Settlement cracks in loft conversion, or more serious?

[winst81]

Hi there. I was wondering if I could get some advice on this.

Our loft conversion project was completed around two months ago, and included lowering the ceilings on the first floor. We've noticed that cracks have appeared in the paintwork in several places all over the build.

The company are saying they're just settlement cracks (which I agree some of them could well be), but some look like they could be where they might have forgotten use jointing tape between the wall and ceiling, or apply caulk in other areas,

They've offered to come and repaint those areas, but I don't really want them to paint over something that they might need to fix properly. So grateful for any of your advice! Do any of these look like they could be the result of dodgy workmanship and need repairing?

Thanks!

 

[^woody^]

Your house settled within 12 months of it being built, and a loft conversion does not cause any settlement - if it did its a problem.

They may be shrinkage cracking going by the locations, but I've never ever seen shrinkage cracking from a loft - unless everything was completely soaked or stored in the wet when being built.

So whilst it is not a structural concern (if it is shrinkage) its not normal and is down to poor workmanship so would be a warranty issue for rectifying by the contractor once it is deemed to have stopped shrinking.

 

[winst81]

Thanks, Woody, very helpful. How would it need to be rectified? They're offering to come and re-do the paintwork in those bits, but should they be doing more?

Cheers

 

[^woody^]

It's a case of waiting for the initial shrinking to stop, and then doing the making good.

The problem you will have with that cracking between walls and ceilings is that the reinforcement tape which stops minor cracking is now broken, and so even when filled and redecorated, it will most likely crack again (although not as extensive) due to normal seasonal movement. The alternative would be to hack out and replace the reinforcement tape, but that will then mess up all the plaster surface and make it more noticeable - unless the builders spend a great deal of time to blend everything back in.

The cracks to the skirting and suchlike can be filled with a flexible caulk

 

[johnny2007]

Most of it seems cheap caulk that has cracked.
Woody explained the tape problem for the rest.