First floor wall rebuild mid-terrace

Calleja

Hi all,


I have a bulging external wall at the first floor level. Its an old (1910) mid-terrace house. It was bought up on my survey when I bought 3 years ago, but I received reassurance from my surveyor and others that it was common in my road and that some lateral strapping would be sufficient as a preventive measure.


However, when I came to investigate these options (post-buying), I discovered that this probably wasn't possible in my property due to the bulge being quite high up, plus others said the presence of wall strapping would just raise alarm bells in the future when I sell (as the bulge would still be there). Three years on, I've done nothing about it...


I've just had a valuation for a re-mortgage and this surveyor also mentioned it. Again, he was reassuring and said theres no safety issues, but did re-iterate it might be a problem when selling. I'm not planning on selling anytime soon, but would prefer to plan my options for when I do.


Rebuilding the wall is the only real solution. But is this possible on a mid-terrace house without affecting neighbouring houses? I also assume this will be expensive....


Does anyone have any idea of a rough cost to rebuild the wall, if that is possible? Or other thoughts on what to do/options to investigate?


Thanks!

martinthebandit

Patress plates don't have to look unsightly.

http://www.redgwick.co.uk/

Or go for a concealed option?

http://www.helifix.co.uk/products/remedial-products/bowtie/

Best advice is to speak to a decent builder, I suspect rebuilding the wall would be very much an option of last resort though.

Doozergirl

If you've had two mortgages approved on it, it doesn't sound like a major issue, certainly not to the point of rebuild. Some of us would call it character.

Our specialism is old houses and we'd only consider that sort of thing if it absolutely had to be done. old houses are wonky and if you start trying to straighten them up, you'll keep going until you end up with a brand new house.

I'd look at tying it.

Calleja

Thanks both. Yes, the current surveyor says it won't be an issue for the re-mortgage (although I've yet to receive the offer - but he has literally just left!).


I've googled wall ties, lateral strapping and various other things, but I get a little confused - can they both be done on solid walls, or are they only for cavity walls? And if the bulge is substantially higher than floor level (as todays surveyor suggested) are they still viable preventative measures? (do they not connect to the floor and if so, is it a useless preventative measure in my case?)


But it sounds like you are both saying a rebuild can be done on a mid-terrace (although possibly not required)?


Thanks all, this really does confuse (and worry) me!