Cracking mortar on brick? Is this a big problem?

Mee

Hi,

When I was selling my late father's 1897 house  three storey house (a money pit) I identified a surveyor at one of the local universities and cheekily sent them a photo and asked if a crack on the back wall was subsidence. I can't remember the exact wording I used, but they happily replied.

Spikeygran

I'm afraid that falls into the "I dont like the look of that" category so getting it checked out before even thinking of offering is very sensible.  

Theres no harm in asking the agent to find out what caused it, and what was done to  remedy the problem before paying out for expert advice.   Also who carried out the repair, and is there any paperwork to go with it.   If you dont get straight answers, then its probably better to start looking again. 

Grenage

It definitely wants a decent investigation.  As mentioned by Section, the brickwork has been pushed out.  I'm assuming roof work has been done because the verge looks pretty fresh (and rather messy).

stuart45

The gable end is a weak spot on brickwork. I've rebuilt quite a few over the years. It's the reason restraint straps are used nowadays. You'd probably have to allow for the cost of having that one rebuilt.

Section62

Spikeygran said:

 ...

Theres no harm in asking the agent to find out what caused it, and what was done to  remedy the problem before paying out for expert advice.   Also who carried out the repair, and is there any paperwork to go with it.   If you dont get straight answers, then its probably better to start looking again. 

I don't think a repair has been done.

Victorian terraces often have poor quality brickwork on the gable ends, especially if the gable end is adjacent to another building so won't normally be seen.  The quality of bricks used was frequenly poor (worse than the 'seconds' we currently use where it doesn't matter) and it could be a case of using whatever was to hand.  Hence mismatching of bricks, uneven joints etc.

It is possible there has been some repointing along the line of movement, but it isn't clear from those pictures.

But what work has been done on the roof would be top of my list for investigation.... although walking away from this one before incurring any (further) costs might be the wisest choice.

Annemos

I also agree that a Structural Engineer would have to be engaged before the Point of Purchase. 

My worry is the Insurance aspect. When you take out a new Home Insurance Policy, you usually have to declare if there is any cracking .....  or words to that effect. 

If one does not declare this properly when taking out the Policy, the Insurance Policy can be voided, in the event of any future claim. The Insurance Company would also want to see what was in the Home Purchase Survey.