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Extensions

Crack in wall following kitchen extension of end terrace

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 2.47 PM

I am looking to buy a Victorian end terrace house that has had a kitchen extension at the rear 4 years ago. The kitchen extends sideways to span the whole width of the downstairs (about 13') and extends out to the rear - this leaves the rear and side of the original extension above (now a bathroom) supported solely by steel beams. The kitchen is open with no pillars. There is now a crack a few mm wide visible from the outside. Looking at the rear this runs from top left to bottom right (the passageway). Its due to movement caused by the kitchen extension going in. Is this normal with this kind of extension? Any concerns?

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

Be certain to get a structural survey before buying the property, mention the crack when booking the survey, even though he will be bound to notice, he will then give you a report detailing the issue or giving you peace of mind. Either way you pass the responibility to the surveyor if it is a problem that he hasnt identified. Good luck in your new property whichever you buy Dan

Answered1 February 2012

Anonymous user

If the foundations and supporting steel is correctly placed there should be no cracking , there may not be sufficient packing between steels and brickwork above or the extension foundations may not be on bearing ground and may need underpinning . If there are any trees aroung this may cause cracking some trees absorb moisture in the ground more than others,and cause the ground to move slightly .Hope this helps Chris

Answered1 February 2012