Damp wall before house purchase - cause / costs / help

Hello everyone,

I am considering buying a house (year of construction: 1978). After the viewing, I noticed 2 major problems. Therefore, I am now looking here for advice and help, maybe someone can help me. That would be great!

Problem 1) Cracks in the basement between ceiling and wall: Is there reason for concern here - or are these merely plaster and normal cracks between ceiling and wall due to the age?

[ATTACH alt="wand-putz-besichtigung-risse-decke-321170-2.jpg" type="full"]34129[/ATTACH]

Problem 2) On this outside staircase, the plaster has come off the masonry - I suspect that due to the mounted railing, water got behind the plaster at the screws and thus loosened it from the masonry.

[ATTACH alt="wand-putz-besichtigung-risse-decke-321170-3.jpg" type="full"]34130[/ATTACH]

However, I am concerned after the moisture measurement inside at this spot!

The measuring device shows 16.7%! How can it be that the wall inside also shows such a high value? Is this a major damage? What might have to be renovated here? Costs?

I had planned to renovate the building in 3 years - i.e. new exterior plaster including thermal insulation. But if more serious damage has been caused by the moisture, I would probably reconsider the purchase.

Please help. Thanks and kind regards,

Beni

Your approach is reckless. You have doubts but not the expertise to dispel or confirm them. You will spend six-figure money. You cannot depend on an internet forum for that. Please take a mason with you for the inspection, pay them a fee, and then you will have expertise on site. K.

Take someone with you who knows about moisture and measurements. You can also measure as much nonsense as you want there. That will only drive you crazy or give you a false sense of security...