celling to floor, hair line plaster crack-anything to worry about?
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.41 PM
Hi,
I'm planning on buying a house. The listing has a 3d online viewing. While having a look at the online viewing I noticed a thin crack in the plaster of a wall by what looks like an extension. I think this must have been repaired by the time I viewed the house in person. The surveys are not yet complete.
The crack runs from ceiling to floor and appears to come off a ?RSJ beam on an open plan kitchen living space. The extension is at least 6 years old. Is this likely to be a plaster crack or something more insidious?
Should I get a full structural survey done? I'm also considering further renovations such as knocking down walls/small extension etc. If I get a structural survey from the purchase perspective, would that be similar to a structural engineer visit to consider feasibility of future renovation plans?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
This could possibly be just a settlement crack from the previous work,
Answered9 June 2021
5
Anonymous user
Hi
Hairline cracks are likely due to settling. Houses of any age move and shift subtly over time, and the weakest area in a wall is the most likely to crack.
Hairline cracks generally do not indicate a structural problem; they should simply be re-taped and painted.
However if you're at all worried, get a standard survey and it may then flag up a specialist report. Depending on the age of the house, full structural surveys are generally only needed for n the much older properties or where major issues can be seen such as subsidence for example, large external cracks.
Its not uncommon to have hairline cracks in plaster..they can occur due to a myriad of reasons but usually its either simple drying out and or poorly reinforced board joints ..but it could imply movement. Normally if a cut through to the house from an extension has settled the crack would be horizontal. Even so it might not mean the work was done poorly. I would get a survey done..check the building regs have been signed off correctly...and consider a reduction in the offer price if theres any doubt. A good vendor would want to proove all is well so should co operate and assist with the paperwork..
On the flip side i have inspected many properties with genuine settlement issues..and those cracks are usually much larger...and often its due to subsidence from inadequare foundations on conservatories...which dont get inspected by building control...
