Hi everyone, I hope you are all well. We have recently had our level 3 survey report back on our first house we are in the process of buying and with that it has flagged a few issues that we are looking for a bit of extra advise with. I have contacted my surveyor and yet to have a reply but I'm just trying to get as much advise as possible with the below points due to how big of a financial commitment this is. I have researched online about differential settlement but in our case it's hard to get an understanding of how big of a problem moving forward this would be, cost and insurance wise (if it needs to be declared). I also understand it states minor on these points but I'm just trying to gather as much information as I can.
From the survey report these are the points below I'm hoping to get any extra advise on.
1.To the front elevation, evidence of minor differential settlement cracking and step fracture cracking could be seen through the render to the left-hand head and left-hand sill of the ground floor and first floor window, this can be seen in photograph 84 and 85 of Appendix A.
It is therefore recommended that this cracking be stitched with Helifix or similar approved ties to reduce future movement in this location and the render cracking be raked out, be filled with render filler and be redecorated to match the existing, an approximate cost of this be £380 plus VAT.
2.It was however noted that minor differential settlement has occurred to the right-hand head of the kitchen window, this can be seen in photograph 77 of Appendix A. This is thought to be a result of minor differential settlement only, not an indication of any type of ongoing or progressive structural defect.
It is however recommended that this cracking be raked out and be repointed in cement mortar to match the existing, an approximate cost of this would be £180 plus VAT.
I have supplied pictures to correspond with the points. Like I've said we are first time buyers with limited knowledge but any help would be appreciated.
I am aware that a structural engineer is an option however this wasn't suggested in the report, I was impressed overall with the report and would be inclined to believe that this wouldn't be needed?
Thanks