Chauntry Surveying carried out a full building survey on a house for sale in Windsor Berkshire. The property had undergone some structural alterations and to create more space the existing owners had removed all of the fire breasts internally and chimneys externally.
Mike Brown, Chauntry’s Managing Director and chartered surveyor, entered the loft space to inspect the roof timbers to make sure they were all structurally sound. He immediately noticed that the end of one of the main purlins in the roof had been left unsupported, where the brick stack had been removed. The purlin has also been used to double up as a support to the cold water tank.
On closer inspection it was apparent that the water tank (full of water) had no structural support underneath it as the bearers were connected to the loose timber purlin.
Realising the immediate danger Mike called the house owner up to look at the situation – the owner went white when he explained how the water tank could at any point come crashing through the ceiling. The house owner then took Mike into the bedroom beneath where the water tank was situated and showed him the 3 single beds.
The owner was currently going through a divorce and the 3 boys were sharing the one room. He immediately broke down in tears realising that the tank could have at any point in time landed in their bedroom.
Building work not carried out in a professional competent manner can lead to catastrophic consequences. On this occasion thankfully the situation was noted and the boys moved from the room until the tank could be made safe.
It is not uncommon for Chauntry Surveying to find fire breasts or chimneys removed without adequate support and we always urge people buying older style properties to opt for a full building survey so we can check these features/potential problems for them.
A full building survey can save you more than money
