Hi all,

Just looking for some advice as we're looking at buying a house that we
already know has some problems. A previous sale fell through due to the
survey, and we have been told that the downstairs bay window was
replaced at some point with a UPVc frame without the correct support
which has caused the wall above the window to sag.

Apparently the repairs required would involve removing the upstairs
window and the sagging wall then replacing the downstairs window with a
new one with correct supports built into the structure, installing an
appropriate lintel, rebuilding the wall and replacing the window above.

My questions are, is this a big problem, is it likely to damage much of
the internal decor and how much should we anticipate to pay around the
Manchester area for this kind of work? Also, if we were to DIY would we
need building regs approval etc.?

We will of course get a survey if we proceed but it would be handy to
have a rough idea of the options before negotiating with the vendor.

Many thanks in advance,
Richard

On 27 July, 18:55, Richard Conway wrote:
Hi all,

Just looking for some advice as we're looking at buying a house that we
already know has some problems. *A previous sale fell through due to the
survey, and we have been told that the downstairs bay window was
replaced at some point with a UPVc frame without the correct support
which has caused the wall above the window to sag.

Apparently the repairs required would involve removing the upstairs
window and the sagging wall then replacing the downstairs window with a
new one with correct supports built into the structure, installing an
appropriate lintel, rebuilding the wall and replacing the window above.

My questions are, is this a big problem, is it likely to damage much of
the internal decor and how much should we anticipate to pay around the
Manchester area for this kind of work? *Also, if we were to DIY would we
need building regs approval etc.?

We will of course get a survey if we proceed but it would be handy to
have a rough idea of the options before negotiating with the vendor.

Many thanks in advance,
Richard

UPVC bay windows can be fitted with steel support tubes in the corners
if there is significant weight on them. In practice, this means just
about in every case. It's not possible to say without seeing the
extent of the damage and the construction what remedial action will be
needed. If it's mostly timber, it may be possible to jack the
structure back into it's correct position. If it's masonary this will
almost certainly be a lot more work. Get your local builder in to
advise.