bay window 'distortion'

[ep1998]

Hi

I have an offer accepted o n a 1930's semi-detached house and I have just received my full structural survey report. The report notes that there is evidence of movement at the front of the house, particularly in the front porch and above the bay window. Also the bay reportedly is distorted and slopes down to the right (uPvC windows were installed in 2008). The sureveyor notes cracking in the pointing below the bay.The structural surveyor also notes evidence of re-cracking. No significant cracks are noted inside the house.

The surveyor has suggested we instruct a structural engineer to carry out trial pit examinations of the foundations given potential movement and evidence of movement of other houses on the road. The surveyor also question the adequate of the lintel above the bay window.

We have read up a bit on the on the web and we have taken advice from a builder in the family (don't worry etc etc). We still are unsure whether the structural engineer will tell us more or more improtantly, give us a definitive answer e.g buy it or don't buy it. Any additional advice or comments will be very gratefully receved!!!

Thanks.

 

[joe-90]

Typical surveyor asking you to spend, spend, spend. By the time you've finished you will have paid out more than if you'd just gone ahead and fixed it. How much have you shelled out so far?

 

[stuart45]

Quite a common problem with bays. Foundations were often much more shallow than the rest of the house. Timber lintels known as bressumers were often used to span over the bays and some are now starting to fail.
Changing the windows often adds to the problems.
Joe 90 is spot on. Why pay someone to tell you what you already know now.

 

[ep1998]

Thanks Joe 90 and Stuart45!

Have only spent money on surveyor so far. Am thinking more about your point-why pay money for someone to tell you what you already know.

Would it be a builder who would 'fix it' e.g replace lintel?, re-point etc. Or should the bay be rebuilt and strengthened particulary as the new windows may be too heavy?