Chimney Support Gallows in property I’m purchasing

[Matthew32]

I recently had a Homebuyers survey on a property I’m looking to purchase. A Victorian cottage.

It’s appears that one of the Chimneys was removed, and the surveyor has shown concern over how it’s supported in the loft space. There are also some redundancy brackets there too, and loose brickwork.

I’ve attached photos. Wonder what your thoughts were? And potential cost on rectifying!

 

[phatboy]

What are his concerns?

 

[Matthew32]

He’s concerned that there shouldn’t be an RSJ supported by Gallow brackets, and there should be an RSJ going across the whole span from wall to wall.

 

[Notch7]

He’s concerned that there shouldn’t be an RSJ supported by Gallow brackets, and there should be an RSJ going across the whole span from wall to wall.

gallows brackets maybe ok -the brickwork doesnt look very clever though, I wouldnt have much confidence of the fixings taking the weight.

unfortunately the images aren't quite clear enough for me to work out the brickwork detail

 

[tony1851]

Looks like a length of 2" angle supported by the brackets. What's the short length of RSJ about?
As above, the brickwork doesn't look too good.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Looks a tad shoddy- and presumestably you mean the chimney breast has been removed?
Do the vendors have any documentation for the job (building control completion cert would be nice)? Have they declared it on the vendor questionnaire?

 

[Matthew32]

They haven’t got building regs, and it seems it was done a long time ago. I’ll prob have to get a structural surveyor to look at it I guess

 

[tony1851]

If it was done a long time ago, does it really matter?

 

[Matthew32]

Well, I’d like to know it’s safe before I buy the house. I’m also going to want to sell it again at some point

 

[phatboy]

If it was done a long time ago, does it really matter?

For the purposes of getting a discount, absolutely!

But other than that I'd guess not really, as long as the discount is greater than the repair cost!