How much cracking to expect after having an extension built?

HU-496207823

2 years ago

We have just had a side return kitchen extension built over the past 6 months. We moved back in about a month ago and are experiencing a number of, mostly hairline, but not all, cracks appearing. The builder & architect tell us this is to be expected, but we know nothing about it, so wanted to get further advic.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Kingfisher Designs
2 years ago
If your builder and architect say its nothing to worry about I'd trust them; building work is rarely gentle and the building will have to adjust to the new arrangements producing some cracks.

Just consider that even if you did nothing to the original structure and built an addition to the outside the weight of the new structure alone will change how the ground the original is sitting on is compressed producing movement.
HU-496207823 thanked Kingfisher Designs
Bespoke Bloke
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
When moving into a new property we were told to expect movement and the potential of cracks appearing over the first two years so advised if we did paint any walls to keep some spare.

We did get some guidance from the housin association, where if the size cracks were over a certain width that they would look to investigate it but that never became an issue and we only had minor hairline cracks appear on one side of the ground floor which were easy to fix ourselves with filler, a quick sand and re-paint.

If the builder and architect have advised that they are nothing to worry about I’d take their advice, this is a really common occurrence for any newely built // extended property and 9 times out of 10 nothing to be concerned about.
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HU-496207823
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you very much to Kingfisher Designs & Bespoke Bloke. You’ve both been very reassuring! Many thanks!
1sandyh
2 years ago
We had this after adding an extension. Even some of the skirting boards came away from the wall slightly. It’s because the building has been disrupted & there’s been movement/vibrations/disruption. Totally normal so long as it cracks in the plaster & cosmetic areas, not in the brickwork itself
HU-496207823
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks very much for your helpful comments.

How much cracking to expect after having an extension built?

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Kingfisher Designs

Bespoke Bloke

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How much cracking to expect after having an extension built?

Comments (5)

Kingfisher Designs

Bespoke Bloke

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1sandyh

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