Cracks on exterior walls and chimney
Hi everyone, I’m a FTB interested in a detached 1880s house of solid brick construction in Scotland and need some advice on the condition of the property please.
I understand older houses come with more wear and tear, but just want some advice/opinions on whether the damage seems more serious and potentially costly.
I will try to add photos in the comments if allowed, but my main concerns:
A vertical crack runs from the ground to the roof in the outer wall corner where 2 walls meet. The crack splinters off twice where it meets the roof - 1 almost horizontal and one diagonal (but not stepped). Not visible inside due to wallpaper and plasterboard in the way.
Long horizontal crack the full width of where the outer wall becomes the chimney breast.
Same chimney breast has cracks that splinter off in different directions - varying widths and lengths. This chimney breast leads to a disused fireplace.
A second chimney breast similarly has various cracks in different directions. This chimney breast has no fireplace.
Extra context:
The home report doesn’t seem to think these observations are of significance as it states “the render of the outer walls is cracked in some places” and notes a history of structural movement but nothing to suggest this is ongoing.
Roof is in decent shape for its age, rainwater fittings all ok, but the house has a bad damp problem - vacant for the last 6 months and I’m wondering if these cracks are contributing to it.
With all this in mind, would you be concerned about these cracks and is it worth getting a building contractor over to provide an estimate for repairs? Thank you!