Background
An unusual 1920s chalet style property had failed a mortgage survey due to movement cracks noted by the surveyor.
A structural engineer was required in order to progress the mortgage.
Pole service offer
We offered our Structural Engineers General Movement Report to look at the entire property inside and out from a movement point of view.
Technical
There was significant cracking to the rear elevation which the valuer thought might indicate a subsidence problem. There was also extensive cracking internally.
Our appraisal concluded the damage was not in fact due to settlement or subsidence and instead was associated with poor workmanship associated with replacing the original wooden windows with UPVC. The beam lintel above the patio doors was likely to be inadequate and likely to require replacing.
In addition two of the chimney stacks leaned excessively and required additional support. This was associated with old age and not modern day movement.
Conclusions
We were able to confirm that there was no sign of any settlement/subsidence movement at the property. There were structural repairs required, but not of a ‘movement’ nature.
The purchaser was able to proceed, from a mortgage point of view, and factored in the various recommendations as part of their refurbishment budget.
