Cracks on outside wall of potential house am buying?

[Ciderman123]

Hi I am new to this forum and wondered if anyone could advise me on this.

Am in the process of buying a house located in Warrington and wondered if these cracks located on the outside wall were anything to worry about? Would they cost a lot to get repaired?

Not had a structural survey yet and wondered if anyone on here could advise?

Cheers in advance

[/img]

 

[tim00]

You must reasearch this site for similar issues, only then can you provide all the info req'd for a complete answer.

eg. ht. of cracks on elevation
any basements
any internal movement signs
etc. and more pics.

 

[Alastairreid]

Looks like surface cracks on the cast, does the surface sound hollow when tapped?
Hack it off to see if the cracks go through to the brick/blockwork.

 

[Richard C]

At the very least it looks like the render has blown, does it sound hollow when tapped? Are there any cracks on the inside walls?

You need to get a professional opinion but if all else checks out OK & it’s just a render repair, it’s very difficult to disguise & you will most likely always see where it’s been done. In this case. your offer should at least factor in the cost of a repair &, personally, I’d want to go the whole hog & replace the re-render on the entire wall or at least to a point where it won’t be easily seen; it won’t be cheap!

 

[^woody^]

Looks like typical render cracking only

 

[Ciderman123]

Cheers for the replies folks, you have been very helpful and now I may seek a professional opinion.

Have only had a valuation survey done on the house so may go for a structural survey or building survey.

 

[Richard C]

Even if you go for a full survey be sure to ask for this problem to be looked at & reported specifically.

 

[^woody^]

If that crack is the only thing you have noticed, then save your money and don't bother with a structural survey (ie by a structural engineer)

If however, you want a comment on the general condition of the property, then instruct a building survey (by a building surveyor)