Survey help please. Not good.

SameOldRoundabout

Okay, so our full survey report finally came in today. I was expecting bad. But I think it may be walk-away bad? 

He’s stated a lot of problems (including a rebuilding of the side wall) were caused by structural movement. He thinks partly settlement and partly localised ground movement. We knew this was likely and are unconcerned as long as it is historical and fixed. However, he says that to the rear elevation the wall is bowed and cracked externally, suggesting “onset of the condition which required remedial work to the side elevation”. Is that code for there’s still movement?!?! 

Other items noted that I’d like some comment on are a large crack in the attic indicating possible gable peak movement (linked to structural movement) but no word as to whether that is historical or requires action. 

There is penetrating damp in the kitchen due to part of the wall being below pavement level. How can we fix this issue? It’s a solid stone wall built facing down a hill. 

One bedroom indicates there may be penetrating damp from the rebuilt wall section, again, how do we fix that? 

The hallway is very uneven as a result of the old movement. A self levelling compound has been laid and “already failed”, again is this a hint that movement is ongoing? Why can’t he say that?! 

The wall in question was rebuilt in 1994 and no cracks or deformities have developed since then. Equally, as far as we know no paperwork goes along with that job even though it would have needed building regs. It was prior to the current owner buying it. 

Everything else seems bearable in its awfulness. We know there are leaks and the lean to needs to come down etc. But the movement bit has terrified me honestly. I’m awaiting his call back but any advice in the meantime would be great. 

SameOldRoundabout

Just to add, in his recommendations are various things such as electrical inspection but no mention of getting a special subsidence report 

Davesnave

Why don't you just ring him and  talk to the guy? He has to be guarded in his written comments and express them in surveyor-ese, but in discussion he is likely to be more candid and maybe even say whether he personally would walk away from it.

SameOldRoundabout

Annoyingly he’s on site now so unable to take calls. I’m waiting for him to call me back, but I’m trying to read what he’s actually saying between the lines. He told me previously that he’d answer the question of if it was his daughter buying would he advise her to walk, so I’ll be asking that when I speak to him. I would have thought though that If he thought movement was ongoing he’d recommend a subsidence report?