ᐅ Outstanding Issues When Buying a Semi-Detached House with a Neighbor
Created on: 7 May 2014 08:35
T
Thorsten111
Hello,
this is not a new build, but I am considering buying a semi-detached house in a very nice location. The building inspector who accompanied me through the house noticed the following at the junction with the neighbor’s property (I have a photo):
>>>During visual inspection, it was found that the new metal flashing on the building in question, at the adjoining neighbor’s house, is poorly executed. This flashing was installed as part of the neighbor’s building extension and can only be a temporary solution.
According to plumbing guidelines, this is a construction defect because the metal flashing is improperly connected to the adjoining structural element (neighbor’s masonry). Additionally, due to the missing exterior render and the texture of the unrendered masonry, rainwater can penetrate between the flashing and the masonry, potentially causing moisture damage to the underlying masonry.
The exterior wall should be properly rendered as soon as possible, and the metal flashing also needs to be professionally replaced.
<<
How should I proceed? Would a written agreement be sufficient to protect me, confirming that the neighbor will complete the work after signing with a notary?
How secure is this approach, and how would you handle it?
A second point: in the basement, there are two small damp spots with minor mold growth. These are supposed to be opened up, sealed properly, and included in the purchase contract. The house was built in 1993; otherwise, everything is in good condition.
How would you proceed, especially regarding the first issue?
Please let me know if anything is unclear.
Thank you, Thorsten
this is not a new build, but I am considering buying a semi-detached house in a very nice location. The building inspector who accompanied me through the house noticed the following at the junction with the neighbor’s property (I have a photo):
>>>During visual inspection, it was found that the new metal flashing on the building in question, at the adjoining neighbor’s house, is poorly executed. This flashing was installed as part of the neighbor’s building extension and can only be a temporary solution.
According to plumbing guidelines, this is a construction defect because the metal flashing is improperly connected to the adjoining structural element (neighbor’s masonry). Additionally, due to the missing exterior render and the texture of the unrendered masonry, rainwater can penetrate between the flashing and the masonry, potentially causing moisture damage to the underlying masonry.
The exterior wall should be properly rendered as soon as possible, and the metal flashing also needs to be professionally replaced.
<<
How should I proceed? Would a written agreement be sufficient to protect me, confirming that the neighbor will complete the work after signing with a notary?
How secure is this approach, and how would you handle it?
A second point: in the basement, there are two small damp spots with minor mold growth. These are supposed to be opened up, sealed properly, and included in the purchase contract. The house was built in 1993; otherwise, everything is in good condition.
How would you proceed, especially regarding the first issue?
Please let me know if anything is unclear.
Thank you, Thorsten
T
Thorsten11112 May 2014 19:49Hello Michael, yes, I also have a low tolerance in that area. But I would have the money available in advance. I could also include a clause stating that if it gets more expensive, he will cover the remaining costs?! I wasn’t able to reach the expert today, but I will still ask him about the price.
Best regards and thanks, Thorsten
Best regards and thanks, Thorsten
W
wadenkneifer12 May 2014 19:53Hello Thorsten,
Yes, you would have the money and, without any additional clause, the risk. However, it could also be a "courtesy offer" or something similar.
In principle, you can contractually agree on anything that does not violate applicable laws (sometimes unfortunately it does). Therefore, I don’t see any problem with including a corresponding clause. But be sure to get legal advice on how the wording should be, so it meets your requirements.
And definitely coordinate with the expert.
Best regards
Michael
Yes, you would have the money and, without any additional clause, the risk. However, it could also be a "courtesy offer" or something similar.
In principle, you can contractually agree on anything that does not violate applicable laws (sometimes unfortunately it does). Therefore, I don’t see any problem with including a corresponding clause. But be sure to get legal advice on how the wording should be, so it meets your requirements.
And definitely coordinate with the expert.
Best regards
Michael
T
Thorsten11112 May 2014 20:12Hello Michael, thank you for your feedback!
T
Thorsten11113 May 2014 09:59Hello, I decided against the semi-detached house. Maybe I’m a bit cautious, but having two such issues at the interfaces with the neighbor right from the start wouldn’t be a good way to begin. Thanks to you all, I’ll keep looking…