Viewed property - cracks in walls, ok or run a mile?!
Discussion
I have viewed a property this week that is pretty much perfect, however it unfortunately has some sizeable cracks inside and outside on one of the gable ends. Initial thoughts were it's not worth pursuing, however as it is otherwise everything I am after, I don't want to just pass up based on my untrained eye. On the inside some of the mortar has been pulled out, which made me think the movement was a lot more than it is. I have shared with owners I know of older properties, and the responses vary between don't bother to it's nothing to particularly worry about.
I have attached photos showing the cracks. I am currently trying to obtain quotes from structural engineers to investigate. I am told it was built in the 1800s, so probably not much foundations, and it is on clay soil. A very large tree was cut down 5/6 years ago, the stump is in the background of one of the photos. I suspect this tree may have been the original cause.
Can anyone on here share their experience with similar cracking on other properties? Any recommendations for structural engineers in/near Suffolk?
I have attached photos showing the cracks. I am currently trying to obtain quotes from structural engineers to investigate. I am told it was built in the 1800s, so probably not much foundations, and it is on clay soil. A very large tree was cut down 5/6 years ago, the stump is in the background of one of the photos. I suspect this tree may have been the original cause.
Can anyone on here share their experience with similar cracking on other properties? Any recommendations for structural engineers in/near Suffolk?
Seems the corner is dropping and will need underpinning.
Underpinning is not scary. It is just digging a hole ( well several in small parts so th building does not fall down ) and filling it with concrete - or putting in a foundation where one was missing / faulty.
The issues will be
1 how much off you get for it. It will send most buyers running
2 if it is mortgageable on its current state.
3 ongoing insurance.
An engineer will also let you know how much of the corner needs rebuilding.
The first point is in your main one. How realistic is the vendor ?
Underpinning is not scary. It is just digging a hole ( well several in small parts so th building does not fall down ) and filling it with concrete - or putting in a foundation where one was missing / faulty.
The issues will be
1 how much off you get for it. It will send most buyers running
2 if it is mortgageable on its current state.
3 ongoing insurance.
An engineer will also let you know how much of the corner needs rebuilding.
The first point is in your main one. How realistic is the vendor ?
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