Please help with a dilemma: to get a structural survey or not. We inherited a single skin brick outbuilding on our boundary when we bought our house in NE London* 10 years ago. We use it for storage and as a much loved summerhouse and have invested in it over the years. There has always been a hairline diagonal vertical stepped crack between bricks which we patched up when re-decorating 2 years ago. In the autumn last year we noticed that this crack is now through to the exterior (only visible by accessing neighbour's garden). The crack is 1-2mm on the interior. Our neighbour cut back some large overgrown trees about 1.5 years ago, within a few metres, and cut one back to a stump. Also we replaced a rotting window with a UPVC unit when we re-decorated in summer 2016 (two glass windows remain). We also improved the venting. It has never had a damp problem but it does feel drier and warmer as a result. I am almost certain that there are no drains near the problem wall.
A friend advised us to get a structural survey. I have received two quotes of around £500. I realise it costs what it costs to get expert advice but it's a lot when we will need to pay for the repair too. We are not up for replacing the building. Should we go ahead with the survey or get it patched by a builder?
*House is on clay sub-soil but no above average problems with subsidence in the area
A friend advised us to get a structural survey. I have received two quotes of around £500. I realise it costs what it costs to get expert advice but it's a lot when we will need to pay for the repair too. We are not up for replacing the building. Should we go ahead with the survey or get it patched by a builder?
*House is on clay sub-soil but no above average problems with subsidence in the area
