Subsidence database?

[Anita Palley]

We're looking at a three bedroom Victorian house to buy in London. It's in a street near were we live now, and I know that some of the houses on that street have had some (fairly minor) subsidence, involving the bay windows cracking away from the main structure.

When we looked at the house I mentioned this to the vendors and they said that they've had no trouble, although they've only been there for three years. The agents say that it's all clear as well. Before we cough up for a full-structural survey and solicitors, I'm wondering whether I can find out any more myself. If I ask for quotes from insurance companies will they be able to chack some database and say whether there's ever been a claim against that address (even if they don't insure it)? I know this seems a bit sneaky, but I'd rather allay my own fears than find out after I've paid a surveyor, and I don't think there's anything illegal about getting a quote for someone else's house.

[BigWallop]

Take a look at the building itself. Any subsidence will show as wide cracks in and around the bay window area. If it's bad, then it will show itself quite prominently in large open spaces between the stonework. If it isn't that bad, then the spacing in the joints of the stonework should be quite equal all around the window areas.

You may see joints in the stonework that are wider than the others around the building, but they have been filled back with mortar to hide them. Check them closely to make sure they haven't opened again. Even just slightly. Which should show itself as the mortar pulling apart from the rest of the surrounding stone.

Subsidence in most, if not all, builds is very common. So you do see cracks and things appearing in walls and ceilings. The amount of movement is the major factor in settling of the house. If it's built on soft ground, then movement will be huge, but if the house has a good solid foundation, then settlement will be slight. But you do get movement on buildings.

Don't go mad if you see tiny little openings in the stonework. If they look as though the haven't been filled to hide them, and they aren't huge big openings in between the stones, then the build is probably OK. If you do see signs of mortar filling, then steer clear, or drop the offer price to a suitable level.

The building was built in Victorian times, and little bits of movement are expected over that time span, but not huge amounts. Good luck with it.

[newboy]

Anita

try

I found it useful for some initial informatio (an old coal mining area was my worry) although it does not appear t be available today.

as to asking insurance companies...houses are too expensive to worr about it being "sneaky" it sounds like a good idea and suggest you g the whole hog; ie. you need a quote to do your bugetting properly an you would like to know how the risk in that area affects your premiu so, mr insurance company, please check your database and tell me wha it says, don't just give me the figure your computer says.

good luc

-- newboy

[bigcat]

All Victorian houses will have this, its not a problem. The way theyre designed means they crack, and nowt will ever change it. Worries are for when the cracks are large, or the movement substantial. Narrow cracking and filling is normal and expected.

movement are

Yes, inevitable and normal. Vic houses generally had minimal foundations and no expansion joints.

NT

[BigWallop]