answer 1

Dark patches, bubbling on surface and an odour

Question 2

What is rising damp?

Answer 2

Moisture rising up from the ground through capillary action

Question 3

What are the symptoms of rising damp?

Answer 3

Crumbling or stained plaster, peeling paint or wallpaper, decaying skirting boards and floorboards

Question 4

How do you treat rising damp?

Answer 4

Identify source of water

New membrane or damp course

Question 5

What is damp-proof course?

Answer 5

Water repellent materials injected into affected areas to increase density

Question 6

What is penetrating damp?

Answer 6

Moisture present in fabric of building that has come from somewhere other than the ground such as defective guttering, leaking roof, cracked rendering or poor pointing

Question 7

How do you treat penetrating damp?

Answer 7

Apply a weatherproof coating

Question 8

When does condensation occur?

Answer 8

When there is a high level of humidity within the property

Question 9

Sub-floor ventilation?

Answer 9

Ground floor of property has floorboards with a void beneath them there must be sufficient ventilation to avoid timber becoming damp or decaying.

Instal vents in walls.

Careful not to obstruct such as a shed wth concrete base or extension.

Question 10

What is dry rot?

Answer 10

Decay to timbers caused by fungus

Question 11

Is dry rot usual in modern properties?

Answer 11

No. Building regs state timbers must be kiln dried

Question 12

How do you treat dry rot?

Answer 12

Replace timber

Question 13

What is wet rot?

Answer 13

Decaying timber due to high levels of moisture

Question 14

Wha causes wet rot?

Answer 14

Structural defects such as leak of damaged membrane

Question 15

How do you prevent wet rot?

Answer 15

Ensure all timbers are adequately painted and treated with a waterproof timber preservative

Question 16

Are chimney stacks vulnerable to movement?

Answer 16

Yes

Question 17

What are the issues when chimney breasts are no longer used?

Answer 17

Moisture can build up and penetrate through internal wall causing staining

Question 18

If any part of a chimney has been removed, what does a surveyor check for?

Answer 18

He will check to see that chimneys above have been removed and are properly supported

Question 19

What is tree subsidence?

Answer 19

When the tree roots suck the moisture from soils such as X

Question 20

What is woodworm?

Answer 20

When beetles bore in to timbers eating through causing damage.

Question 21

What are termites?

Answer 21

White ants that eat away at timbers.

Question 22

What are the five building regulations stages for loft conversions?

Answer 22

Structural stability - new ceiling joists must be in place to carry the weight of the room.
Fire safety - must be fitted with a self-closing fire resistant for 30 minute door.

Question 23

What is subsidence?

Answer 23

Where to ground beneath the property drops unevenly.

Question 24

What is heave?

Answer 24

Where underground forces cause the ground beneath the property to rise unevenly.

Question 25

How do you treat subsidence?

Answer 25

Usually the foundations would need to be underpinned which is where large concrete supports are placed under the existing foundations. Alternatively, piling could be another solution which is concrete or steel posts driving in to stable ground preventing the foundations from moving.

Question 26

What is a party wall?

Answer 26

These are walls that are shared with. Next door neighbour.

Question 27

What is radon gas?

Answer 27

A colourless, odourless and tasteless gas.

Question 28

What is an undertaking?

Answer 28

Is advised in the survey that a property requires minor work such as decorating.

Question 29

What does a NHBC type of certificate/warranty cover?

Answer 29

First two years is anything that goes wrong. Years 3 to 10 only main structural defects are covered such as subsidence etc.

Question 30

What are the issues of buying a new build property?

Answer 30

1. Builders/Developers are profit driven potentially leading to poor quality materials and workmanship. 2. Potential for building on poor land quality such as flood plains. 3. Build can be delayed 4. One-off builds could lead to misrepresentation leading to inaccurate value. 5. Mortgage offer may expire prior to build completion

Question 31

What are the disadvantages of buying off-plan?

Answer 31

1. Risk of over-supply affecting property value. 2. Potential fluctuations in market and interest rates. 3. Potential delays in completion 4. May not be possible to secure an interest rate on mortgage

Question 32

What are the advantages for buying off-plan?

Answer 32

1. Locked in price with potential to make money on a rising market 2. Delay in completion allows purchaser more time to secure funds/finance 3. Choice of finishes; i.e. kitchen, bathroom, colour schemes etc.