Subsidence Signs
Diagonal cracks appearing around windows and doors, doors sticking, and visible sinking on one side of the building.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Clay soil shrinking in dry weather, often due to nearby trees
- 2Leaking drains washing away soil beneath foundations
- 3Old mine workings or poorly compacted ground
How Urgent Is This?
This needs prompt attention. Delaying could cause further damage, safety risks, or significantly higher repair costs.
What Needs to Be Done
A structural engineer will investigate with soil tests and monitoring. Remedies range from tree removal and drain repair to full underpinning of the foundations.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £3,325 – £8,250 | Materials: £2,300 – £6,700
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Ask a QuestionPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
Generally permitted under Part 1, Class A of the GPDO. Standard permitted development allows a maximum projection of 3m ...
Garage ConversionGenerally permitted as an internal alteration that does not enlarge the building. Replacing the garage door with a windo...
Basement ConversionInternal works to convert an existing basement or cellar are generally permitted as internal alterations. However, excav...
How to Prevent This
Manage trees near your property and keep them pruned. Fix any leaking drains quickly. On clay soils, avoid planting large trees within 10 metres of the house.
Related Problems
A visible crack running through the outside wall of your property, which may be widening over time.
Cracks visible in the foundation walls or signs of foundation movement such as doors sticking and walls cracking.
A door that is difficult to open or close, dragging on the frame or the floor.
Other Builder Problems
A visible crack running through the outside wall of your property, which may be widening over time.
An exterior or interior wall that bulges or leans outward, visible when looking along its length.
The mortar between bricks is cracking, crumbling, or falling out, leaving gaps in the brickwork.
Damp patches appearing on inside walls, particularly after rain, often with a musty smell.