Case Study – Level 3

Question 1

• How did you advise your client in relation to the vendors information regarding when the house was converted?

Answer 1

• I stated that the vendor had informed me of the conversion date but requested that the clients Solicitors confirmed this date.

Question 2

• If there was a tree or drainage element in influencing distance of the front bay, how would you have advised your client?

Answer 2

• I would have requested a CCTV drainage survey to make sure that the drains were not defective which can lead to water escape and soil erosion.
• I would recommend that the tree would have been inspected by a tree surgeon.

Question 3

• If lintel failure had occurred, how would you advise your client on this?

Answer 3

• I would advise client to obtain the services of a responsible builder to expose the lintel while providing adequate support.
• Acro props may be required to support the above structure whilst a new lintel is installed in Accordance with a structural engineers’ calculations.
• Also building regulations consent would need to be obtained
• But as this is a flat the liability will be with the freeholder in accordance with the lease.

Question 4

• Was there nowhere else to the external walls where a DPC could have been identified?

Answer 4

The smooth rendered plinth covered most of the walls. There was a couple of small areas by some air vents but no DPC was visible due to the cement mortar.

Question 5

• With regards to damp, though you recorded none, could you have provided any further advice to client regarding the bathroom?

Answer 5

• Potentially the wall in the bathroom may become wet due to condensation after bathing or having a shower.
• It is recommended to have a working extractor fan and trickle vents open and the window slightly open so that the bathroom does not steam up.

Question 6

• As you had not seen the lease, what was your advice to client in this respect?

Answer 6

• In the back of the Homebuyer report is Leasehold Advice where it states the client’s legal advisors are responsible for checking the lease for you.
• I also stated verbally and when I took instructions that they will need to speak to their Solicitor to confirm the details contained within the lease such as repairing obligations etc.