Structural Inspections and Reports (good advice)

The most common structural concerns this year, have been-

Cracking in the external wall between the original property and the extension – this can be related to how the extension has, or has not, been attached to the original property. There are some preferred methods for this, these being –

A toothed-in joint in the masonry brickwork walls.

A wall-starter kit, a metal bracket fixed to the wall.

A mortar joint or a fibreboard fill and mastic sealant

These are very different, for the first two the intention would be to ensure that the walls act together, since they are fixed, and I would suggest this is best. Remember also, that the concrete foundation beneath, for the extension, should preferably be at least as deep as the existing foundation and connected to it using steel dowel bars.

The third is not really recommended. Since, differential settlement, settlement between the newer extension against the existing, can occur.

Stepped cracking on the external wall, as below, can indicate settlement or even subsidence, and should be investigated.

Cracking on the internal wall – depending on the severity, this can be serious, since the inner wall is the load-bearing leaf of the cavity wall, it carries more load, some settlement might be occurring.

Cracking in the ceiling – this could be a concern, especially if the ceiling construction is the older type of timber lath and plaster. In some cases, the ceiling has been re=plastered, this would add weight to the ceiling which it might not be able to adequately support.

Of, course, any cracking should be looked at individually on a case-by-case basis, and a judgement made by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer, CEng MICE or IStructE. I would be pleased to have a look for you …

Structural Survey Inspections and Reports

Structural survey inspection and reports, undertaken by Chartered Civil or Structural Engineers, would always be worthwhile before purchasing a property.

Older properties are unfortunately likely to have inherent structural issues, due to their age or construction, materials used or workmanship, and these can be costly to rectify. Construction techniques and materials available were different many years ago. Surprisingly, even new properties can have structural issues.

Structural reports would provide an indication of the structural condition and some reassurance, perhaps, and can be used to reasonably negotiate on the selling price of the property.

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight, precast, cellular concrete building material. It is composed of quartz sand, gypsum, lime, portland cement, water and aluminium powder, cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave. Forms include blocks, wall, floor and roof panels, cladding (façade) panels and lintels.

RAAC was used predominantly in public-sector construction buildings constructed since the mid-1950s. RAAC has been found to have limited structural rebar integrity in 40 to 50 year-old RAAC roof panels, and can be liable to fail without warning, with no visible deterioration.

Home Extension and Alteration

Considering an home extension or alteration, to a house, a bungalow or flat, if you like your property and do not wish to move, then perhaps an extension or alteration would be preferred to having to move to increase your liveable space.

An extension or alteration should provide you with extra useable space to enjoy and relax or for work purposes. These could also add considerable value, to the property, when you eventually sell.

Property Purchases and Renovations

The property market continues to offer some great opportunities for individuals to purchase properties and to then invest in renovations and alterations, to create and subsequently enjoy the improvements in their houses.

Simple Design Services Partnership can assist you from the early stages, when a structural report is necessary to understand the overall condition of the building, and then with the proposals to convert the loft space, build an extension or simply to undertake some internal alterations, perhaps to create open-plan living areas.

Please contact us for some great advice and ideas …

Simple Design Services Partnership

simplesdesign@aol.com
www.simpledesignservices.co.uk
office: 01489 572953
mobile: 07764 212738

Dry Summer Causes Subsidence

Again, a hot summer of 2022, has inevitably led to a huge surge in subsidence problems as homes suffered in the heat.

Claims for subsidence are expected to be at the highest level for many years, reaching numbers last seen in the heatwaves of 2006 and 2003.

Many households made claims but experts told homeowners not to panic if cracks appear.

If cracking appears, please contact Simple Design Services for the professional advice from a Chartered Civil Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist CEng MICE and CEnv SocEnv

The worst hit was south-eastern England, where buildings are well-known for being constructed on subsidence-prone clay soil.

What is subsidence?

Subsidence happens when the ground beneath a building loses moisture and shrinks.

It can be caused by several factors, including prolonged dry spells that cause soil to lose water, as well as trees and shrubs which can absorb significant volumes of water from the soil.

Clay soils in particular are seen as vulnerable, while leaking underground pipes because of problems with drains and water mains can also cause soil to soften.

The good news for victims is that it is normally covered by buildings insurance.

Subsidence warning signs can include cracks suddenly emerging in properties, often around doors and windows.

Work From Home – Office Space

There have been many enquiries from home owners seeking to invest in their existing properties, improve not move, and to include their garden space –
Extensions, alterations and loft conversions are being designed to also provide home office use, as the future is sensibly for employees, where able to, to be working more from home. Properties are often becoming a self-contained building, now offering work and relaxation areas, perhaps including the luxury of hot-tub and bar area, why not!

Buying a house soon …

Homebuyers

With the Chancellor announcing that the first £500,000 of any house purchase will be exempt from Stamp Duty until 31st March 2021. There would still be an opportunity to make the most of this.

Having a full structural survey would provide a buyer with a proper assessment of the house structure and indicate any necessary structural remedial repairs and can be used to negotiate with the Vendor on the selling price ….

New Year 2021

So what’s going to be new for 2021 …
Well, the main differences, for properties, are likely to be that there would be office/working space provided or included. This would enable home working to be undertaken effectively/efficiently.

Buyers are likely to buy homes with more space for home working and existing owners are likely to seek space within the home, whether extending or providing a loft conversion or internal alterations to create more usable space for home working.

New homes are likely to be constructed to include an ‘office’ room or perhaps the dining room will become obsolete and replaced as the office.

Will work from home be the usual, only come to the office if necessary ..