not quite..
they had a survey, but not knowing the first thing about what to look out for, they didn't realise that the surveyor was a pimply tit who missed the fact the house had airbricks at the front, he wakled uphill to get to the back and there were no airbricks visible above the patio.

Yes, they could sue the surveyor, but they haven't got the cash to hire a lawyer.

I'm not suggesting that they con a buyer, I am saying that a) they were conned by the previous seller, b) they have paid thousands and we did weeks of work to put the place right and, c) that despite the knowledge that it'd be alright for ages now if nothing else was done and fine forever if the patio was dug up and dropped three inches, a HIP would list every ailment and thus knock £20k off of any offer they are given at least.

They've been kicked in the nuts both coming and going, but of course, it wouldn't have happened if they rented...
(Chad, Fri 23 Jan 2009, 15:58, 2 replies)

It sounds like it would
have happened eventually if they are that completely clueless.

If they fix the patio the HIP won't list any problems, a HIP is basically just a survey you get done for your own house. In the short term they should just dig a trench around the back wall of the house. Once they uncover the DPM it will dry up pretty quickly.
(Bazongaloid, Fri 23 Jan 2009, 16:11, closed)

Oh, I totally agree...
Frankly, I'd love to be a car salesman when they wander onto the forecourt - I'd make a killing!
(Chad, Fri 23 Jan 2009, 16:15, closed)

Probably don't need to drop the whole patio
Just get a gap between it and the wall so the patio isn't up against it. A small trench maybe...

I'm not an engineer so don't sue me if it all goes wrong but I would think that would at least alleviate the issue until it can be fixed properly.
(Richy_T hundreds if not thousands of dollars, Fri 23 Jan 2009, 16:15, closed)

yeah, I think you're right..
In fact, a decent drainage channel running round the house would be a good thing, but to be honest, it's their problem and they'll probably end up remortgaging and having the house jacked up on stilts, knowing them!
(Chad, Fri 23 Jan 2009, 16:26, closed)