Front porch subsidence

[Icyblue]

Five years ago when we moved in, there were small cracks in the front open porch where the pillars attached to the house. One of the pillars has moved considerably. The surveyor did point out there is slight movement but this is only due to natural causes as we are on clay soil. The porch now needs to knock down and rebuild. We are going to sell this house in the near future so if we claim through insurance will it effect our mortgage or the buyer's?

it will mean that you have to declare that a claim was made for subsidence, and all your potential buyers will run screaming for the hills.

What's the cost of having the work done? Typically the excess for subsidence claims is a minimum of £1000. That along with the record of a subsidence claim may mean it's not a claim you wish to pursue.

We have a quote for a porch at around £4,000 so we are not claiming insurance. A surveyor came round and said it's subsidence due to shallow foundation. (It is not a closed porch with doors and window but an open porch). If we dig a more deeper foundation and rebuild the porch, will the problem be solved?

It's hard to imagine without a picture but would you have the option of just taking it down and not rebuilding, if so, less expenses.

Yes, but it depends how deep you go. On clay soil a separate foundation is always liable to move away from the house. Best practice is to dig down as far as the house foundations, though that may seem excessive for a light open porch.

Thanks, I'm thinking of building an enclosed porch so needs to dig deep.