Structural movement?

Annabee

Well we have had our offer accepted on a house. Its a 1950s build, older than any house we've bought before. We knew it had a few cosmetic things we'd change, but assumed that was all. We have just had the valuation report back (not Homebuyers or full survey, which we weren't going to bother with, having found them a waste of money in the past) ..... AND..

It says that 'there is evidence that the property has suffered structural movement. However, this appears to be of some age and it is not considered to be serious or progressive. Though it is likely that all movement has ceased, no categoric assurance can be given this is the case as the inspection was of a limited visual nature......'

I wasn't expecting this! How worried should we be and what should we do next?

beecher

Every survey I've ever had mentioned the same thing, and I've been told it is normal in the kind of flat I have (early 20th century tenement). Mind you, I have always had a full survey done - maybe you should get a specialist in if you are overly worried about it.

dubsey

We had EXACTLY the same on a bungalow we were going to buy. Evidence of past movement but nothing to say if it was likely to happen again or how bad it was or could be. There were lots of cracks everywhere when we viewed but the bungalow was poorly maintained so we just thought they were lack of decorating type cracks. We did some investigating of our own and found out that lots of the houses on that road had been underpinned due to subsidence. We had a builder/surveyor friend out to have a look and the first thing he checked were the drains (something to do with movement). He said if it were him he would have taken a chance, but he would have been able to put right anything that needed doing and we would have had to pay someone if it had been bad. So, unfortunately we pulled out.

Best thing I would suggest if you are concerned is to get someone else out to check it for you. Has the survey asked for any further investigation? We got the impression from ours (as I do with yours) that the person doing the valuation is covering their backs just in case and nothing more.

Annabee

It hasn't told us to do anything about it, and they are willing to lend the full amount.

I am just worrried about getting insurance though.

beecher

Annabee wrote: »

It hasn't told us to do anything about it, and they are willing to lend the full amount.

I am just worrried about getting insurance though.

There wouldn't be a flat in Glasgow with building insurance if that sort of survey report was a problem.

But if you're worried, get it checked out in more detail. Good luck.

clutton_2

irrespective of what ANY one on here says - if it worries YOU - then get a structural survey done - it will give you peace of mind for hopefully the many years you live there .....

tbs624

Annabee - have you talked to your surveyor about his/her findings? You are paying them so it's always worth giving them a quick call to ask for further clarification - get your money's worth! I've always done this and the surveyors have always been happy to expand on what they've said. Surveys do often have sentences such as this or "commensurate with the age of the property", but they surveyor still has to cover their own back for if there was ever further movement at some point. You could also try talking to an insurance broker for general info on the topic, and/or get a second opinion on the property from a structural engineer.

Annabee

The latest is I rang Alliance and Leicester who've offered to lend the full amount and asked them about it. 'Oh the valuation is just for us you'll have to sort out any problems with the house' the numpty on the phone says.

Me: 'Yes I understand that but I am worried about getting buildings insurance'.

Them: 'You must have insurance, and you will have to inform any insurer about what it says on the valuation'.

Me: 'OK, well you do buildings insurance yourselves don't you, so presumably you'd be willing to insure it?'

Them: 'I'll put you through to the insurance dept'

ON HOLD MUSIC FOR SEVERAL MINUTES

Them: 'I've arranged a call back for you tomorrow and they'll discuss with you if they're prepared to insure the property'.

IF they'll insure it.! How can they be offering to lend full amount on a place, when they won't insure it. There is no logic here......

I's not as if the house is aboiut to fall down or something! Seems we may have to pull out after all....

A_Nice_Englishman

All the mortgage department of A&L care about is that the property is worth at least what you want to borrow.

As others have said, get a full structural survey and go from there.

nelly_2

It might be just some cracks, which is evidence of movement but 99 times out of 100 is nowt to worry about.

But as Clutton said - if its peace of mind you're after get a full strctural done

Zazen999

Phone the surveyor and have a chat. They will tell you whether it is recent and relevant or just old movement.

All buildings move at some point; mainly because soil is not a solid structure.

However, I would always have the full survey done; just to throw up any concerns.