Gap between porch and house

kee89

We've had an offer accepted on a property and we've since discovered a gap between the porch and main house. The crack only runs down one side but it is fairly large and can be seen from both sides of the wall. We had a level 2 homebuyer survey and he suggested instructing further investigations, which we will do. Just wondered whether any eagle eyed geniuses on here might have an idea what the issue might be from these photos? 

molerat

Most likely the porch wall wasn't tied in to the house wall (or Mr Bodgit the builder made a pigs ear of doing it).

getmore4less

We have a small side wall that was not built attached to the house that has a gap like that because it has sunk a bit.

Can it be seen on street view or older listing

might have been like that since the day it was built was built but does look like it was filled at some point..

theartfullodger

So when you buy, knock it down & put up a better one with decent foundations.  (Well, I would as long as price is OK)

The worrying thing is, if they got something as basic as this wrong, what else is wrong with the place (or paperwork, approvals etc).

Wonder if there was planning and/or building regs, approval

Section62

kee89 said:

We've had an offer accepted on a property and we've since discovered a gap between the porch and main house. The crack only runs down one side but it is fairly large and can be seen from both sides of the wall. We had a level 2 homebuyer survey and he suggested instructing further investigations, which we will do. Just wondered whether any eagle eyed geniuses on here might have an idea what the issue might be from these photos? 

Inadequate (or total lack of) tie between the original structure and the porch wall.

The answer - other than just filling the gap with some flexible material - would be to demolish the porch/wall and rebuild.  The decision will also depend on whether or not there is likely to be ongoing foundation movement, or if the cause is something historic.

ProDave

I doubt it is going to fall down any time soon, but it will worry any future buyers. So as long as the price is right, proceed and move in, and then some time in the future rebuild the porch with new decent foundations and the walls properly tied together.

I would not waste time or money on new surveys.  It is obvious the porch is sub standard, but that should not affect the rest of the house.

[Deleted User]

That wire might be structural.

Owleyes00

Looks a lot like my neighbour’s conservatory!

stuart45

Quite common when brickwork is butt jointed without toothing in or wall starters. It might not move any more, but can be repaired.