Crack, hole and deterioration around bay windows

Baggypuss

Please could you advise. I am thinking of purchasing a property (likely Victorian) with double bay windows (see photos attached), but have noticed ridge just above ground floor window has exposed brick and a chip in rendering; there is a crack below first floor window and a hole in brick on right side; and a wooden beam (sorry if wrong terminology used) that the guttering is attached to looks dated. I am willing to pay for repairs but not sure if I could afford it and whether I could get a mortgage for the state of the property. In addition, there seems to be black mould inside house on floor of bay area, which I think may suggest leak/dampness?. 

Suggestions would very much appreciated.

FreeBear

That is a significant crack. It could be a result of the bay dropping when the bay windows were installed (quite likely if inadequate support had been used during the refit). Or it could be indicative of subsidence in the bay area. Either way, the timbers could be rotting away unseen which will lead to an expensive repair bill.

The damp internally will be thanks to water getting in through that crack - Once that is repaired, the area should dry out as long as the roof & rain goods are in order.

There also appears to be something hinky going on with the junction between the two sections of the bay window. Looks as if a gap is opening up between the two - If there is movement in the bay, I suspect it is an ongoing problem that will only get worse.

Personal opinion - Walk away and look for another property without glaring faults like this one. You buy it, it will be a money pit, and there is going to be a bunch of other costly repairs.

jimbog

might be worth looking at historical street-view pictures to see how it has changed with time

bobster2

Looks like some significant building work is going to be needed - potentially rebuilding the bay.

If you don't mind taking on a house that needs building work - it could be a way to land a bargain. Many other buyers will be reluctant - so you could get a good price.

RAS

The classic replacement of a structural timber bay window with a plastic bay incorporating no structural support?

Baggypuss

Thankyou for your replies and advice, which confirm my suspicion that bay subsidence/movement might have occurred and improper installment of pvc windows. Would this be a rejection for mortgage application? How much in region of for replacing the whole double bay, assuming I could not keep the current windows? 

NameUnavailable

If you're thinking of proceeding with this you need to get a structural engineer to look at it IMHO.

secla

Victorian bays are pretty well known for having very little or no foundation. We have just had outs rebuilt but it was only single story not double height like yours. It wont be cheap

FreeBear

Baggypuss said:

Thankyou for your replies and advice, which confirm my suspicion that bay subsidence/movement might have occurred and improper installment of pvc windows. Would this be a rejection for mortgage application? How much in region of for replacing the whole double bay, assuming I could not keep the current windows? 

If the valuation involved a site visit, the mortgage company could refuse to lend. Or they may put a retainer on place until adequate repairs are made.

As to how much it would cost, it could be £2,000, or it could be £40,000. Without a structural engineer having a good poke around (and he/she would probably want to lift floorboards and poke holes in plaster), it is just guess work. Once the widows are removed, it would be as well to replace them (Building Control would probably insist on it), so don't get attached to them.

Baggypuss

Thankyou for all your responses. I have decided to let this property go. I cannot afford to to take the risk.