1860s renovated chapel.

[BaileyB]

We just got a level 3 survey done on a maisonette we fell in love with and want to buy.It was built in the 1860s North Yorkshire, and renovated about twenty years ago so obviously we expected some issues. Myself or my husband aren't experienced in old properties and just wanted to know if this is a big and expensive issue? before we employ a structural engineer as the surveyor rightly suggested. part of the survey reads
There's one property below

"On the front elevation, there is evidence that the left-hand side of the building is pulling away from the front gable, leading to visible cracking. This is particularly apparent near the parapet, where previous repair attempts have been made. However, a vertical crack remains visible running down the elevation, which presents a risk of water ingress. This movement is likely due to insufficient tying between the front and side elevations at the time of construction. In my opinion, the installation of tie bars or similar restraint measures should be considered to stabilise the structure.


This movement has also caused cracking in the render of the front elevation, which does not appear to be purely thermal in origin. Instead, the pattern and location of the cracking suggest structural movement. Budgeting should allow for installation of tie bars, repointing using lime mortar, and ongoing monitoring of the affected elevations."

Has any one experiences similar? is it project we should not even start?

 

[Michael55]

For me, a newbie, the obvious sign that cracks have been repaired yet they're still growing larger either upwards or sideways would be a very concerning sign that the damage is still occurring fairly quickly and would cause me to un-love it. The movement seems severe to me. Can you guesstimate a timeline when these cracks were fixed up? Last year / five years / etc. Have you asked why it's up for sale? You probably wouldn't get a truthful answer! Ask for some quotes for the tying and is it within your budget or lower your offer price

 

[jamest]

I would get the structural engineer in ASAP rather than ask on a forum. Those diagonally oriented bricks could be sliding down and pushing the side walls out- like a sort of roof spread. What's stopping them? The mortar beds and the top of the side wall? I suppose it would be fixable if the case, but it would need to be properly designed by someone who knows what they are doing. Without knowing the nature of the construction and what is restraining the movement of those bricks, it's impossible to say. One wonders why it was built like that in the first place, looks like a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[BaileyB]

I would get the structural engineer in ASAP rather than ask on a forum. Those diagonally oriented bricks could be sliding down and pushing the side walls out- like a sort of roof spread. What's stopping them? The mortar beds and the top of the side wall? I suppose it would be fixable if the case, but it would need to be properly designed by someone who knows what they are doing. Without knowing the nature of the construction and what is restraining the movement of those bricks, it's impossible to say. One wonders why it was built like that in the first place, looks like a disaster waiting to happen.

Of course I’ve booked a structural engineer. I just wanted to know if anyone had experienced a similar situation with an older property

 

[Robola]

You already have some significant costs called out by your surveyor.

Cracks in render can hide deteriorating masonry/brickwork and water ingress damage.

I own about 80% of building that has been divided up. Both owners before me neglected basic exterior maintenance whilst spending on interiors. I am now picking up the pieces, literally in some cases.

What are the shared maintenance obligations and why has nothing been done recently, possible since it was divided.

Are modern interior materials hiding anything? Would you see water damage behind that boarding out?

It has some significant access issues, basically one side and the back cannot be accessed for maintenance due to other buildings. Practically, how are you going to do the required work?

Would be walk away now for me!