Inspection report creates uncertainty

[M_CC]

Hello,

I am single and have found a terraced house that I really want to buy, but I become a bit uncertain when I read the seller's inspection report.

The house is two-story and built in the 70s, with a crawl space with wooden beams and a wooden frame, with a dehumidifier (sorption dehumidifier) installed in 2013.

In the report, you can read observations where moisture, mold, rot damage, and leakage are recurring words, although not followed by any need for further investigation. There is a risk analysis included, and I wonder how much weight to place on this? The friends and acquaintances I've talked to say that such things are found in almost all inspection reports, and I myself have no experience or knowledge in the area.

There has also been no radon measurement done, but when it was last done, it was measured at a value of 210Bq/m3, which is slightly elevated as I understand it.

There has also been no asbestos check.

If such things need to be addressed, can one already form an opinion about what this would cost?

Grateful for a response.

 

[Nötegårdsgubben]

Bring your own inspector if you win the bidding. Also, make sure to be present during the inspection and ask questions about anything you're unsure of (for example, based on the report provided by the seller).

It may seem strange to need another inspection, but thoroughly inspecting the house is in your interest as a buyer; what you can discover before the purchase will be your responsibility whether you find it or not. It's challenging to get a clear picture from an unclear report. It’s always better to be responsible for choosing and communicating with the inspector as a buyer.

 

[M_CC]

Bring in your own inspector if you win the bidding. Also, make sure to be present during the inspection and ask questions about what you're wondering (for example, based on the report the seller has provided).

It might seem strange to need another inspection, but thoroughly inspecting the house is in your interest as a buyer, what you can discover before the purchase will be your responsibility whether you find it out or not. It's difficult to get a clear picture from a vague report. It's always better to choose and contact the inspector yourself as a buyer.

You're absolutely right, of course I should bring in my own inspector, can you give tips on questions to actually ask?

 

[Nötegårdsgubben]

The crawl space, for example, is a risky construction. Getting information about the moisture content in the floor structure, existing or previous damage to the beams can be such a thing.

If the bathrooms are original, they are worthless (according to insurance companies and in a potential dispute with the seller) so you might see it as time to replace them anyway. However, if they have been renovated, having an opinion on whether it seems professionally done can be beneficial.

Focus on what seems expensive and uncertain.

 

[M_CC]

The crawl space, for example, is a risk construction. Obtaining information about the moisture content in the joists, existing or previous damage to the beams can be one such thing.

If the bathrooms are original, they are worth nothing (according to insurance companies and in a possible dispute with the seller) so you might consider it's time to replace them anyway. If they are renovated, getting an impression if it appears professionally done can be beneficial.

Focus on what seems expensive and uncertain.

One bathroom is correctly done, the other has no documentation, and it states that the ventilation in the spaces is insufficient.

So, you want to focus on the moisture content, if I understand you correctly.
How does one perform such a measurement?

 

[Nötegårdsgubben]

Yes, the moisture content in beams matters; above a certain level, mold will start to form. You measure it with a handheld moisture meter against the wood, so it is important to access the crawl space and the attic. The moisture content varies over the year, so it's good to check with the inspector that it's not just below the threshold but also appropriate given when you're measuring. However, if there are dehumidifiers in place, you've probably already addressed major moisture problems—or it could be a warning sign...

 

[cpalm]

The friends and acquaintances I've talked to claim that such things appear in almost all inspection reports

I don't agree with your friends on that. Granted, there are very often remarks of the type "elevated moisture content detected" or "risk construction" and similar that may lead to a deeper investigation. But mold, rot damage, and leaks are actual damages that must be addressed, and it's nonsense to claim they appear in almost all reports.

That being said, there's nothing inherently wrong with buying a house with known issues, but it's important to have a realistic understanding of what's required to address the issues in terms of time, money, and energy.

 

[M_CC]

I disagree with your friends. While it's true that comments like "elevated moisture content detected" or "risk structure" and similar can often lead to a deeper investigation, mold, rot damage, and leaks are actual damages that must be addressed, and it's nonsense to say that they appear in almost every report.

That said, there's nothing strange about buying a house with known defects, but it's crucial to have a realistic understanding of what's required to address the issues in terms of time, money, and energy.

I completely agree with you.

What I gather from the report is that they've not been able to observe any visible damage in the crawl space but that there is a risk of mold, rot damage, and moisture. They have not been able to go up to the attic to check this because there is no inspection hatch, but it states that there is a risk of condensation, leaks, and moisture since it is a flat roof.

It is clearly stated that a balcony railing is rot damaged, but it is not a major intervention.

 

[cpalm]

What I gather from the report is that they have not been able to observe any visible damage in the crawl space but that there is a risk of mold, rot damage, and moisture.

OK, they have not observed any damages then. You might want to post the full text for the points you are concerned about. Otherwise, it's difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions.

 

[M_CC]

The entire protocol is available on the broker's website. http://pics.objektdata.se/_media_/23435/SFD9E5E103AB1D94D43ABCFF53812B1C19C.pdf