Exterior crack

Missy79

I'm currently in the (very stressful!) process of buying a property and have become aware of a crack in the exterior brickwork that I hadn't seen initially. Obviously I can't get a survey right now so would be grateful for opinions/advice.
https://imgur.com/vjinkw0
https://imgur.com/jrsZMke
The crack runs vertically from below the upstairs window to above the downstairs patio doors/window. There's no further cracks above the window or in the ground level brickwork that I could see.
Thanks

FreeBear

A crack that goes through a brick is never a good sign. It could be a failed lintel, but it really needs the professional opinion of a structural surveyor.

Those cables hanging loose are also a worry - They should have been disconnected and removed rather than just swinging in the breeze. Until you stick a finger on them (but preferably an electrical meter), you have no way of knowing if they are live. Begs the question, what other surprises are in store for you....

Doozergirl

As above, but we can't even guess because there's no context to the photo. 

Pictures of cracks and damp parches are only useful if there are pictures showing what is around them. 

Missy79

Doozergirl said:

As above, but we can't even guess because there's no context to the photo. 

Pictures of cracks and damp parches are only useful if there are pictures showing what is around them. 

I know it's less than ideal 🙁 unfortunately there are no estate agent photos of the rear elevation and with the current restrictions on travel I can't pop round for another look. Thank you anyway.

Doozergirl

When you're ready 🙂

Alter_ego

Someone has attempted to fill the crack. With that and the dangling cable, plus the state of the blind through the window, I'd be looking very carefully at this house, if not looking for another property. Sorry just nticed it's an exterior sun blind.

Missy79

I've e-mailed the solicitor to put the purchase on hold until I can get a full survey. 

The property does need work and I was ok with that, but significant structural issues may be a step too far! It's being sold through a third party (I would guess some sort of part exchange or something,) company who wanted to push it through in 4-6 weeks but that's not going to happen now. Getting any information out of them is challenging to say the least as they are not willing to ask the title holder from what I can see.

tonyh66

Dunno how this ended in the wrong thread but here we go again A couple of things stand out, there are two different bricks ( pattern wise) to the left of the crack, and someone had tried to cover the cracks through the bricks with mortar, you can see the reminents. Have you not had a survey done as part of your mortgage requirements? That house needs a proper survey done. That movement has broken 3 bricks, its serious have you contacted your solicitor with your concern?

FreeBear

Missy79 said: The property does need work and I was ok with that, but significant structural issues may be a step too far!

Depending on the reason for the crack... If it is a failed lintel, replacement could be as little as £600, or as much as £4000 (based on a similar recent thread). If the crack is also internal, there will be plastering & redecorating costs to take in to account. Depending on the price you offer, and what (if any) other nasties are revealed by a full survey, it could still be a worthwhile purchase. Just take your time and don't be pressured in to making any rushed decisions.

Missy79

Now that things are looking like they might start moving again any opinions on whether would I be better getting a full survey or specifically need a structural engineer to to look at this? (or a survey then engineer if recommended?)

Doozergirl

Without context, we still don't know. 

A full survey never hurts and it could be something relatively easy to sort out eg. a missing/insufficient lintel or it could be a wider problem in which case they'd end up recommending a structural engineer, in which case you may have wanted to start there. 

Can you get another viewing or ask the vendor to take a photo of the whole elevation?