Homebuyers survey has shown some issues, nothing major. More specialist surveys or a builders estimate?

Issues with brickwork, pointing, poss. wall ties, soundness of floor in a couple of places, ancient electrics+plumbing(lead pipes)+central heating. Survey suggested getting a specialist survey for each and every problem. Thats going to be expensive surely? Could a builder not estimate the work needed? Both as a guide for me and to use in the renegotiation of my initial offer (I wish to do as much of the work as I can, or am allowed to do) Seeing as I'm offering top money for something that needs alot of modernising.

Homebuyers survey has shown some issues, nothing major. More specialist surveys or a builders estimate?
use a buliding inspector, Builders can give estemates and you are not required to hire them.
Reply:OK, your post seems to accept that you will probably have to replace the: Electrics, Plumbing, Heating.


Why waste money on a further report on those items?





A general builder should be able to sort out a price for the remainder, and he can certainly give you an idea on the labour for the rest... Don't forget to provide him with a copy of the report before you go to the house (together) to look it over.
Reply:get a builders quote,elecrics need a pat test etc,gas corgi etc,the rest you can do yourself,more or less,thy might want a structual engneers report if you want to have a arm wrestle about the price,which is norm about 300-500 quid,so consider you best options,hope this helps
Reply:Yes, a builder could give you an estimate, but it will just be an estimate, the actual cost could increase considerably.





The floor could just be snapped board or it could be woodworm - worst case scenario you'll need to replace the whole floor.





I would recommend getting the outside work seen to first - its cheaper to get builders in to do outside work in the summer!





You could be looking at re-plumbing and re-wiring which will be a total upheaval.





I think you should leave it all to the pro's - to much at stake!





Most surveys aren't worth the paper they are written on and will say what you want them to say for the sake of a quick sale. Get a reputable builder in (if the seller will allow, thats another issue) for an estimate.
Reply:I would suggest a full structural survey, rather than one for each area. That should provide enough detail.
Reply:Get yourself a good general contractor to look the place over. You say "nothing major" but it sounds to me like you won't know anything until you turnover some rocks . Then you may be in for some nasty surprises. Some of the things you mention could be very major.


A general contractor will be able to get a better picture.
Reply:Surveys asked for other surveys just to cover their backs. Yes take a general builder round for a walk through, if they cant help with plumbing/electrics etc you could try ringing round a few local tradesmen, and describe the property over the phone and ask for a ball park figure estimate.





Good luck