Cracks In The Ceilings

mimi1234

Hi all,

I've seen a property which I guess I like, amongst others. However, there are quite large cracks in 2 bedrooms on the ceilings. In one room, it seems like someone has been jumping up and down on the roof, so the ceiling seems to be coming down a bit in one corner. Now I have viewed many properties and you always see the odd crack here and there but the ones in one of the bedrooms looked quite bad so to speak.

When I asked if they would negotiate on the price if a survey was done, they said only for structural damage or repairs. Would large cracks on the bedroom ceiling be classed as structural damage or would that be more cosmetic?

I am going to phone a few surveyors next week but asking on here in case anyone has any experience.

Thanks,

kinger101

It's impossible to say without further investigation. Doesn't sound good though.

dgtazzman

The crack itself would be cosmetic, but the cause of the crack could be structural and by your description, I would wager it is. Impossible to say till a professional looks at it.

student100

Depends a bit on the age of the property and the ceiling and construction. If plasterboard then a crack would normally be along the edge of a board (straight crack) and whether or not its an issue depends on what caused it. Someone accidentally standing on it from loft for instance would not be a structural issue.
If it's an older lath and plaster ceiling then cracking could just be 80 year old (or whatever) plaster having gone friable and come away from the laths. Again not really a structural issue in itself but maybe one day you will want to overboard or pull down and replace the ceiling.