Ceiling cracks cosmetic or cause for concern

[Gillian Smith]

Hi all, we want to make an offer on a house but there is quite a lit of ceiling cracking throughout the house. I would love some advice if this is just cosmetic or might be structural. Most cracks are straight lines but one is quite long and changes direction and there is one coming diagonally from a corner. The home report mentioned there may be past movement based on a crack in external render but that it didn't appear ongoing. Nothing was mentioned at all about the internal cracks. I would really appreciate any advice if i should have this assessed or if it appears cosmetic. Thanks in advance! Gill

 

[JohnD]

How old is the house?

Have alterations been made, such as removing walls and chimneybreasts, putting rooms in the loft, or adding extensions?

What cracks did you see in the walls?

The straight lines are most likely between pieces of plasterboard that have been inexpertly fitted and skimmed. Plasterboard (usually) comes in sheets 2440x1220mm and when you see straight cracks fitting these measurements it will be cracking at the joints between the boards.

 

[JP_]

has the loft been converted? Looks like cracks around plasterboard sheets, so maybe extra weight in loft putting pressure on old timbers.

 

[Gillian Smith]

Thanks both! The house is about 15yrs old and I don't think theres been any alteration done. I wasnt able to get access to the loft at the time but I know it's not converted, just floored for storage I believe. The size between them probably does fit the size of plasterboard so that's reassuring! The diagonal crack actually joins a straight line so would this be the same cause u think? We have cracks in our current house these are quite bad! Thank so much for your responses!

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

if it has a loft conversion / properly, then the floor will be independent of the upstairs ceilings, looks to me like new ceilings . they may have been skimmed and dried out far too quickly with heaters and or dehumidifiers. and this time of year that’s what youll end up with.
account for an average of £650 per damaged ceiling and knock it off your offer.
fyi . the size of the most used plasterboard sheet is 2400 x 1200.
not 2440 x 1220.