Is it normal to have cracks appear if a wall has been removed?

Rambosmum

Wall between the two reception rooms has been removed, we understand it was a load bearing wall. An rsj and pad stones were put in place and the alteration has building regs approval. However there are cracks, thin, hairline cracks, on every wall that joins the removed wall, both up and down stairs. Is this normal? Don't want to waste money on a survey if it's not normal. The alteration is around 9months- a year old so I was wondering if it's just settling? I've seen photographs of the work in progress so no concerns that there isn't an raj present.

kinger101

Hairline cracks are nothing to worry about.

davidmcn

They may be nothing to do with the alterations. Plenty of cracks in my place - just knackered old plasterwork (I hope!).

getmore4less

What was used to make good where the wall was taken out?
getting cracks where the old/new join is very common.

Innys1

I'm guessing the newly exposed brickwork was plastered over. Very common for newly plastered walls to crack as they dry out.

Nothing to worry about, even if a bit unsightly.

G_M

I agree with the comments above...... 95%.

There is of course a small chance that the cracks are caused by ongoing movement resulting from the load being insufficiently supprted. Unlikely given the Building Regs sign-off, but.......

Whether you decide to go with the 95% likelihood and save on a survey, or play safe and get a professional to look is up to you.

bouicca21

In the distant past when I was a raw first time buyer I looked at a house with a bathroom in an extension. It had been signed off by the council, but even I, in my ignorance, knew that it contravened the then current building regs. I have never trusted a council sign off since.

marksoton

Rambosmum wrote: »

Wall between the two reception rooms has been removed, we understand it was a load bearing wall. An rsj and pad stones were put in place and the alteration has building regs approval.

It may well be nothing. But whilst you know there is an RSJ in place now you've no way of knowing if the interim work was done properly and to the correct methodology. e.g were the correct rated Acrow's used etc....

You pays your money ( or not ) and takes ya chances...

Mossfarr

hairline cracks in new plaster is perfectly normal, just drying out. The cracks are often worse above radiators or on chimney breasts as the walls are warmer so plaster dries a bit too quickly.
I don't know if it still is but it used to be standard practice for the builders of new properties to come back after 6 months to rectify this.
(my partner is a plasterer)!!