Asking seller to pay for repairs. Need advice!

Upstate New York, New York
Buying & Selling Real Estate
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Asking seller to pay for repairs. Need advice!

Miranda G.
Investor · Member since 2020 · 12 posts · 1 vote

I'm in contract on a $400K house upstate NY - was prepared to spend $50K on cosmetic changes (painting,  new floors, new kitchen, new bathrooms etc) but after getting the inspection report today here's all the issues I'm dealing with and it's not pretty (see below) 

How should I move forward? Is this too many issues to even considering buying? If I were to ask seller to repair, what is appropriate/not appropriate? If seller would rather discount the price, how much of a discount is right?
Thank you all!

1. **Structural Concerns: Walls Not Level**
- The walls on the left/rear side of the building were not level on the first and second floors. This issue suggests possible foundation settlement or movement of foundation posts and/or beams, which could be indicative of significant structural issues.
2. **Heating System: Lack of Heat in Some Livable Rooms**
- Several 'livable' rooms had no visible source of heat. Adequate heating is essential for comfort and to prevent moisture-related issues.
3. **Electrical Safety Hazards: Exposed Wiring and Issues with GFCI Outlets**
- Exposed wiring in easily accessible areas and GFCI outlets in the kitchen that wouldn't reset pose significant electrical safety hazards.
4. **Plumbing Concerns: Exposed Plumbing and S-trap in Second-Floor Bathroom**
- The use of an S-trap and exposed plumbing in various areas could lead to potential leaks and damage.
5. **Deck/Balcony Stability**
- The deck/balcony was found to be unstable due to missing or substandard bracing or lack of attachment to the main structure, posing a risk of collapse.
6. **Chimney: Deteriorated Brick or Mortar**
- The chimney showed signs of deterioration, which could allow water to infiltrate the structure and cause further damage.
7. **Basement and Exterior Door Concerns**
- Issues with basement stairs spacing and significantly deteriorated bilco door steps present safety hazards and potential fall risks.
8. **Dryer Vent: Use of Unsafe Duct**
- The clothes dryer was equipped with an accordion-type flexible exhaust duct, which is considered a fire hazard.
9. **Windows: Missing or Substandard Counterweights/Springs**
- Multiple windows had missing or substandard counterweights/springs, creating a safety hazard.
10. **Siding and Trim: Damaged/Deteriorated**
- Sections of siding and/or trim were damaged or deteriorated, needing repair or replacement.
11. **Gutters and Downspouts: Loose or Missing Extensions**
- Issues with the gutters and downspouts could lead to water accumulation around the foundation.

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  • Matthew Paul
    Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Miranda G.:

    I'm in contract on a $400K house upstate NY - was prepared to spend $50K on cosmetic changes (painting,  new floors, new kitchen, new bathrooms etc) but after getting the inspection report today here's all the issues I'm dealing with and it's not pretty (see below) 

    How should I move forward? Is this too many issues to even considering buying? If I were to ask seller to repair, what is appropriate/not appropriate? If seller would rather discount the price, how much of a discount is right?
    Thank you all!

    1. **Structural Concerns: Walls Not Level**
    - The walls on the left/rear side of the building were not level on the first and second floors. This issue suggests possible foundation settlement or movement of foundation posts and/or beams, which could be indicative of significant structural issues.
    2. **Heating System: Lack of Heat in Some Livable Rooms**
    - Several 'livable' rooms had no visible source of heat. Adequate heating is essential for comfort and to prevent moisture-related issues.
    3. **Electrical Safety Hazards: Exposed Wiring and Issues with GFCI Outlets**
    - Exposed wiring in easily accessible areas and GFCI outlets in the kitchen that wouldn't reset pose significant electrical safety hazards.
    4. **Plumbing Concerns: Exposed Plumbing and S-trap in Second-Floor Bathroom**
    - The use of an S-trap and exposed plumbing in various areas could lead to potential leaks and damage.
    5. **Deck/Balcony Stability**
    - The deck/balcony was found to be unstable due to missing or substandard bracing or lack of attachment to the main structure, posing a risk of collapse.
    6. **Chimney: Deteriorated Brick or Mortar**
    - The chimney showed signs of deterioration, which could allow water to infiltrate the structure and cause further damage.
    7. **Basement and Exterior Door Concerns**
    - Issues with basement stairs spacing and significantly deteriorated bilco door steps present safety hazards and potential fall risks.
    8. **Dryer Vent: Use of Unsafe Duct**
    - The clothes dryer was equipped with an accordion-type flexible exhaust duct, which is considered a fire hazard.
    9. **Windows: Missing or Substandard Counterweights/Springs**
    - Multiple windows had missing or substandard counterweights/springs, creating a safety hazard.
    10. **Siding and Trim: Damaged/Deteriorated**
    - Sections of siding and/or trim were damaged or deteriorated, needing repair or replacement.
    11. **Gutters and Downspouts: Loose or Missing Extensions**
    - Issues with the gutters and downspouts could lead to water accumulation around the foundation.


     Sounds like an older house .  Walls not level ? possible foundation problems ? sure , or the walls were just not built level .

    Lack of heat in rooms ?   when it was built it may not have been required 

    Exposed wiring is not a safety hazard unless its bare wire . and a GFI is easy to replace .

    S traps were cade at one time , they are not now , but the house only has to be up to what the code was when it was built .

    Bilco doors , hard to say , but they are about $800 to buy . Steps may have been code when built . Safety concern ?, you can fall down any steps 

    Dryer duct , 30 dollars 

    Windows missing counter weights .   Yep , its an old house . They were there when you looked at the house ,  I would budget for new windows .

    Siding , gutters and downspout . Those you could see yourself when you looked at the house . put on the 5 year list .

    The deck , without seeing pictures is hard to tell , could be age , could be poor design , may or may not be expensive 

    All in all that report wouldnt scare me at all ,  Its an older house , it will be constant maintenance . The wall out of level could be some settlement , get an engineer to look at it . Home inspectors arent qualified to give you a true assessment . 90% of what you mentioned could be addressed in a couple days of work 

    2Reply
  • Miranda G.
    OP
    Investor · Member since 2020 · 12 posts · 1 vote
    2y
    Wow, thank you! You sure know contracting. Wish you were upstate, would love to have worked with you!

    Quote from @Matthew Paul:
    Quote from @Miranda G.:

    I'm in contract on a $400K house upstate NY - was prepared to spend $50K on cosmetic changes (painting,  new floors, new kitchen, new bathrooms etc) but after getting the inspection report today here's all the issues I'm dealing with and it's not pretty (see below) 

    How should I move forward? Is this too many issues to even considering buying? If I were to ask seller to repair, what is appropriate/not appropriate? If seller would rather discount the price, how much of a discount is right?
    Thank you all!

    1. **Structural Concerns: Walls Not Level**
    - The walls on the left/rear side of the building were not level on the first and second floors. This issue suggests possible foundation settlement or movement of foundation posts and/or beams, which could be indicative of significant structural issues.
    2. **Heating System: Lack of Heat in Some Livable Rooms**
    - Several 'livable' rooms had no visible source of heat. Adequate heating is essential for comfort and to prevent moisture-related issues.
    3. **Electrical Safety Hazards: Exposed Wiring and Issues with GFCI Outlets**
    - Exposed wiring in easily accessible areas and GFCI outlets in the kitchen that wouldn't reset pose significant electrical safety hazards.
    4. **Plumbing Concerns: Exposed Plumbing and S-trap in Second-Floor Bathroom**
    - The use of an S-trap and exposed plumbing in various areas could lead to potential leaks and damage.
    5. **Deck/Balcony Stability**
    - The deck/balcony was found to be unstable due to missing or substandard bracing or lack of attachment to the main structure, posing a risk of collapse.
    6. **Chimney: Deteriorated Brick or Mortar**
    - The chimney showed signs of deterioration, which could allow water to infiltrate the structure and cause further damage.
    7. **Basement and Exterior Door Concerns**
    - Issues with basement stairs spacing and significantly deteriorated bilco door steps present safety hazards and potential fall risks.
    8. **Dryer Vent: Use of Unsafe Duct**
    - The clothes dryer was equipped with an accordion-type flexible exhaust duct, which is considered a fire hazard.
    9. **Windows: Missing or Substandard Counterweights/Springs**
    - Multiple windows had missing or substandard counterweights/springs, creating a safety hazard.
    10. **Siding and Trim: Damaged/Deteriorated**
    - Sections of siding and/or trim were damaged or deteriorated, needing repair or replacement.
    11. **Gutters and Downspouts: Loose or Missing Extensions**
    - Issues with the gutters and downspouts could lead to water accumulation around the foundation.


     Sounds like an older house .  Walls not level ? possible foundation problems ? sure , or the walls were just not built level .

    Lack of heat in rooms ?   when it was built it may not have been required 

    Exposed wiring is not a safety hazard unless its bare wire . and a GFI is easy to replace .

    S traps were cade at one time , they are not now , but the house only has to be up to what the code was when it was built .

    Bilco doors , hard to say , but they are about $800 to buy . Steps may have been code when built . Safety concern ?, you can fall down any steps 

    Dryer duct , 30 dollars 

    Windows missing counter weights .   Yep , its an old house . They were there when you looked at the house ,  I would budget for new windows .

    Siding , gutters and downspout . Those you could see yourself when you looked at the house . put on the 5 year list .

    The deck , without seeing pictures is hard to tell , could be age , could be poor design , may or may not be expensive 

    All in all that report wouldnt scare me at all ,  Its an older house , it will be constant maintenance . The wall out of level could be some settlement , get an engineer to look at it . Home inspectors arent qualified to give you a true assessment . 90% of what you mentioned could be addressed in a couple days of work 


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