cracks in new build plaster

mac123

Hi

Just deciding to buy a 2 year old ground floor flat which is still covered by the NHBC. However, when looking at the first floor flat directly above which is also for sale directly above it, there were some cracks in the plaster around the windows and ceiling. Not majoy but then again … not minor!

The estate agents says this is normal for a new build and that the vendor will fill the cracks and paint the flat before completion.

What would you suggest I ask/do in this instance

Thanks

jimmmyc

The general rule is if you can put a pencil in them then get a structural surveyor to check it out. Although I have seen many threads in this forum about cracks in new builds and extenstion etc. With the type and speed of build these days it seems there is always some settling around window frames and joins in the ceiling, hence the cracks and generally once they are there they will keep coming back. If they annoy you or you don't like the look of them, then I'd leave it.
Its worth checking the exterior to see if any of the brick work is cracked or has moved also.

mac123

the exterior looks fine but are these not a problem that is covered by the NHBC??

adr0ck

mac123 wrote:

the exterior looks fine but are these not a problem that is covered by the NHBC??

for two years...so will be outside now

traditional construction = lots of cracks

timber frame = very few cracks

lovelldr

What do you mean by tradition construction? Brick and tiled roof? How do you find out whether it was a timber frame?

Cheers

Andybez38

New build construction is put up so fast these days. Things never get to dry out before the owner moves in. The central heating goes on and the cracks appear. This is a normal occurance and nothing to worry about. It might well be the existing owner never bought it to the attention of the builder. Often a builder would go back and fill in the cracks in the plaster when the building has had time to dry out and shrink a bit.

Doozergirl

The agent is completely right. It is likely to be shrinkage in the plaster as oppose to settlement in the building, expecially if the cracks are running along joins where wall meets window and doors. It always happens; it's happened in every room we've ever plastered; old houses and new.

I wouldn't give it a second thought.