Crack in wall - who do I call to look at it?

[allduffedup]

Just removed some wallpaper in one of our bedrooms today. There is a crack about a foot long which extends left from the windowsill. Also, above the window there is an area about 6"x3" where the plaster is buckled and crumbling - I can see some metal grid-type thing underneath (the lintel?).

There is also a 6" crack in the corner of the opposite wall, which is internal and doesn't go through to the other side of the wall. Not sure if this is a supporting wall or not.

Who should I get out to look at this? A builder, or a window specialist, or someone else?

Cracks themselves are not always something to worry about. My dad is a plasterer so I would ask him. I appreciate this is not much help for you. Maybe try a builder.

How old is the property? When was it last plastered? If the plaster is old and you remove wall paper quite often this happens.

Probably need The Doctor....

You need a surveyor. We had a large crack in our last house and we got a surveyor in to monitor it. I think we contacted out building insurance company first and they told us to get a surveyor.

Don't just plaster over the cracks because you need to know why it has happened.

It is a 1970s property, and the wallpaper has probably been up for 20 years or more. It was textured stuff that was painted over. The windows are not original, and they have clearly been put in after the wallpaper, as the wallpaper goes underneath the plastic trim around the window. I suspect the room has not been replastered since it was built. Will try a surveyor.

I uncovered quite a few, to us, worrying cracks in our last house when I stripped the walls. (Nothing in survey.) We called the people we had buildings and contents insurance with. They sent round a surveyor who looked, offered lots of advice and wrote a report for the insurance company. Didn't cost us anything in the end and was nothing major thankfully. Round windows can be because seals have gone and damp is getting in iirc.

Ok thanks, that is reassuring. I called a couple of builders today who advised me to also call the insurance company, so I'll try that tomorrow.

...and this is another reason why I hate wallpaper!

Was there any evidence of the cracks before you removed the wallpaper? if there has been recent movement, I would expect there to be damage or ripples to the paper.

No, none. However it was two layers of painted, textured wallpaper which I reckon has been there since the 90s. I called the insurance company and they are sending round a subsidence firm to have a look. I'm sure it is nothing serious, but I want to check rather than just fill in the holes and cover it up.