My floors have suddenly become uneven. What sort of builder/surveyor do I need?

[TheYearOfSmallThings]

I live in a Victorian terrace in East London (built 1895, never any problems with obvious movement). This year both my neighbours have needed roof repairs, and in the last month I have noticed my floors slanting sideways in the back addition, and possibly slanting towards the front facade in the front room. There are no cracks and the doors are working fine. The skirting boards look fine, but I haven't taken them off.

Basically, who would I call to come and take a look and advise me what is likely to be going on?

In East London, of that age, I would expect skimpy shallow foundations on soft clay soil. There might be a bay or a back addition with extra-skimpy foundations. I don't think it will be a slag or similar floor expanding.

I would also expect the drains and water pipes to be leaking, unless they have already been renewed.

Combining the two, I would fear subsidence. Possibly one or more of your neighbours has already had it investigated and might tell you what they know.

Probably call your Buildings insurer. You could consult a Structural Engineer or Chartered Surveyor first, but I expect the insurers will do that. If you engage one yourself and pay his/her fee for a survey and report, s/he may if necessary argue the case with the insurers. Look for someone local and familiar with the conditions and vernacular construction.

It's very unlikely yours is the first house in the street to suffer.

Thanks PigletJohn, I'll talk to the neighbours and go from there. Do you know roughly how much a survey and report would cost?

I'm sure if it's subsidence it won't just be me - it's a long road of Warner flats all the same age.

Walthamstow?

Warner maisonettes are usually quite a good quality build, apart from the slate roofs, but I think the clay soil will be the problem.

I don't know the cost, I imagine at least some £hundreds, might be a thou or more. Ask to know what the first visit will include and cost before you commit to more.

They might just have a look, or might dig test holes or look under the floors. With local experience, they have a good chance of knowing the cause before they even get out of the car.

Yes, it's Walthamstow, and the building quality is lovely but yes they are built straight onto clay (and in my case backing into a big wet field and the reservoirs).

Stupid question but is there a name for the kind of report I need? I've just been looking at local surveyors and they seem geared towards buyers and landlords rather than owners having structural issues.

Joists underneath may be rotted
Can you lift a floorboard?

Structural engineer

At first I thought it was that Embracelife (as slanting in the back addition is under the bathroom and kitchen). But having taken off the bath panel and lifted out some bits there I don't look or smell anything suspect.

Also unless I'm imagining it, the floors in the main body of the house have also changed. I'd ideally like to get it surveyed before contacting the insurers, as I don't have a clue about this stuff tbh.