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Extension concerns

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31 Aug 2025
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We had a double storey extension completed around 4 years ago. About 6 months after some cracks started appearing on the plaster which we put down to settlement. Now however there are a few more upstairs with gaps and I'm a little concerned. Are these anything to worry about? The kids do slam the doors quite a lot. These cracks are mostly where the extension joins the original building. No cracks outside that I can see.
 

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It looks like it could be concerning, especially photo 2 and particularly 6 which appears to show movement beneath the end of a beam.

It's impossible to tell from photos on the internet, but I'd suggest finding a structural engineer to have a look. It will cost money but then you'll know whether there is a problem and/or if you should be pursuing the builder (if they're still around).

According to google, builders are liable for 6 years, so don't hang about.
 
It looks like it could be concerning, especially photo 2 and particularly 6 which appears to show movement beneath the end of a beam.

It's impossible to tell from photos on the internet, but I'd suggest finding a structural engineer to have a look. It will cost money but then you'll know whether there is a problem and/or if you should be pursuing the builder (if they're still around).

According to google, builders are liable for 6 years, so don't hang about.
If the builder has retired, does that absolve liability? Would there be any point contacting the architect/project manager first?
 
We had a double storey extension completed around 4 years ago. About 6 months after some cracks started appearing on the plaster which we put down to settlement. Now however there are a few more upstairs with gaps and I'm a little concerned. Are these anything to worry about? The kids do slam the doors quite a lot. These cracks are mostly where the extension joins the original building. No cracks outside that I can see.
Every single one of those cracks looks like shrinkage movement. I certainly would not fret over them.
 
We've had a hot summer - stuff will have expanded in the heat, now it's cooling off again and it's contracting. e.g. a 2m beam will expand 0.25mm with a 10 degree change in temperature - not much, but enough to push a crack

I agree - nothing to worry about
 

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