Advise needed

[nolan]

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

[Iceverge]

How old is the house? 

 

Do you have any more wide angle pics? Any pics of the interior? 

 

Has it been  Decorated/ cracked filled recently? 

[nolan]

1 hour ago, Iceverge said:

How old is the house? 

 

Do you have any more wide angle pics? Any pics of the interior? 

 

Has it been  Decorated/ cracked filled recently? 

 

Thank you for your reply. The house is around 50 years old semi detached, I haven't currently got the title deed yet but its around that point I think. The house has had an extension (not recent) in the past on the other side of the property.

 

It hasn't been decorated or cracked filled recently that I know of. 

 

The inside does seem to have quite a fair bit of plaster shrinkage cracking in each room which I assume is normal for its age. I do have a fair few pics of the cracks although none of the cracks on the survey repot suggested of any type of ongoing or progressive structural defect. I'll upload another picture which shows a slightly wider angle of the front of the property. 

 

The report also mentions of historical settlement in the lounge where the floor is uneven. 

 

Thanks for your help.

[Iceverge]

Without any more info If it's that age I wouldn't worry about it. 

 

Patch up the render. Cut along the cracks with a concrete disc and use some flexible sealant to fill. Sand and cement will probably only crack again quickly. It'd be worth resealing around the windows too while you were at it. 

 

Make sure the rainwater goods and all drains are in proper order and you're good to go.