Hi, looking into buying our first house. Had the home buyer's survey. Here is what it said:
"There is some recent cracking on the front wall of the property which we believe may be the result of the shrinkable sub-soil and the close proximity of tree's.
This has led to structural movement.
The subsoil in the area is of a shrinkable nature which can cause foundation movement in some buildings. The risk is increased if drainage is defective and when prolonged dry spells of weather occur.
There are trees close to the property which could affect the foundations, the underground drains and possibly other services."
The current owner had a structural survey done when he purchased the property in 2013.
These are the photos I took.
I have requested the owner to do a current structural survey. So far I haven't had the report yet. Estate agent is saying survey has just been done but no official report yet. He is saying crack is due to thermal movement. In essence, when the sun shines on the front of the house, the bricks warm up and expand. In the evening when it cools down, the bricks contract, and it is this movement that has caused the cracking in the mortar joints.
Really need your advise on this.
Many thanks!!!
"There is some recent cracking on the front wall of the property which we believe may be the result of the shrinkable sub-soil and the close proximity of tree's.
This has led to structural movement.
The subsoil in the area is of a shrinkable nature which can cause foundation movement in some buildings. The risk is increased if drainage is defective and when prolonged dry spells of weather occur.
There are trees close to the property which could affect the foundations, the underground drains and possibly other services."
The current owner had a structural survey done when he purchased the property in 2013.
These are the photos I took.
I have requested the owner to do a current structural survey. So far I haven't had the report yet. Estate agent is saying survey has just been done but no official report yet. He is saying crack is due to thermal movement. In essence, when the sun shines on the front of the house, the bricks warm up and expand. In the evening when it cools down, the bricks contract, and it is this movement that has caused the cracking in the mortar joints.
Really need your advise on this.
Many thanks!!!
