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Extensions

Extension cracks all way through the wall - could it have damaged the house?

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.35 PM

Hello, We are looking into buying a 1930-s semi-detached house. It has an extension that was built over 35 years ago (no planning permissions or building certificate retained). It has large visible cracks on the inside and outside walls, as well as cracks around where the extension joins the house. No visible cracks in the main house that we noticed and we looked behind curtains, all windows, ceilings, etc. We want an opinion of how serious the issue is and how much it will cost to remediate it. We are suspecting the foundation under the extension is not deep enough and it will need to be demolished completely, which we are prepared for. But we are worried if the damage has been made to the main house. Many thanks for opinions!

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3 Answers

ERCON LTD

Rating: 5 out of 5
Waltham Cross
It seems that the extension does have an inappropriate foundation (i.e. casted in poor quality - weak concrete, undersized footing, shallow foundation, etc.). The direction and size of the cracks also count for this issue. Vertical, horizontal or stair step cracks all indicates different causes. Also I can understand from your description that a proper connection has not been made between the main house and extension such as using a wall starter which in my opinion is a major defect as well as the cracks. The best way to treat this problem is to have a structural inspection first to detect the causes of problem more in detail and also determine the structural integrity of the main house. Afterwards, a treatment should be needed certainly to eliminate the cracks and settlement. There are several ways to sort this problem out, but the best solution will be demolish the existing extension and build a proper one instead.
Answered20 November 2020
10

Conservatory bases direct ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Lowestoft
It’s a complete rebuild from new / restart / house won’t be affected as extension is independent from main home
Answered18 November 2020
2

Littlemoor Construction Ltd

No reviews yet

Bradford
Did down to invert level of the foundations to see depth of concrete and sub soil . Ideally they will be a minimum of 600 mm and good ground . If foundations are shallow it would be a good idea to contact a Structual engineer as they may need underpinning . Shrinking can also be caused by tree root . Usually within a five meter range
Answered18 November 2020
0