Hi,
I am desperately in need of some general advice.
My upstairs neighbour had a loft conversion completed about 18 months ago, during which time my ground floor was rented. This is a Victorian end of terrace built approx. 1900.
I have recently moved back in to find large cracks, plaster has blown from the ceiling progressing to the floor. Also, a smaller (less scary crack) in the bedroom progressing to the floor.
The ground floor cracks are positioned approximately above a doorway upstairs and in the area where a new staircase has been built. Presumably, the new staircase is built into the wall? The walls are load bearing.
The builder came over last night essentially, ran the flat and the building down and refused to do any remedial work and essentially just tried to shut the whole conversation down.
My understanding is that it takes 2 years for this type of building work to settle, so cracks may continue to appear and grow, no point decorating. A surveyor will likely want to remove all the plaster back to brick to assess if there is a structural issue although, isn't a loft conversion signed off by a structural engineer if RSJ's are used?
The upstairs neighbour is variously reasonable and not depending on mood...
Is it likely that these cracks, not present prior to the work were caused by it? Can it be proved? Can the builder be held accountable to fix this issue...?
Advice is welcomed!
