Reason for contacting SERL Pole
A client contacted us after receiving a negative mortgage survey from the bank’s surveyor, who identified several unspecified cracks. Due to these findings, they were unable to secure their mortgage or building insurance. Consequently, they needed a Structural Engineer’s Report, including repair recommendations and cost estimates, to proceed.
SERL POLE were contacted by the buyer who was seeking a reputable, independent and highly experienced engineering firm specialising in Structural Engineers’ Reports in the West London area
SERL Pole service offer
In response to the clients’ requirements our qualified Chartered Structural Engineer recommended a General Movement report.
There are two distinct types of structural engineers reports:
- A localised, very specific and limited Structural Engineers Defect Report, or a Specific Structural Inspection Report (SSI)
- A broader Structural Engineers General Movement Report, or General Structural Inspection Report (GSI), which focuses on matters of cracking and movement only.
Our report
The first-floor conversion flat in a circa 1900 period house was in poor condition overall, having lacked external maintenance or repairs for decades. Internally, however, the condition was good, indicating that external cracks may have simply been covered over.
The property was located on a gravel soil in West London, not an area normally associated with high-risk subsidence.
Findings
We found some large structural cracks to the rear of the flat in the order of 10mm to 25mm (one inch). These cracks, although old exhibited classic subsidence patterns, characterised by their tapered and broadly vertical orientation at the junction where the rear projection abutted the main rear wall of the building.
Conclusions
The property, unfortunately, was one of the worst we have viewed this year. We consider it unlikely that the mortgage and new buildings insurance will be granted until the current owner addressed the issues, through making an insurance claim.
The only alternative would be for the insurance policy to be assigned to the buyer but this can be time consuming and difficult in procedural terms. It is more advisable for vendors to resolve such problems beforehand.
The main leaning point for both vendors and Estate Agents is to ideally not market a property in such poor condition but to fix the problem first, under professional specification and supervision. Alternatively, a vendor should obtain a Structural Engineers report to clearly set out the problems and to recommend solutions to rectify the issues.
Can we help you?
If you would like advice on any structural aspects of your property, our structural engineers’ are here to help you so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
