Is the front of my house going to fall off?

[Margaret Sullivan]

It’s started to crack seemingly after my neighbours carried out extensive works, they did a rear and loft extension with PWC agreement in place - a few issues that were resolved.
The works in their house took almost 2 years, their were cracks to the party wall but nothing seemingly major, I had the walls skimmed and painted.

But, it has transpired they also carried out a major overhaul to the rest of the property, which is fine, but one recurring issue is that when their washing machine spins it vibrates the party wall - something which shouldn’t be happening, they brought me in to show me it’s not next to the wall (it isn’t) but it was very obvious that they’ve dropped the floor, there is a slope down, I asked if steels had been installed (no PW in place for these works) and the washer was sitting on this? neighbours conveniently can’t remember. They have replaced the first washer but the wall still vibrates - now my walls are cracking!

Also my bay window walls have started to crack - inside and out, I don’t know if this is because every time they leave their house they slam their steel door? Which is set into a PVC frame?

I don’t know where to start? Do I go to my insurance first or a structural engineer - thanks for anyone that’s managed to read through and make sense of this.

I’ve been here 20 years and never had any issues with the property before, I waited for the neighbours to complete their works before I replaced my windows, my house should now be complete, instead it looks like the front is going to fall off!

 

[helvellyn950m]

It sounds like you're on the right lines with a structural engineer and your insurance, I'd start there for sure. Hope you get sorted!

 

[Margaret Sullivan]

Thank you for replying - Monday’s jobs sorted then!

 

[^woody^]

Use your house insurance and they will pay for a structural engineer's report.

But, insist that you use your own choice of firm, not the insurer's choice, and certainly not the insurer's in-house loss adjuster.

Tell the insurer's that a PW award is in place, (check the conditions in that award) and instruct a qualified engineer who is experienced in expert witness reports and statements as if this goes to court that will be very important.

 

[garyo]

I replaced my windows,

...followed by...

my bay window walls have started to crack - inside and out,

... Is a common complaint on this site even without neighbours doing any work, so don't be too quick to point the finger at the chaps next door.

 

[Margaret Sullivan]

Thanks so much Woody.
I’ll try and explain the issues clearly to the insurers and request a known structural engineer.
The PW didn’t cover any internal renovation works or external works, only the rear and loft extensions, as they were the only works declared and covered by Building Control. Hence the dropped floor, I doubt this would pass BC - it is a sloped step in a tiled floor.
Sorry, I’m digressing.
Thanks again for all of the info!

 

[Margaret Sullivan]

@garyo
Thank you for replying, yes I’m aware that bays are sometimes a separate build literally stuck on to the front of the building and that I may have two issues.
I’m not assuming everything that is happening is because of the works next door.
Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[^woody^]

The PW didn’t cover any internal renovation works or external works, only the rear and loft extensions,

Did you get an Award? Not a prize, but a Party Wall Award prepared by surveyors detailing what is being done, how it should be done and what to do if there are problems?

 

[Margaret Sullivan]

Hi Woody,
I did get an award but it was only for the permitted development works declared. There was no mention of dropping floors anywhere although this has been carried out and was not done until after the award was signed off. Not apparent until the washing machine started vibrating the wall and floor, but very apparent on viewing the property (I was familiar with the property as I visited often).