structural movement after renovation works

[dandyfluff]

Hi, we had our house renovated and a supporting wall removed and replaced with an RSJ. There was some initial small cracking after a few months, which we mentioned to the builder, but he assured us that was not completely unusual. However, there are more cracks developing, indicating continued movement.

I would like to get an engineer in to assess it and tell us what needs to be done to stop any further movement.

Does anyone know what type of engineer I should be looking for (structural, presumably, but any specialisms?)? Can anyone recommend someone (if allowed on this forum)?

Also, any knowledge as to how to proceed? We've had the builder in, but I think we need to get a bit more formal. I presume it's not covered under insurance. Can I claim it on the builder insurance?

thanks for any assistance you might be able to give

 

[JohnJay]

who's engineer spec'd the steel for the RSJ? He/She should inspect this before signing off

 

[Directly]

Im guessing Dandyfluff did not employ an engineer or any building professional to Project Manage this renovation?
Reading between the lines, Im guessing you employed builder directly?? Then you wouldn't be mentioning on here about dealing/talking with builder directly over this cracking.
Also did builder employ an engineer to identify the specification etc of steel Rsj for the job or for any part of the renovation?

Re the insurance part, well yes the builder's insurance is liable for the work done to your house...then again do you know IF builder even HAD insurance when he did the job on your house??? Did he hand you any documents/papers in relation to him having an insurance policy to cover himself etc during works on your house?
Btw did you inform your house insurers before job started that you were employing builder to renovate your house? And the implication etc if anythjng happened?

You know the answers to these questions, theres no need to explain them here, but best course of action now is to get a solicitor to advise you now cos builder is clearly fobbing you off over their shoddy work on your house. Yes its advisable now to get an engineer for your sake to inspect the house cracking and advise accordingly to fix it. Your solicitor will get an engineer etc.

Its sad to read this stuff in 2019 that people still getting ripped off by cowboy builders. Unfortunately, you now have to deal with the consequences of this on your house.
Good luck as you'll need it.