House extension - crack above door frame (settlement crack?!)

catloverbex

Hi all

I'm hoping someone can help me please!

I've just viewed a house that I LOVE! :j It is an extended semi-detached. However, I noticed a crack above the doorframe of the main bedroom (which is part of the extension). It's only thin, and goes up the corner of the room and over the doorframe.

I mentioned it to the estate agent who nonchalantly said it's a 'settlement crack' from the extension and looked at me as though I was stupid for even asking!

I have no idea what a settlement crack is - and also have no idea if I should be worried. I've asked the estate agent to ask the vendor if they have any documentation e.g. guarantee or anything when the extension was done or any survey/HIP report.

If I do decide to put an offer in - I will be having a full structural survey before committing to anything....

Does anyone have any advice please? Or could put my mind at rest? I really don't want it to be a problem cos I love the house.

Thanks guys

Catloverbex

poppysarah

catloverbex wrote: »

I mentioned it to the estate agent who nonchalantly said it's a 'settlement crack' from the extension and looked at me as though I was stupid for even asking!

Don't rely on an EA for advice on the property he's trying to sell you to make a commission.

Get a surveyor in.

catloverbex

Yeah - I was taking what they said with a very large pinch of salt (my partner is also the worlds most cynical man so he also said to ignore them)...

Just didnt want to waste my money getting a survey done if someone can quite easily tell me to run a mile with cracks at doorframes...

shane42

could well be nothing just a plaster crack , most new builds get cracks around the ceiling and doors

poppysarah

shane42 wrote: »

could well be nothing just a plaster crack , most new builds get cracks around the ceiling and doors

But aren't they going to be really fine cracks?

Anything you can get a bit of paper in is a concern. If you can put a magazine in it, worry and if you can put a book in it run.

Slinky

We've had hairline cracks on our extensions, but nothing we're worrying about. They have appeared as the plaster dried out. Some of them have been at the top corner of the doorframe running to the ceiling. Are you able to see the same wall outside - is the crack going right through?

A full survey will give you peace of mind, or save you money if there is something more serious than settlement or normal cracking.