Roofing

Survey results- advice on chimney stack repairs, chimney breast damp, wall repointing etc

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.42 PM

We are in the process of buying a house, and our survey has highlighted a number of possible issues for investigation. Whilst we understand this is just a precaution in places, having paid for the survey it seems silly to ignore all the advice. There's a few things we're not too worried about but wanted advice or general price info and next steps on some of the items that follow. The house is 1950’s built 3 bed, 2 reception end-of-terrace, typical of those in the local (Crawley/Pound Hill) area. Items marked urgent: - Repoint chimney stack. (I'm assuming access tower or scaffolding required) - Investigate cause of damp in chimney breast in loft space * - Inspect cold water storage tank for galvanic corrosion - Supply and fit lid & screens for feed and expansion tank, (would it also be worth it to investigate condition of system having been open for unknown amount of time?). - Re-route/repair feed and expansion tank overflow pipe to make effective (currently has high point above overflow position). Items marked investigate/non urgent: - Chimney breast/hearth sealed at ground floor - supply and install ventilation - External spalling of brickwork in places and areas of repointing required. (I believe this is mostly present on end wall, in the gable area). - Roof verges need repointing in places. - Install lead flashing on single story concrete flat roof section at front * presumably the damp is related to either the failed stack pointing, lack of roof vents or hearth being sealed without vents? Who (what trade) would do this kind of work? Would I need more than one company/trade? Is it really worth getting all of this investigated/quoted for before we commit? We are first time buyers and no idea where to start.