Extensions, Alterations and Load-Bearing Walls
Many properties in the Gloucester area have been modified over time to create open-plan living spaces or additional rooms. While these changes can significantly enhance a home, they can also introduce serious risks if the structural work was not carried out correctly. When you are looking to get house survey advice, one of the most important aspects is verifying that any extensions or internal alterations are structurally sound and safe.
The Risks of Open-Plan Living
A common trend in modern home design involves removing internal walls to create a larger kitchen or living area. However, many of these are load-bearing walls that support the weight of the floors or roof above. If a wall is removed without installing a correctly sized steel beam (RSJ) to take the load, the building will eventually show signs of distress. These can include sagging ceilings, sticking doors on the floors above, or significant diagonal cracking in the masonry. An RICS accredited surveyor is trained to spot these telltale signs of structural instability that a regular buyer might overlook.
Assessing Extensions and Conversions
Building an extension is a major structural undertaking that requires proper foundations, damp proofing, and tie-ins to the original building. Poorly constructed extensions can lead to differential movement, where the new part of the house pulls away from the old, causing large gaps and water ingress. Furthermore, you must ensure that any significant work, such as a garage conversion or a two-storey extension, was completed with the necessary building regulations approval and planning permission.
During RICS Level 2 Home Surveys, we look closely at the junctions between old and new structures and check for signs that the building’s fabric has been compromised by past alterations. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of whether the home has been modified safely or if there are hidden defects that could cost you thousands in future repairs.
Getting Expert Technical Advice
If our inspection reveals that a load-bearing wall has been removed without adequate support, or if an extension is showing signs of structural failure, it is essential to seek a deeper technical assessment. We may recommend obtaining a Structural Engineer Report to calculate the required supports and determine if the current structure is safe to live in.
Because structural repairs to extensions and internal supports are often incredibly expensive, knowing the facts before you exchange contracts is vital. If significant remedial work is required to make the property safe, an RICS valuation will help you understand the impact on the property’s market price. This allows you to negotiate a fair house purchase survey price or request that the seller rectifies the issues before the sale proceeds.