Cracks around extensions..

tkm16

Hi all,

I'm just about to buy our family home. We have found a house that we both love but on the last visit I noticed cracks in the mortar around both extensions (utility room and porch).
The cracks are in both extensions seem to get larger the higher they go as if they are pulling away from the house from the top.
I'm thinking of paying for a structural survey to get a professional opinion but I cant help but worry about the cracks!
Will we have any kind of protection from the survey if the extensions has to be rebuilt a few years on?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Hump

No, but the report will guide you in making a decision. Worse case is demolition and rebuild with better foundations, a porch might be worth the risk, but a utility as well?????

tkm16

Ah ok, I wasn't sure if they could tell you it would be 100% ok or not. Would it still be worth doing though over the standard survey you get from the bank? I have also asked the estate agent to try and get hold of any paperwork or certificates for the extensions to prove they have been built according to the regs.

Hump

It might be worth asking a builder to take a look and give you an idea of a 'worse case scenario', then negotiate on the price - as well as everything else you might be planning

daniel80

Most houses will have cracks unless they have just been painted over.

tkm16

daniel80 wrote: »

Most houses will have cracks unless they have just been painted over.

You couldn't paint over these... at the worst point the crack or should I say gap maybe around 1 inch wide..

daniel80

Oh ok not the sort of cracks I was thinking of.

tkm16

Sorry, probably should of explained it better!

olly300

tkm16 wrote: »

Ah ok, I wasn't sure if they could tell you it would be 100% ok or not. Would it still be worth doing though over the standard survey you get from the bank? I have also asked the estate agent to try and get hold of any paperwork or certificates for the extensions to prove they have been built according to the regs.

Some extensions depending on the roof type and how big they are don't need certificates and paperwork.

The best bet is to get a structural survey and then to talk to a builder about demolition and rebuilding, then negotiate with the seller.

If the seller won't negotiate on price walk away.

The only other buyers who would entertain such a property which isn't priced for the defects are stupid.

johncarlton76

Don't just ask a builder.

Get a proper structural survey. That way you are covered by their professional indemnity if you do buy the house and something goes wrong!

Hump

the survey will presumably highlight the problem - great - but don't bank on claiming against the surveyors insurance as the report will likely contain a lawyers dream list of disclaimers & proving negligence is hard