Q: Help, we found both an object like, put in the offer and it was accepted, went back today for another look / measure etc, and I noticed that one of the double glazed french door was cracked in the glass, was defo not the last time, thinking may have been the wind during the week. What we do: Confused:
A:UPDATE
Spoke to the EA he called back some hours later and the seller has agreed it was new damaged and has agreed to get it fixed before we move in and as a rough estimate from a glazer friend of mine it's more in the region of £150 then £20 to fix!!!
A:Small note, this is not likely to be a small sum of money to reglaze – the OP stated this was a double glazed window in a set of french doors. Hence this is a sealed unit that will require replacement, not just a pane of glass…
Cost would be considerably more than ￡20 + labour.
The glazing repair will be covered by the vendor's buildings insurance, so should be no issue over getting it done, but it is the vendor's responsibility.
A:Mention it to the EA just saying you noticed it and can they confirm in writing that it will be repaired prior to exchange. I realise that the glass is a small item however it will at least indicate to the seller that you do expect any further damages to be addressed and this may prompt them to have a check around and act on anything else that might come to light.
I always think it is a good idea to arrange a viewing just before exchange, a lot of people do this under the pretence of needing to measure up for carpets or curtains there about to order. The note pad (don't forget tape measure) scribblings can then contain any further damages/alterations you note.
A:I think that legally, you are buying the property in the condition that existed at exchange – not at the point you make the offer. Until then, there is no agreement to buy and you can simply withdraw your offer if the condition of the property changes.
That said, most buyers would put right any problems that occurred before exchange – not least as they do not want to lose their buyer.
TBH a broken pane of glass is not a big issue, but only you can decide if you want to insist that the seller fixes it as part of the sale.
A:Of course it is reasonable – when you make an offer on a property, it is made on the basis that when you take posession it will be in the same condition as at the time of the offer.
What if the damage was not caused by the wind ?
What if the householders suddenly stopped caring about the property, and by the time the sale was complete there was even more damage ?
A:Yes, revise the offer by £20.
A:I would say its reasonable for you to contact the agent and tell them that at the time you made the offer there was no broken glass so you expect it to be fixed or the cost of repairing it will be reflect6ed in a revised offer. nicely of course
rich
A:"I'll get me coat"
A:The broken glass is a bit of a pain.
A:Cost of a piece of glass versus house is neglible, so I'd ask them about it but not be too bothered about it TBH.
A:did you ask them about when you went for the second viewing, perhaps they were planning to get it fixed anyway.
A:Ask them to fix it as a condition of sale?