Common types
| What you see | Often caused by |
|---|---|
| Hairline cracks along the party wall or ceiling | Vibration from cutting or drilling |
| Cracks around door frames | Slight movement as loads change |
| Diagonal cracks that widen towards the top | Movement in the foundations, which needs prompt inspection |
| Stepped cracks in outside brickwork | Movement a surveyor should look at |
What to do
- Photograph each crack with the date and something for scale, such as a coin.
- Write down the date you spotted it and what was happening next door at the time.
- Report it in writing to the surveyor and the builder.
- Check it from time to time to see whether it is growing.
How it is assessed
The surveyor compares the crack with the schedule of condition. New cracks near the work point to the work, especially if the timing fits. Existing cracks that have widened can count as damage too.
How it is put right
Usually by filling and redecorating, done either by the building owner's contractor or through a payment so you can arrange it yourself. See repair or payment.
Common questions
Should I wait until the work is finished before reporting cracks?
No. Report them as you notice them, so the surveyor can check whether anything needs to change on site.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.