Survey Summary: The Rock Lane, Scullabogue

Our Property Survey Results: A Roadmap to Our New Home 🏡

The survey results for our new home in Scullabogue have arrived, and I’m breathing a sigh of relief! 😅 After weeks of anticipation and that familiar mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with any property purchase, it’s wonderful to finally have the professional assessment in hand.

The Verdict Is In: Overall Good News! 🏡

The surveyor has given our future home a thumbs-up, describing it as “a good proposition for purchase” with only minor repairs needed. Most elements of the property received a Condition 1 rating (no current issues) – music to any home buyer’s ears!

What’s particularly reassuring is the surveyor’s note that any repairs identified aren’t critical and can be addressed either immediately after we move in or gradually over time. This flexibility means we can prioritize based on our personal preferences, comfort needs, and budget.

The To-Do List: Manageable Fixes ✅

Every home has its quirks and ours is no exception. Here’s what our skilled surveyor has flagged for attention:

1. That Charming Chimney – There’s a minor hairline crack that needs sealing. Since we’re not sure if we’ll use it regularly, we might consider capping and adding insulation.
2. Front Door Details – A few small fixes are needed here: sealing a joint in the fascia above the door and adding small angle weather bars to the side screens to direct water outwards.
3. Window Woes – Just one window in the sitting room isn’t opening properly and needs a bit of TLC.
4. Dining Room Ceiling – There are a couple of leak stains below the hot press/water storage area. The vendor says this was from a water tank change, but we’ll need to confirm the issue is resolved before redecorating.
5. Escape Rooflights – Currently too heavy to open and stay open. A small adjustment will make these more functional.
6. Attic Hatches – These need better insulation to improve energy efficiency.
7. Oil Boiler – There’s a small leak causing some casing corrosion. The vendor believes it can’t be resolved, but we’ll have a plumber take a look.
8. Wall Insulation – We should check if the external walls were pumped with insulation and consider upgrading if not.

Investigations Before We Sign ✍🏾

Before we make our final commitment, the surveyor recommends several checks:

1. Planning Compliance – We need to request a Certificate of Compliance with Planning and Building Regulations. There’s a note about the first floor (originally designated as a playroom in the 2007 planning permission) and about the drainage system’s natural outfall.
2. Radon Testing – The property is in an area where 1 in 5 homes have higher than safe Radon levels. We’ll need to conduct testing after moving in.
3. Construction Details – Confirming the wall construction type and insulation present will help us understand the potential for upgrading.
4. Stove Information – We should ask the vendor for details about the stove supplier and installer, and whether the chimney flue has a flexible steel liner.
5. Treatment Plant Service – The sewage treatment plant should have been serviced within the last 12 months (typically a planning permission requirement).
6. Timber Cladding – Knowing the type of timber used in external walls will help with future maintenance.
7. Solar Panels – We should check if any warranty remains for these.

The Professional’s Advice 💼

One important recommendation from the surveyor is to have repair costs confirmed by a qualified building contractor or Chartered Quantity Surveyor before purchasing. This will give us an “informed decision” when finalising the purchase.

Looking Forward: Our Next Steps 🚶🏾‍♂️

As we prepare for the next phase of our journey, we’re making a priority list:

Reflecting on the Process 🤔

It’s fascinating how a professional’s perspective can transform anxiety into actionable steps. The survey has given us clarity on what we’re getting into – a well-built, well-maintained property with only minor issues to address.

This beautiful dormer house, constructed around 2010, feels even more like our future home now that we understand its bones – the concrete block cavity walls, the natural slate roof, and the thoughtfully designed spaces. Each small detail in the report paints a clearer picture of the life we’ll build there.

The journey from our initial viewing to receiving this survey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but now we’re one step closer to making this house our home. As we tackle each item on our pre-purchase checklist, we’re not just ticking boxes – we’re laying the groundwork for our eco-journey in Ireland.

Stay tuned as we navigate the final hurdles of property acquisition and begin the exciting process of making this house truly ours! 🔑