Professional needed?

[saveasteading]

Yes, no, as long as possible, yes.

It is a "tell-tale"

 

I think glued is preferred as it doesn't twist.

 

[SteamyTea]

2 hours ago, Reggie1 said:

Should I use one of these

How good are you at keeping records?

 

Could easily make your own 

Edited Friday at 11:02 by SteamyTea

[saveasteading]

44 minutes ago, SteamyTea said:

Could easily make your own

I wouldn't. It is a well made , fit for purpose, and precise thing, and I don't think expensive.

 

The only issue would be if the crack has completed its shrinking and starts to close again when the rains come. I think it would just shatter then, but still a point proven.

Maybe glue one side only and take measurements and photos to account for this happier possibility.

[Reggie1]

2 hours ago, saveasteading said:

I wouldn't. It is a well made , fit for purpose, and precise thing, and I don't think expensive.

 

The only issue would be if the crack has completed its shrinking and starts to close again when the rains come. I think it would just shatter then, but still a point proven.

Maybe glue one side only and take measurements and photos to account for this happier possibility.

I will buy some and place them on all the cracks ive pictured, but i was wondering if a structural engineer would take offence, as someone mentioned about the document ive produced. Also should i apply them and get an engineer in say October to give some usefull info, as the weather will have changed by then?

what's the approach i should take, structural engineer now, or apply these and wait till october?

These cracks may have happened when we had that really bad snow and there was a lot of thick snow on the roof. I think the pointing is in need of re doing so the walls probably could be stronger.

As it happens I'm an engineer just not a structural one, so I need an approach to take, as I'm not too sure on how to approach this.

[Alan Ambrose]

Suggest just call up, describe the problem in round terms, send them a few pics and ask them to take a look and give an opinion. Maybe an informal opinion and recommendation rather than a report. They may charge for their time but it’s probably money well spent. They’ll like dealing with you if they don’t have to explain the basic laws of physics 😀.

Edited Friday at 16:46 by Alan Ambrose

[saveasteading]

If you think your report will be credible then fit them and take readings fortnightly, listing on a spreadsheet. Summarise  the weather over the period.

Take photos too. Lots .They can always be deleted.

But if you are going to engage an SE then why not now? They won't mind you doing your own thing in the interim.

But just phone one, maybe two and don't send that inquisition form.

[Reggie1]

OK im a little clearer, but I have 4 more questions before i contact someone

1) What (qualifications/experience/ institutions) does this person need  (rics registered/accredited) or MIStructE MICE
2) Do I need a full level 3 home survey, or should i just focus on the staggered cracks issue?
3) Is there a way to check their credentials / reviews?
4) Should i be checking my insurance to see if it could be covered?

Edited 5 hours ago by Reggie1

[Reggie1]

I've been using AI to brainstorm, and this is its plan, does this sound logical, has it missed anything? Im aware AI can make mistakes hence asking the exerts here!

1. 1. Instruct a RICS Level 3 Building Survey first ( RICS-regulated) or (local MRICS team). This one report covers both structural movement and damp, flags repairs before you spend, and typically sits in the low four figures depending on size/age .
2. Take the written report (with photos and prioritised defects) to your builder/architect when you request tenders, so every bidder prices the same known scope rather than inflating contingency for unknowns.
3. If the survey finds structural defects, hand those to a chartered structural engineer (StructSpectrum or Heddon Structures) to produce repair calculations and drawings for Building Control — this turns "something's wrong" into a priced, defined job.
4. Hold a 10–15% contingency on top of tenders for genuinely unforeseen conditions that even a good on-site inspection cannot predict.
5. Fix the fee in writing up front — ask for a fixed-fee quote that says what's included and what would attract extra charges, since structural engineers commonly charge for time plus expenses and unforeseen site conditions often add work .

[Mr Punter]

You seem keen to get a report from a SE.  Most will deal with this competently.  Let us know what they say.