A prospective buyer contacted SERL as they needed a report to address the concerns of their mortgage surveyor, who, during their inspection, had identified structural cracking to the rear of the property together with bulging walls and sloping floors.
SERL was contacted by the prospective buyer as they were seeking a reputable, independent, and highly experienced structural engineering firm specialising in Structural Engineers Reports for residential properties in Middlesex and the West London area.
In response to the client’s requirements our qualified Chartered Structural Engineer recommended a General Structural Inspection report.
SERL offers two types of structural reports:
1) A localised, specific, and limited Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) report or a Structural Engineers Defect Report.
2) A broader General Structural Inspection Report (GSI) or Structural Engineers General Movement Report which focuses only on matters of cracking and movement.
The property was an artisan cottage, part of a small terrace constructed in the mid to late 1800s. It featured a characteristic ‘L’ shape rear extension, with notable cracking observed where the flank wall adjoins the rear wall. The structure consisted of traditional solid brick external walls, with suspended timber floors and roof framing. The local geology is characterized by Kempton Park Gravel overlying London Clay.
As is common, the drains were situated close to the flank wall and likely ran beneath the property toward the front. Several large trees were present on adjacent land.
The crack that was found in the rear extension was approximately 5 mm wide crack and appeared to be of historical origin. The crack pattern suggested long-term settlement of the brick pillar between the rear wall and the flank wall, a common issue.
However, no related internal cracks were observed, indicating the crack had been present for years. Nearby drains were also noted, which were likely to be contributing factors. This is because minor subsidence in gravel subsoils is often due to softening or erosion, rather than shrinkage from tree roots affecting London Clay.
After assessing the property, we concluded that the cracking was minor and could be repaired inexpensively. However, before undertaking repairs, we advised testing the drains, as they appeared to be the most probable cause of the issue.
We provided a favorable report to both the client and the lender, enabling them to proceed confidently, knowing that the repair costs would be negligible relative to the property’s value.
The client was relieved to receive guidance from an experienced chartered structural engineer.