Homebuyer Survey detected structural issues!
ii all
I'm a FTB and have just had my homebuyers survey report back. The house is an end terrace c.1980s and looked in good condition when viewed, I've just had the survey back and my first thought is I've essentially paid for someone to tell me they couldn't properly comment on things "walls covered by wallpaper so prepare for unforseen so rated red", "floors covered by carpet so prepare for unforseen so rated red" - it has thrown up some things that I have no idea if it is just surveyor backside covering or worth pursuing, would be great to get your guys input.
Main points for concern below (worth noting there is no extension to the property so not sure where thats come from)
What would you do?
"There are cracks noted to the extension walls where they meet the house external walls. It is considered likely to be a consequence of differential movement. Differential movement occurs when independent structural components are adjoined at different parts of the building, and often suffer settlement and or minor movement at different rates, and can be more prone to changes in climate and subsoil conditions - It can however, also occur due to a lack of adequate lateral restraint, which is the method in which the extension walls are tied in to the main walls. Whilst these are not likely considered serious it will be prudent to monitor for any progressive movement. If further movement and or cracking does occur I recommend you seek immediate further investigation. (Future repairs may be required). I recommend raking out the defective mortar and replacing with a waterproof expansion joint. General maintenance and repairs will be required. There is evidence of undulation (and or bulging), notably to the rear and gable elevation. Bulging in external walls are a result of decreasing wall stability, these defects can be a symptom of, but not to be considered exhaustive: 1) Longstanding historic and or ongoing progressive movement 2) The original walls being insufficiently thick in comparison to the building height. 3) A lack of restraint between the external walls for example, cavity wall tie failure. There are also a number of minor to moderate cracking and disturbed masonry"
"Therefore the indications to the external walls show signs of considered cavity wall tie failure. Wall tie failure can also sometimes be identified by the horizontal external and or internal cracking that results from the expansion caused by the rusting process, however, can present itself in diagonal external and internal cracking and or bulging brickwork. It is considered the extent of associated concerns to the main walls will likely result in expansive remedial works, which are likely to require remedial action considered above simply the replacing the failed cavity ties. I recommend you instruct a qualified contractor who specialises in cavity wall tie failure to undertake further investigation, and provide report upon the necessary remedial works. This will allow you to understand further the extent of concerns and the remedial action required with associated cost factors. In addition, there should be a lintel/arch over every external window and door opening to support the weight of the wall above. Lintels are often hidden within the structure and are unable to be assessed. It should be duly noted properties of this archetype, can have concerns with lintels, being prone to corrosion failure, and or the absence of lintel support altogether. There are indicating signs that there are potential prominent concerns to some of the supports, if any. There are openings which appear to have moderate cracking and or expansion in the adjacent and above brickwork, commonly associated with lintel concerns. This can affect the surrounding brickwork. If left it can lead to more serious stability issues. It would be prudent to undertake necessary further investigations of the external opening supports and undertake necessary remedial works. General maintenance and repairs will be required. Due to the observations made to the property, and considered potential structural concerns, we would strongly recommend you instruct a qualified structural engineer to undertake appropriate investigations, and a full structural assessment of the property, to ascertain the extent of concerns highlighted, and provide report upon any related remedial proposals."
"However, the more prominent cracks, i.e rear bedroom , which may correspond with the defects noted in Section E4 - External Walls. Due to the observations made to the property, and considered potential structural concerns, we would strongly recommend you instruct a qualified structural engineer to undertake appropriate investigations, and a full structural assessment of the property, to ascertain the extent of concerns highlighted, and provide report upon any related remedial proposals."
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