crack seems to be right through??

Tiger_greeneyes

All of that would certainly fit if there's a problem with no lintel... the brickwork below the window and above the door would begin to sag because there's nothing holding it up.

Obviously, I'm no expert, and I've only seen a couple of photos - so I could be wrong. I'd definitely make sure it gets checked asap, it doesn't look particularly safe to me. Like I said - keep the door/s closed as it's possibly the only thing holding up the back of the house.

snowmaid

Hubby has just had a look in the room above that patio door and we have now seen that there is indeed a crack extending from the corner down towards the floor! :eek:

Why we never noticed it before is because there is a radiator running the length of that window, but he had just looked behind that with a torch.

Oh dear! How serious could this be?? Any ideas?

Tiger_greeneyes

If it is just a missing lintel then I stand by what I've said above

When you've got an expert there, it's worth asking if they think the windows have been replaced without lintels, too (if indeed that's the problem).

bones61

that is very serious and needs a qualified buider to deal with it ASAP

dealornodeal_3

snowmaid wrote: »

We are thinking of buying the house we are currently renting and were wanting to get a structual survey done next week.

As I posted before, we have an external crack running from the corner of the patio door up to the window ledge above. We have been told that this is a plaster crack. However, I have noticed that there is a hairline crack that has developed on the inside of the house, following the same direction as the external one! :eek:

Of course we are now extremely nervous even to get a structual survey done because we don't know how much this little lot would cost to fix?

Is is a mid terrace. Is it possible that this patio door hasn't been installed properly and if there isn't a lintel, what is the obvious signs of this? The door itself doesn't appear to be under any stress as such, i.e. no signs of bowing etc. Its just this ugly crack! Wider than 3mm in places.

If someone can tell me how to insert a pic in here I will gladly do so.

I think I would be inclined to look for a property to buy elsewhere, unless you get 30k + knocked off!

Tiger_greeneyes

lol deal, that's a bit extreme

mrsthrifty_2

bones61 wrote: »

that is very serious and needs a qualified buider to deal with it ASAP

I agree. before you consider spending any money at all consult a local reputable builder to come along and inspect and give you his advice.
This should cost you nothing and if he is honest should refer you to the landlord who is insuring the building [ you arnt are you ?]

get something in writing from the builder

If it is a simple problem this will be done under his policy for the normal excess if the builder thinks it is something more serious the insurers will apoint a loss adjuster who will send out someone to do an architectural survey and decide what is what.

Whether you decide to buy or not the crack repairs should be carried out under the policy by whoever is insuring the building.

A friend of mine is going through something similar at the moment which started as a crack in a bedroom and has resulted in a subsidence repair being needed............ thankfully the builder he went to was honest and did a thorough look around the property and advised.

I am sure all quotes/estimates which you would ask for when approaching a builder are free

good luck.

Tiger_greeneyes

My own feeling is that getting a builder involved to quote prior to the landlord seeing advice from the insurance company is that it's going to be wasted time. It's a bit too serious to be going down routes that may not end anywhere useful. I would be on the phone to the landlord at 9am tomorrow and making sure that he's onto his insurance company by 9.05am.

snowmaid

Oh !!!!!!.....:eek:

As far as I am aware this patio door was installed by the Landlord himself and he said that there is a lintel in place?? Now, would this still be covered by his insurance even though it was a DIY jobby?

I am now extremely hesitant to buy this property....but I am soooo happy there!!! :mad:

snowmaid

Does anyone know if an insurance company will have a problem insuring a property which has had a crack like this? That is if it has been repaired? Where can I find out such information?

Sorry for all these questions, but we are FTB and have no clue!

Hubby spoke to the LL and he is coming round tonight to have a look. Suggested that he phone his insurance company.