Survey found cracks - wall ties?

[beatts]

Hi,

We have just had a survey done on a 1900 Victorian semi. The surveyor highlighted the biggest problem being some movement in the brickwork around the front upper left corner and into the upper gable of the house, probably caused by corroded wall ties.

I have attached some pics.

Can this be repaired at a reasonable <£5k cost and what about the gaps, how could they be resolved so the bricks can sit back in their original position, or would you just repoint ?

Or would you walk away from an otherwise great house?

Many thanks

 

[cdbe]

Looks more like roof spread.

 

[^woody^]

Is it confirmed as corroded ties?

The work is not particularly onerous, but would normally require the whole property to be rectified. Get an estimate from a specialist firm.

There may be implications for the mortgage or amount they will advance.

 

[beatts]

Hi,

Thanks. The surveyor is very confident it is wall ties, and has suggested a borescope inspection is carried out.

That is going to set me back a few hundred quid, but I have literally no idea how much it would cost to have the old ones removed and new ones fitted. If it was less than £5k or so, I could perhaps negotiate some of that with the vendor.

 

[foxhole]

The staining would suggest the brickworks had sustained water damage probably from blocked gutters .This will wash out old mortar .

 

[beatts]

Hi, It's not staining, its the patina / style of the brickwork (see attached)

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

That second photo of the window opening is concerning. From the photo it looks like the lower bricks have moved vertically downwards. Does this crack extend along the wall? I'm wondering if a section of the building has sunk. If so then it would need underpinning and that would be enough for most people to walk away, as it involves huge expense and you will forever pay more for insurance and have problems selling it even decades into the future.