Problems with loft conversion- who do I consult?

[fruitcorner]

We have had loft conversion carried out recently in our Edwardian terrace. I wasnt 100% happy with the builders and still have concerns, for example the paint on the ceilings of both the loft rooms and the floor downstairs is now cracking where a shape like the size of a ten pence piece seems to be pushing through - I keep thinking it's the bolts used on the joists or beams pushing out and the loft is going to collapse! Anyway who should I contact just to check over the loft for my piece of mind - another loft company, a surveyor?

[mousmous]

call your buildings insurance.
they can point you in the right direction.

[spotty26]

That particular issue sounds like a screw from the plasterboard has just popped. These sorts of shrinkages and cracks appear after a new construction. In your contract you may have had a defects liability period where the builder comes back and fills the cracks after 6 months. It does not necessarily mean it is unsafe and is quite normal when there has been new plaster.

[Dededum]

Our lovely loft conversion is full of marks where the plaster has cracked. We will just get it redecorated in a year or so.

[fruitcorner]

Just returning to say thanks for the various replies - You have reassured me !

[PigletJohn]

just to check, was the conversion to a habitable room, with design and build approved by BCO? This will (should) have included reinforcement of the loft floor.

Loft timbers are generally designed with sufficient strength to hold up the plaster ceiling, and will move and sag under greater weight.

[lemonfolly]

agree with spotty26 - we have the same on our recently converted vaulted ceiling - which would look the same as your loft. We also have replastered every wall in the house, and we have cracks everywhere, everything needs filling and decorating just a few months later - its depressing hey!