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Brickwork extension is out of line
Brickwork extension is out of line
Hi all. I’m about to buy a 1800 house with a extension on the side that was built within the last 20 years I popped back today to just to have a little walk round outside without estate agents looking at there watch waiting for me to go and realised how much the original part was out compared to the extension. Also noticed the roof sags a bit on the original part of the house. The brickwork seems straight looking at it from the front but bulges when you look up the wall. Also has loads of repairs to the mortar with sand and cement.
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19 Replies
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What are you worried about, that it’s going to fall down? Old houses are never plumb or square, that’s not going anywhere. The repairs you can correct in your own time.
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Have you had a full survey done on it? If not, I would strongly recommend that you do, ideally from someone who has a bit of knowledge of older buildings – ideally a full level 3 survey. You could also ask them to specifically look at the issues concerning you – i.e get them to go into the loft space too and look closely at the bugling wall.
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The house needs a full restoration.that im going to do myself So don’t think it’s worth getting a full survey done as i know it prety much needs everything. But I’m just a little bit unsure about that one particular wall so was thinking of getting a structural engineer to look at that one bit as I think it’s related to the sag in the roof. the rest of the house is fine. Think I need someone that specialises in older properties
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This one in Bradford has been like this for at least 35 years….
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The poster came on here to ask for some advice – which is what this group is all about. Increasingly on this group, I keep seeing replies that are quite dismissive and undermining. Wouldn’t it be better to not say anything unless it’s constructive?
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I would not agree. Certainly posters want advice, but sometimes it looks as if it may be necessary to save the potential buyer from themselves.
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I had 30 years in the building trade but not necessarily working on 225 year old houses with no cavity and lime morter and wonky walls to this extent as my work is to a very good standard and I am always willing to learn. That is why I ask questions to people that may know a little more than me. There is no need to be rude
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I think you should get a structural engineer to look at that for you and have a look inside to see if there is any thing that might suggest recent movement. And check if you are in an area where subsidence occurs from old mines, clay swelling etc. It might be perfectly ok, many buildings are seriously wonky with bulged and leaning walls but are perfectly stable. but if there is a stability problem it will be costly to sort out so well worth getting it checked out.
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Don’t be a pillock pal. Get a structural survey done at least. You won’t need to ask these questions then as we’re all just guessing without actually seeing up close
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get a surveyor do to a limited inspection on the structural walls and the roof only, like a defects report. You do not have to get a full survey done if you are going to do work internally. The issue is you do not know what is wrong as you do not know what is wrong. Pay a professional to protect your money.
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Get a good survey, not a house buyers report . Our house is 16th Century, so we had a heritage surveyor who specialised in cob & thatch and listed. Best £2k we spent . As his knowledge and experience was invaluable! To be told the bulge on the front wall and chimney lean are Historic, probably dating back hundreds of years and of no concern! Is great comfort
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I would get a structural survey done. We were advised that a side to side “wonkiness” wasnt too much of an issue but that a bulge could be indicative of something more onerus.
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Hi, best to get surveys done really,
Also it’s probably worth getting a conservation survey (due to its age)
Barry honeysett
This will also help you decide what products should be used in the future to prevent potential issues that might be caused when using modern products.
There’s only so much that even experienced tradesmen can comment on just from a couple of photos.
Take any advice from the internet with a pinch of salt and rely more on experienced professionals who have taken a look first hand
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That is a bit concerning! I would personally get a level 3 survey first. The main reason is resale value later on! If it passes a survey then you know it is mortgageable for buyers in the future when you might want to sell. It also helps if it suddenly changes and an insurance claim is needed as you have proof it passed a survey. I ould also get the structural engineer in. I know it’s a double whammy on costs but it’s about protecting your investment for the future as well!
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I would also get on Google maps and look as far back as you can using the date button. Then if your lucky you will be able to see when the sagging and bowing started
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Has the roofing material been changed from slate to concrete tiles? Concrete tiles are heavier than slate and can cause a roof to sag and possibly cause further damage.
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The bulge does not worry me in any way, tho judging from people’s comments it will scare the life out of 99% of potential future buyers so bear that in mind .the windows are atrocious wrong proportion, landscape not portrait, no soldier course above the windows ,, just visually hellish
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Every survey I’ve ever booked has led to 10 times or more discount on the purchase price.. I’d certainly get one. They highlight things that you wouldn’t even have contemplated: on one house it revealed there’d been significant structural work for which there was no engineer’s report or planning. Often only an expert can see the building for what it is.
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Bit of an update I’ve had a survey done and the advice was to run and don’t look back
Roof needed removing front wall knocked down bedroom floor removed foundation dug deeper and all rebuilt again. Yeh! I feel crap for the owners but I’m running
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