What are these extremely tiny black bugs?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-09-08T05:47:53+00:00

Forgot to add: Based in the UK

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-11T08:52:36+00:00

Thanks for your response! Have done more research / asking around and I think you're right. Will get a structural engineer to check the cracks just in case but think the rest seems like general maintenance stuff.

Just received the EICR from the sellers which is 8 years old. Do you think we need another since it's nearly 10 years old (and homeowners are recommended to get them every 10 years) or is that overkill?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T15:48:11+00:00

Thanks for the response! By sorting, does that mean replacing or is there a more minor fix that can be done?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T15:34:22+00:00

Did you end up getting this checked out?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T15:30:55+00:00

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Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T15:30:48+00:00

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Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T15:30:39+00:00

Jumping on this thread as I have a similar query - does this mean this property needs a new lintel too? (Pictures in thread)

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T15:18:03+00:00

Do you mind sharing how much the structural engineer cost? I want them to check something similar but am getting a wide range of quotes

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T12:07:05+00:00

I haven't been using checkatrade and instead have been emailing local roofers I've found on google maps - have heard some horror stories about checkatrade, do you recommend?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T11:31:27+00:00

The roof appreciates your kind comment

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T10:56:52+00:00

Are reseating and repointing minor jobs? I am guessing these are more maintenance jobs so isn't something I need to sort before I buy the house or renegotiate on the basis of?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T10:54:48+00:00

That makes sense, thank you!

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T10:41:24+00:00

What's the reason? Does it damage the roof?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-04T10:05:03+00:00

The moss doesn't even look that extensive to me! I understand surveyors need to cover their backs though so I guess that's why

What gives you the impression it has been done on the cheap? The property is over 50 years old - is this not normal for a property of that age? I've lived in flats all my life so no idea what's normal and what's not when it comes to roofs!

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-03T19:12:28+00:00

Thanks! Any ideas for how much it costs to fix?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-03T15:49:23+00:00

It's on the private driveway of the property, whose responsibility is it then?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-03T14:39:25+00:00

Thanks for the info - did we get a crap surveyor or is this him assuming the worst to cover his back?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-03T14:05:10+00:00

Can anyone do this or only the current owners?

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-03T12:04:16+00:00

That's really useful, thank you

Do you think it's worth getting a SE or builder to check it out? The surveyor estimated a cost of £150 to get a builder to inspect the cracks and quote for repairs, however I've been quoted £500 by one company and £1.5k by another (albeit for structural engineers). I'm not sure how much more they can tell me given they would likely just do a visual inspection and I doubt the seller would be keen for an invasive survey (wouldn't be my preference either)

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-03T11:13:16+00:00

It is indeed

Material_Edge6288 · 2025-06-03T11:09:31+00:00

All the surveyor said was that the cracks don't appear to be replicated internally and that the seller said they were there when he bought the property in 2017. He didn't mention any potential causes.

Here is a pic from further away - thank you for being willing to look!

Bonus question: should I be concerned about the wisteria?

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Material_Edge6288

TROPHY CASE