Underpinning

northwest1965

Can anyone give me advice about this subject.

The house we want to buy was underpinned in 1994. It was caused by tree roots in a clay/loam soil. The house was underpinned in a L shape at the front and side of the house.

My question is, is it likely that the other corner would need doing. I realise what I am saying "crystal ball" stuff and I am looking like a complete idiot:o but I want to understand as much as possible about the situation.

jhe

sorry cannot advise other than to look round for cracks.
my own house suffered very slight subsidence around 1997 on the front corner roughly 1metre at the front and 1 metre at the side was underpinned.
my house insurance has been high ever since,very few insurers will cover me and those that offer quotes are very very high.plus when if i decide to sell, the house price will be affected
my advice would be,unless you are getting a bargain price look elsewhere

dampdaveski

Hi northwest,
In theory the house had a localised problem, it was assessed and the necessary repairs carried out, which no doubt involved removing the offending tree that was the cause, therefore it is logical to assume that the property now has no more chance of subsidence than any other property in the area.
HOWEVER I would suggest that you employ a structural engineer to fully assess the property prior to committing to buy. It would also be prudent to make sure the person you approach has local knowledge of the area
Hope this helps
DD

Innys

jhe wrote: »

my advice would be,unless you are getting a bargain price look elsewhere

Totally agree with this. Given the state of the property market, the OP can afford to be choosy.

Why consider a potentially problematic property when there is no shortage of alternatives?

vaio

dampdaveski wrote: »

Hi northwest,
In theory the house had a localised problem, it was assessed and the necessary repairs carried out, which no doubt involved removing the offending tree that was the cause, therefore it is logical to assume that the property now has no more chance of subsidence than any other property in the area.........

It might well be logical but on the basis that insurers aren't (see jhe post) & future purchasers might not be logical then the OP would be well advised to walk away