Thoughts on Building survey - Signs of movement and hairline cracks

YellowPawPaw

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone had the experience of such observations in a building survey:

"Structurally, there are no signs of significant structural movement nor other signs of distress to main building elements which would suggest ground movement or foundational failure.

There are signs of aged movement and whilst not unexpected in a property of this age and style of construction some of the historic movement has led to slightly uneven floors and misaligned doors internally and some insignificant cracks to internal plasters and some fine hairline joint cracking to external brickwork which may indicate some slight foundational settlement. The hairline cracking to the front elevation below under-stairs cupboard and similarly located through joints of the brickwork at the rear kitchen window suggest some minor below ground settlement. These appear to be aged movement and likely due to either localised movement from softening of the below ground earth, possibly from drainage leaks. Further investigation would include a cctv drainage survey in the first instance. The movement cracking is hairline/minor"

Can a movement be non structural? I will instruct for a CCTV drainage survey but would like to get some thoughts on this. As it doesn't seem too clear. I will query from the surveyor as well but keen for hearing from peoples experience.

Many thanks

anselld

It's fine.  Buildings are not 100% rigid.

Millsandovis

That heatwave in summer 2022 was ridiculous for old houses. I had a few significant cracks appear in my house after this time and on further investigation the brickwork was fine but the cracks were normally where uncapped wires ran through the plaster. capped them, bit of bonding and Easifill and they haven’t come back. 

Abnormal temperatures on hundred year old plaster and render (in my case) is going to cause cracks. Only anecdotal but I had a lot of enquiries at the time from customers who were worried about newly formed hairline cracks both inside and out. 

dropped floors in corners can be a big sign though if joists or brick courses have sunk. And tree roots can cause huge issues