If your property or an extension on your property has been built without the necessary planning permission, there is a high chance that a mortgage will be rejected by the banks. This could involve anything from an extension on a property, new doors, windows, wiring, or even a new boiler.
What are the signs of structural movement in houses and can you still sell?
What is structural movement?
Structural movement is the movement of a building from its original foundations. Most buildings will experience some degree of structural movement at one point and it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, more serious movement can occur, causing cracks, sway and bulging.
What are the causes of structural movement?
Settlement
Settlement, the downward movement of a building due to its weight and other elements, is one of the main causes of structural movement but it doesn’t necessarily mean any work is needed. Settlement movement is often limited and might only affect your building ever so slightly.
Subsidence
Subsidence is another common cause of structural movement. Subsidence occurs when the ground itself moves downwards. This could be caused by the surface it was built upon or the conditions under your home.
Proximity to trees
Your home might also suffer from structural movement if it was built too close to trees. Tree roots can cause your home’s foundation land to dry up and crack as the roots search for more moisture during dry spells.
Other common causes include:
- Older properties
- Poor design and build
- Inadequate construction work recently carried out on the property
The key signs of structural movement in houses
If you’re unsure whether your home is experiencing structural damage, here are some house movement signs to look out for.
Interior signs of structural movement
- The doors or windows don’t open or close properly. This is one of the most common signs from within the interior of your home.
- There are cracks in the wall plaster. This is often more evident around door frames.
- Your walls are beginning to bow or bulge.
- Your floors appear uneven and they may be slanting.
- You’re experiencing nail pops (bulging nail heads) from your walls.
Exterior signs of structural movement
- Exterior walls appear to be cracked, whether they are brick or stone.
- You may experience gaps in your window frames or doors from the outside.
- Your window glass has cracked for no other apparent reason.
- Your chimney is cracked or leaning to one side.
Can I still sell my home with structural damage?
If your home has structural movement issues, the good news is you can most definitely still sell your property. Often, people with subsidence issues may resort to underpinning their home, but that doesn’t always have to be the case.
What is underpinning?
Underpinning is a technique used to strengthen a property’s foundations when suffering from structural problems. The process involves excavating the soil beneath your property and replacing them with stronger materials to secure the foundations. The cost of underpinning a house can be very costly, taking a large sum from your potential sale profit. Underpinning can also be time-consuming, meaning it’s not ideal if you’re looking to make a quick sale.
We’ll buy your property regardless of structural movement
Despite any structural movement and subsidence issues your house might be suffering from, you can sell your property with us in 30 days. We will make you a cash offer today, and a guaranteed sale in 30 days – regardless of the condition of your home.
You’ll receive an offer within just 24 hours and, if you’d like to go ahead, we’ll guarantee to complete within 30 days. It really is that simple.
For any further information or to get started with your sale, please get in touch. If you prefer, you can call us directly on 0161 393 2310 or by emailing enquiries@nwiuk.com.