Finding evidence of cracking or movement during a property survey does not automatically mean that the property should be rejected.
The important question is what is causing the movement, whether it is ongoing and what further investigation or remedial work may be required.
What can cause movement?
Movement can have many causes, including:
- Settlement
- Ground movement
- Subsidence
- Thermal or moisture-related movement
- Alterations to the building
- Defective construction
- Movement around openings
- Localised deterioration
The appearance of a crack alone is not enough to establish the cause.
What will a surveyor consider?
A surveyor will consider the location, direction, pattern and extent of cracking, together with the surrounding construction.
Other signs can also be relevant, including distortion, changes around windows and doors, uneven floors or separation between building elements.
Where the available evidence is insufficient, a structural engineer or other specialist may need to become involved.
Should I walk away?
Not necessarily.
Some movement is historic, minor or capable of being addressed through appropriate repairs. More significant movement may require further investigation and potentially substantial expenditure.
The decision should therefore be based upon the available evidence and likely implications rather than the word “movement” appearing in a survey report.
Stokemont’s advice
If structural movement is identified before purchase, establish its likely significance before exchanging contracts.
A focused Defect Analysis Report or specialist structural investigation may be appropriate where the cause cannot be established from the initial inspection.
Stokemont can advise on the appropriate next stage where potential structural movement has been identified.
