Buying a house with multiple cracks (floor to ceiling) of thermalite blocks in integral garage -

[cairo mick]

We are buying a 21 years ol house 157sq metres with a very large integral garage (sits beneath 3 bedrooms of the house). There are several floor to ceiling horizontal cracks in teh blockwork. in three different walls. Structural engineer report says due to thermal expansion and that the house was built without movement joints and the cracks are due to thermal expansion. The size of the walls over 6m so should have movement joints. Recommends repairs but likely the cracks will return and would need ties etc (sounds like retrospective movement joint fitting). We are unable to see if these cracks are in the rest of the house as the walls are covered with plasterboard etc it's just exposed in the garage. The house is £785,000 and although the engineer seems to think this isn't a problem, I do. I am concerned of consequence of these cracks and in light of the cost of the house wonder whether others think better to cut our losses and run or get a substantial reduction in price. The engineer was recommended by the estate agent.

 

[Scally-Ho]

If you consider the internal garage is a problem, then walk away and continue looking for another property. You have to be happy in your own mind before you sign on the dotted line or you will be forever wondering if you have done the right thing.

 

[foxhole]

Small cracks , small problem .

 

[jj4091]

Thermalite blocks are nortorious for cracking like that. Fill and repaint and forget. I doubt that those cracks justifiy a substantial reduction in the price.

 

[^woody^]

Unless there is associated cracking on the outer wall, you can ignore these as being basically cosmetic.

Those blocks commonly crack like that. And don't even bother to try and repair or fill the cracks, they will re-crack.

 

[StephenStephen]

Good to see that the photos confirm that they're not floor to ceiling horizontal cracks (best not to buy a house that defies the laws of physics).

 

[robinbanks]

157sq metres

£785,000

Mental, isn't it?

Have you tried the North?

The engineer

Well, you have the professional's opinion. If you don't like it you can always get another one but I doubt number 2 will say any different, other than to mention other causes such as wrong mortar strength. I'll wager you could wedge a credit card corner in one of those cracks and it'll still be hanging there a year later

All in, not something I'd worry about, and probably not going to achieve any significant reduction in price either- if someone is asking £5k/sqm then clearly the local market will withstand it and there will be someone else who will buy if you don't..

 

[cairo mick]

Mental, isn't it?

Have you tried the North?


Well, you have the professional's opinion. If you don't like it you can always get another one but I doubt number 2 will say any different, other than to mention other causes such as wrong mortar strength. I'll wager you could wedge a credit card corner in one of those cracks and it'll still be hanging there a year later

All in, not something I'd worry about, and probably not coding to achieve any reduction in price either- if someone is asking £5k/sqm then clearly the local market will withstand it and there will be someone else who will buy if you don't..

couldnt agree more its nuts and ridiculously expensive.

 

[robinbanks]

I've a friend who was sick of earning only 50k, near Manchester. Moved to London and literally doubled his wage, ended up with about 20% less disposable income. Moved back a couple of years later