Collapsing lead valley gutter

[rxgill]

I live in a 3 storey period block of flats - my leasehold flat is on the mansard level. The freeholder's surveyor has reported that the external lead valley gutter is collapsing and needs work (there is a fair bit of standing water on it in one section).
The surveyor has stated that he needs to get access to the gutter by making a hole in the adjoining wall in my flat, which potentially means a lot of internal redecoration. My question is - why would a repair of this nature require internal access? Should it not be done from the outside? I haven't a single clue about this kind of thing, and I'm concerned that the freeholder may be taking the cheapest option.

 

[David Q]

Certainly sound like someone is taking the xxxx. I think that rather than pay for expensive scaffolding they are trying to take a cheap route.

 

[Gervase]

DAvid's right - it sounds as though the surveyor has reasoned that knocking through your wall and making good is going to be a heck of a lot cheaper than spending three grand on a scaff. Dig your heels in!

 

[Lime]

It depends on the problem.
It does seem rather strange.
Perhaps access is required for a good reason, I don't know.
I suggest you find out a bit more about it. If you can't cope with the detail you need to find someone who does.
Whatever the outcome the roof needs to be repaired or more than just decoration will have to take place.

If I were in such a situation and the access WAS neccessary I'd expect something in return for the upheaval, inconvenience and decoration.
Has anything been offered to you or does the freeholder think he can do what he likes?
A chat with the Citizens' Advice Bureau about it might help you.

 

[rxgill]

Thanks for all your responses. I raised these concerns with the managing agent, and they have agreed to do the work from the outside. Seems like common sense has prevailed in the end!