We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
cross wall construction with traditional extension?
Options

Jemma01
Posts: 390 Forumite

Hi
I feel like I'm probably asking the wrong questions, but please bear with me.
I've done level two survey and found this:
The original part of the property is of cross wall construction.
Notes: The main walls are of cavity construction and measure around 270mm in thickness where measurements were taken. Cavity walls usually consists of external brickwork, a gap of between 50mm - 100mm and internal blockwork. The cavity should be fully or partially filled with insulation. Metal bars connecting the inner and outer leaf. The extension is of traditional cavity construction.
Few questions please:
* Would this be a non standard construction?
* Does it help in any way that there is an extension of standard build?
* I'm really confused how they would be connected. Does that mean I now have a cavity wall in the middle between the extension the original rear timber studs?
The survey didn't highlight this as a problem but I don't want this to cause me issues later down the line.
Thanks
Note:
I'm FTB, not an expert, all my comments are from personal experience and not a professional advice.
Mortgage debt start date = 25/10/2024 = 175k (5.44% interest rate, 20 year term)
Q4/2024 = 139.3k (5.19% interest rate)
Q1/2025 = 125.3k (interest rate dropped from 5.19% - 4.69%)
Q2/2025 = 108.9K (interest rate 4.44%)
Q4/2024 = 139.3k (5.19% interest rate)
Q1/2025 = 125.3k (interest rate dropped from 5.19% - 4.69%)
Q2/2025 = 108.9K (interest rate 4.44%)
Q3/2025 = 103.9k
0
Comments
-
I don't suppose you've got any photos of the property?1
-
stuart45 said:I don't suppose you've got any photos of the property?I sure do from the surgery.[Photos removed]Note:I'm FTB, not an expert, all my comments are from personal experience and not a professional advice.Mortgage debt start date = 25/10/2024 = 175k (5.44% interest rate, 20 year term)
Q4/2024 = 139.3k (5.19% interest rate)
Q1/2025 = 125.3k (interest rate dropped from 5.19% - 4.69%)
Q2/2025 = 108.9K (interest rate 4.44%)Q3/2025 = 103.9k0 -
The answers to your questions.
1) crosswall construction is known as Rat-Trad.(rationalized traditional,). It's neither traditional or non standard.
2) Don't think it matters.
3) the extension walls connect to the cavity walls of the gable.wall and the central pier.
There were loads of different types of crosswall construction houses built in the 60's and 70's. The front and rear flank walls are probably timber frame.
Most crosswall houses have much larger windows than yours, especially upstairs. The weight of the upper floors and roof are taken by the gable and party walls to allow for this.1 -
stuart45 said:The answers to your questions.
1) crosswall construction is known as Rat-Trad.(rationalized traditional,). It's neither traditional or non standard.
2) Don't think it matters.
3) the extension walls connect to the cavity walls of the gable.wall and the central pier.
There were loads of different types of crosswall construction houses built in the 60's and 70's. The front and rear flank walls are probably timber frame.
Most crosswall houses have much larger windows than yours, especially upstairs. The weight of the upper floors and roof are taken by the gable and party walls to allow for this.Much appreciated, thank youFor 3, from what i understand you're saying (and sorry if it is wrong, not putting words in your mouth), there wouldn't be a cavity wall in the middle (previous rear of the building) as there wasn't one in the original build (original design is timber studs), and they would have attached the extension to the ends of the cavity walls (left and right ends) and extended it out to build the sides of the extension.Note:I'm FTB, not an expert, all my comments are from personal experience and not a professional advice.Mortgage debt start date = 25/10/2024 = 175k (5.44% interest rate, 20 year term)
Q4/2024 = 139.3k (5.19% interest rate)
Q1/2025 = 125.3k (interest rate dropped from 5.19% - 4.69%)
Q2/2025 = 108.9K (interest rate 4.44%)Q3/2025 = 103.9k0 -
That's what's probably been done. The cavity walls of the extension join on to the cavity walls of the house. It's possible to join a cavity wall to a stud wall, as the cavity walls join the studwork above. It's a weak spot in crosswall construction, as timber and masonry move differently. I expect your surveyor is well aware of any issues with crosswall construction houses.1
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.2K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards