Loft converstions and subsidence

7 replies

mahonia7 · 05/08/2007 08:28

Has anyone heard of loft conversions causing subsidence?

We want to do one but are very concerned. We have a structural engineer drawing up our plans and doing the calculations and he does not seem worried but then again it is not his house...

Insurers have given us permission to go ahead but no insurer has to keep insuring you and can refuse to renew without reason.

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scienceteacher · 05/08/2007 08:32

I've never heard of it. We certainly weren't worried when we had ours done - the architect did all the plans, which were approved by the local authority building inspector (who visited several times during the project).

TBH, a loft conversion adds very little weight to the property, so unless your property had substandard foundations to begin with, it shouldn't be a concern.

Original poster

mahonia7 · 05/08/2007 09:35

Many thanks for that. Our property is Victorian so not sure what the foundations are like. I don't think the Victorians went in for big foundations. Loads of people have had lofts done in our road but we are a little worried as our property had minor problems on one corner due to a tree root nine years ago. The tree was removed and we've had no problems since.

We've got a structural engineer to do our plans and calculations and he does not seem concerned at all but has not mentioned our foundations. He is doing a full plans submission to the council...

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Whizzz · 05/08/2007 09:54

surely if the structural engineer is happy + insureres, then it isn't seen as a problem - whats causing you to be concerned ??

IsabelWatchingItRainInMacondo · 05/08/2007 09:57

Why don't you mention your concerns to the sructural engineer? I'm sure he will be happy to explain to you why your house is not at risk even after the problem 9 years ago

IsabelWatchingItRainInMacondo · 05/08/2007 09:57

...or at least will make him to check about it twice befroe submitting the plans.

scienceteacher · 05/08/2007 10:02

Even if the tree root had weakened the structure, it wouldn't cost a fortune to have the corner underpinned.

Original poster

mahonia7 · 05/08/2007 11:21

Thanks for your replies. What you say completely makes sense. I think I'm worried because if it all goes wrong we will be left with the problem.

Also, insurance company and engineer seemed very relaxed about the problem 9 years ago and I did not expect that.

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