The client, acting with power of attorney for an elderly person, contacted SERL following their estate agent’s recommendation. Our firm was recommended for its recognised expertise and independence.
The client required our trusted expertise in generating structural engineer reports, specifically within the Wimbledon area of South West London. A report was necessary to address the concerns raised by their potential buyer regarding significant cracks found throughout the property.
In response to the client’s requirements our qualified Chartered Structural Engineer recommended a General Structural Inspection (GSI) 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 General Structural Inspection Report was chosen because of several concerns, as well as to offer extensive detail for potential buyers.
The property displayed significant internal cracks, approximately 20 mm wide, at the junctions of the flank wall with the floors and walls. Additionally, there were numerous cracks on the rear elevation.
We determined that these structural issues were longstanding and could be addressed relatively easily, particularly after the removal of a nearby tree. Despite the severity of the cracks, standard crack repair methods and the installation of lateral restraint straps would resolve the issues. Underpinning the property would not be necessary.
We successfully reported to the client that the property’s expenditure would be approximately £100,000 less than the prospective buyer anticipated. This information played a significant role in negotiating the sale price.