Cracks in mortar around windows

MarkymarkUK

Looking at these pics, are the cracks of any concern? House is early 70s, upvc windows are pretty old as far as I can tell with external beading. 

MikeJXE

The only ones I would be concerned about are the ones above windows

Do the windows have lintels over ? 

MarkymarkUK

MikeJXE said:

The only ones I would be concerned about are the ones above windows

Do the windows have lintels over ? 

Drilling above apparantly is really difficult. Could there only be an internal lintel though and not one that supports the external skin?

How can I confirm?

MikeJXE

Yes 

Drill a small hole between top of window and brick coarse 

I wouldn’t worry about if the windows are old 

stuart45

It was quite common in the early 70's to have a concrete lintel inside and the brickwork sitting on the timber frames. However, you were supposed to put Bricktor in the bed joints for 3 courses over the top to form a brick lintel.
If there's a metal lintel holding up the brickwork you'd normally see the edge of it. It looks like you can see a felt cavity tray.
A window should really be at least 3 bricks from the corner, so that window was probably put in later. It's not surprising the wall's showing signs of cracking with all those changes. 

MarkymarkUK

stuart45 said:

It was quite common in the early 70's to have a concrete lintel inside and the brickwork sitting on the timber frames. However, you were supposed to put Bricktor in the bed joints for 3 courses over the top to form a brick lintel.

This is a property I am considering buying. 

So basically full survey needed and expect to have to pay for remedial work or negotiate on the price taking this into account?

or just run away instead?

stuart45

The defects can be repaired. At least you're aware of them. It's worth getting some local rough estimates of the likely costs and negotiate the price.

MarkymarkUK

Thank you for the detailed replies, much appreciated!