Stepped cracking

[Jody Sands]

I’m in the process of buying my first old house and am desperate for some advice. The house was built in 1897. I had a structural engineer survey completed which stated there was significant signs of subsidence which needs further investigation. Current owners full building survey didn’t show up any of this 4 years ago. Stepped cracking is evident but I would really appreciate any advice on whether this looks typical and nothing to worry about or if it does look concerning. In one place crack has gone through a brick. Thanks in advance

 

[^woody^]

You can't rely on someone else's survey, and certainly not from several years ago.

You've instructed your own report, if you don't believe it, get a second opinion and survey, otherwise you need to follow its advice before shelling out thousands of pounds.

 

[footprints]

As woody says never trust somebody else's survey what is unusual I think is that in the stepped cracking above the door/window the header brick has moved forward as well as cracking the pointing.

 

[Jody Sands]

Thanks for this. Do you think that forward movement is indicative of a more serious subsidence issue?

 

[footprints]

Hard to say but certainly a bit of cracking in pointing is not uncommon. Two things would worry me firstly if nothing showed on the survey 4 years ago then that is fresh and as I said bricks pushing forward is sometimes a sign the wall is starting to buldge.

 

[bobasd]

take your time - if the property was a bargain it would be long gone by now.
plus the corona business might change house prices, and most everything connected with house sales?

do you have a full copy of the 4yrs old report?
was your SE's report in writing with pics?
if there's a next SE ask for the above, and permission to go walk and talk with him or her as they do their survey.

pic 3.4MB could be concerning but maybe its the photo angle?
the most significant cracks penetrate from outside to mirror crack on the interior wall surface.

 

[Jody Sands]

Thanks for all this advice. My SE report is in writing and has pics. I’m still waiting for a copy of the 4 year old one. Good point about Coronavirus-who knows if a move will actually take place