Noticed cracks in brick on house we have just bought

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81862184#Comment_81862184

That depends on which part of the UK you live in, and what questions you asked the vendor.

TBH possibly the best strategy would be to get a very good bricklayer to replace the three broken bricks and tidy up the pointing. If this is just damaged bricks then the problem is solved. Should a more significant problem become apparent at a later date then for insurance purposes you could probably rely on the surveyor's report that the 'new' defect wasn't apparent at the time of purchase. For transparency you would likely need to let the claim manager know that there were three damaged bricks you've had replaced, but were advised it was most likely mechanical damage rather than movement of the building (or similar words to the same effect).

darkazuria

@Section62 Thanks. I have just sent an email to the surveyor to get his opinion on it as well.

And we're in England.

Do you reckon getting a structural engineer's opinion could be worth it for peace of mind? Or would it be better like you said to just get the bricks replaced and then if further crack, to get the insurance involved?

We were ideally thinking of staying in the house for about 5 years and upsize then. Really hoping it won't be something too serious that could impact resale value - ie. us having to disclose this issue that could scare some buyers.

daveyjp

From those photos it isn't anything I'd be overly concerned about. Minor settlement on a corner or minor impact coupled with cheap modern bricks.

It looks like there has been some repointing on the course level with the airbrick. It is slightly darker and isn't blended into the original pointing on the left hand edge.

Lorian

There is perhaps an impact mark in the middle brick on the side view.

Can you post slightly wider angle photos?

twopenny

Yes, there's a couple of possible impact points perhaps in a small area. Or it could have been someone testing it.

You say the neighbours have the same so you may ask if they know what caused it. That's the quickest less expensive way. They can also tell you if it changes with the weather. If they are fine with it

I got so much information from my neighbours when I moved in from structure, builders, heating all sorts (not all at once 😄) and it's been useful.

Remember you are stressed and needy to get settled in. Don't worry about 5yrs down the line till nearer the time. A lot can happen. I moved here for 3 months and resale. It's been 7yrs because it has so many good things I didn't know about.