Subsidence is a menace that can wreak havoc on any building or property. If you’re considering purchasing a house especially in the South East region of England, understanding the concept of subsidence, its risks, and how to mitigate these risks is crucial. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide, offering free advice on how to identify signs of subsidence in a potential property, the role of insurance, and the importance of considering the soil and ground conditions when buying a house.
Understand the Concept of Subsidence
Subsidence is a structural problem where a house, building, or any other form of property gradually sinks into the ground. This occurrence is due to the soil beneath the property shrinking or collapsing, causing the building’s foundation to move. It is a property owner’s nightmare, causing significant damage that may require expensive repair such as underpinning.
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Identifying the signs of subsidence early on can help prevent extensive damage and mitigate potential future risks. Structural cracks, particularly those that are wider at the top than the bottom, are the most common signs of subsidence. These cracks usually appear around doors and windows, as these are the weakest points of any building.
However, not all cracks suggest subsidence. Other factors, like temperature changes or property age, could also cause cracks. Therefore, it’s important to differentiate between regular and subsidence cracks.
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Importance of Soil and Ground Conditions
In South East England, the risk of subsidence is particularly high due to the region’s predominance of clay soil. Clay soils are known to expand when wet and contract when dry, causing ground movement that can lead to subsidence. During periods of prolonged dry weather, which are common in this region, the risk of subsidence increases.
Before purchasing a property, it’s advisable to conduct a soil and ground condition survey. This survey will help identify the type of soil on the property and assess its susceptibility to subsidence. A property built on a solid rock foundation presents a lower risk compared to one erected on clay or sandy soils.
If the property you are interested in is located in a high-risk area, don’t despair. You can still take steps to mitigate the risk, such as planting vegetation that requires less water thus reducing soil dehydration, or employing professional underpinning services to strengthen the property’s foundation.
Role of Insurance in Protecting Your Property Against Subsidence
Insurance plays a vital role in protecting your property from subsidence. An adequate buildings insurance policy should cover the cost of any subsidence damage, including underpinning and other necessary repairs. When purchasing an insurance policy, it’s essential to ensure that it includes subsidence cover.
However, properties in areas prone to subsidence may face higher insurance premiums. Some insurance providers may even refuse to cover properties with a history of subsidence. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand all factors concerning subsidence when buying a house. You can seek advice from insurance experts or use online platforms to carry out a free subsidence risk assessment or quiz to get an estimate of potential risks and premiums.
Necessity of Surveys and Mortgage Implications
A building or structural survey is an essential step when buying a house. Such a survey can help uncover any existing subsidence issues, allowing you to make an educated decision on whether to proceed with the purchase or renegotiate the price.
Mortgage lenders also consider subsidence risks when approving a home loan. If the property you’re interested in shows signs of subsidence, your lender may withhold the mortgage until necessary repairs are made. In some cases, the lender may refuse to approve the loan altogether. To avoid such disappointments, ensure you carry out a comprehensive building survey before applying for a mortgage.
In conclusion, subsidence can pose a significant risk to properties, especially in areas with clay soils like South East England. However, by understanding the signs of subsidence, considering soil and ground conditions, ensuring you have appropriate insurance cover, and conducting thorough surveys, you can mitigate these risks and make an informed decision when buying a house.
Recognizing Subsidence: From Minor Signs to Major Issues
Recognizing the symptoms of subsidence early on is a crucial part of protecting your property. When it comes to identifying signs of subsidence, you’re essentially looking for anything out of the ordinary. This can range from minor signs like small cracks near doors and windows, to major issues such as noticeable tilting or leaning of the building.
Firstly, keep an eye out for subsidence cracks. Unlike other cracks, those caused by subsidence are usually wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. They often appear diagonally and are typically thicker than a 10p coin. The presence of these cracks, especially around the weaker areas of the property such as doors and windows, might indicate a subsidence issue.
Additionally, check for signs like doors and windows sticking due to warped frames, or wallpaper crinkling at wall-ceiling joins. These might suggest movement in the building and hence, potential subsidence.
However, it’s vital to remember that not all signs automatically imply a subsidence problem. Older properties often have cracks due to the natural settlement of the house over time, which can be mistaken for subsidence. Therefore, if you have any doubts, it’s advisable to consult a structural engineer who can accurately diagnose the issue.
Selling or Buying a Property with Subsidence History: The Essential Guide
The presence or history of subsidence can significantly impact the process of buying or selling a house. For potential buyers, discovering a property has a subsidence problem can be daunting. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should immediately pull out of the purchase.
If the subsidence is historical and was treated successfully with no further movement for a number of years, it might not pose a risk to the property. In such situations, it’s crucial to request a free report from the seller detailing the subsidence work carried out, including the cause, treatment, and any ongoing maintenance.
Nevertheless, a history of subsidence can affect your ability to get home insurance and might increase the premium. As previously mentioned, make sure that your insurance policy covers subsidence damage.
For sellers with a subsidence property, it’s crucial to be transparent with potential buyers. Providing all relevant information, including any repair history, can help build trust and may facilitate the selling process.
Taking a minute quiz online can offer personalised recommendations for dealing with subsidence when buying or selling a house.
Conclusion
Understanding subsidence, identifying its signs, mitigating the risk, and handling a subsidence issue or history are all essential factors to consider when buying a house in South East England. By being aware of these elements, you not only protect your potential investment but also ensure peace of mind.
Remember, while subsidence can be a daunting issue, it’s not insurmountable. With the right information, professional advice, and proactive measures, you can confidently navigate the property market, even in areas with a high risk of subsidence. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s the power to make an informed, smart decision when buying your dream home.
