survey finds a big deep vertical crack!

bs0u0128

just had a survey back, part of the house was extended and a loft conversion done above it. there is a deep crack along where the extension meets the original building

the conversion and extension are over 20 years old. the vendor said she has not got the certificates for it as they were lost. the surveyor seems to think the house itself hasnt moved at all, but is obviously saying this crack seems to be a bit worrysome

any ideas/advice?

Doozergirl

Does your suveyor recommend a structural engineers report?

If it's right along the join then it could just be where the extension has settled onto it's foundations and the house has stayed put. Or it could be something else!

If they haven't already specified, ask the surveyor if a report is necessary

bs0u0128

yes they have which we will be getting, if it is progressive, whats the worst that could be involved? would it be a big job to put right? if non progressive does that mean it wont ever move again ?

freebo_2

Be very careful. We once bought a house with a 6 foot hairline crack in a wall, got a structural engineers report that said it was nothing "probably frost damage" - had all maner of problems getting insurance, we where worried about it when we sold it.

As an uneducated buyer I'd be extremely wary of buying into someone else's problem - so would others when you come to sell.

Certainly if its progressive I personaly would run a mile, beware that the EA's are used to calming buyers fears, but always remember they are acting solely for their client, the vendor.

Hooner

We also had this when we bought our home 5 years ago, the kitchen was an extension to the original building and where they joined there was a crack. The surveyor mentioned it but said it was nothing to worry about as this is very normal (also had this congirmed by a builder).
However, this did cuase a big problem a year later when we re-motgaged. The bank paid for and sent a surveyor, who noted the crack as "shows sign of previous movement":mad: The bank suggested that I should use their buildings content team, and referred me to their 'specialist' team who deal with this sort of thing. Needless to say, the quote for buildings insurance was astronomical, so I tried a few others who all insisted on seeing the latest surveyors report, and who all quoted me costs which were huge compared to what I was already paying.
I then contacted the surveying company and insisted on speaking to the director. He listened to what I had to say, told me he would speak to the surveyor and get back to me. He phoned the following day and explained that the bank who had asked for the report INSIST that any cracks whatsoever are described as "shows signs of previous movement" but admitted that the surveyor had said the crack was nothing to worry about and that it was quite normal where an extension was present. Fortunately, he then told me to get the cheapest quote I could, tell the insurance company to contact him and he would give them written confirmation that the house was sound and would explain the situation, which he did.:T So a happy ending, but you've been warned.

Hooner

Ooops, sorry posted reply twice due to an error on the forum

rizla01

Well at worst it could mean a re-build of the ENTIRE extension.

If a building moves it doesn't usually all move evenly and to gether so part of the main structure of the ext could be weakened.

I would walk away.

Having said that i know of other builders that would have 'Patched it up' and not many surveyors would have picked it up.

Hooner

I would ask the seller if they have any previous survey reports. If the finish is rendering, and the seller agrees to it, chip away at some of the crack to see if there is any damage beneath.
As already said, it's an easy thing to cover up and I can't help thinking that the seller would have done this if they thought there was a problem with it come time to sell.

Doozergirl

Instad of walking away without further investigation, why don't you ask the vendors to pay for the structural report. It's in their best interests, after all.

At least that way it's not you taking any more financial risk

tandeh

Hi, how was the extension tied in?

Did the builder knock out about a foot squared (i.e. 3 course high x roughly foot) of brickwork to create a toothing effect, or is it straight up butt to the existing build , which should not be allowed
for a double storey extension.

Also if the owner does not have building reg docs Building control may have a copy, or the updated details will be on their systems. I would be very wary of such important documents being lost, this could mean that the extension may have been done without building control approval.

If it was done without approval, the footings may not be strong enough, their may or may not be a sufficient amount of ties fitted, mortar my be too brittle etc..