Subsidence
At Marshall Laurence Surveyors, our RICS Chartered Surveyors provide independent Subsidence & Cracking Surveys across London and the South East. We diagnose the cause of cracks, assess the risk of ongoing movement, and recommend practical solutions to protect your property.
What is Subsidence?
Cracks in walls or uneven floors can be an early warning sign of subsidence or structural movement. Left uninvestigated, these issues may worsen over time, leading to costly repairs and reduced property value.
What’s Included in Our Subsidence Surveys?
Our surveys cover:
Crack Analysis
Assessing width, depth, and pattern of internal and external cracks.
Foundation Movement
Identifying signs of subsidence, heave, or settlement.
Monitoring Advice
Recommendations for ongoing crack monitoring where required.
Structural Assessment
Checking walls, floors, and rooflines for distortion or instability.
Damp & Drainage Checks
Identifying leaks, defective drainage, or ground conditions that may contribute.
Repair Guidance
Clear, actionable advice on remedial works and when structural engineer input may be
Our Process
Consultation
We discuss your requirements and provide guidance on the best survey option for your needs. Upon instruction we will immediately contact the estate agent/vendor to arrange the survey for you.
Survey Appointment
A qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor visits the property to conduct a thorough inspection.
Detailed Report
You receive a comprehensive Home Buyer Report, typically within 4-5 working days of the survey.
Follow-Up Support
Our surveyors are available to set up a meeting to discuss the findings and answer any questions you may have.
Why Choose Us?
RICS Regulated & Qualified
Chartered Surveyors with specialist expertise in diagnosing structural movement.
Advanced Technology
Use of moisture meters, thermal imaging, and drone inspections where needed.
Independent & Impartial
We provide unbiased reports with no ties to contractors or insurers.
Clear, Actionable Reports
Practical advice with repair recommendations and monitoring guidance, delivered quickly.
Receive Your Instant Quote
Our survey fees are transparent and competitive, calculated based on the property’s size, location, and value.
Request your free, no-obligation Damp Survey quote for your London property today.
Book Your Damp Survey in London
If you’ve noticed cracks in your property or suspect subsidence, don’t wait for the issue to worsen. Our independent surveys provide clarity, reassurance, and a plan of action.
Call us on 02080642480
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Subsidence & Cracking Survey?
A Subsidence & Cracking Survey is a detailed inspection carried out by a RICS Chartered Surveyor to assess whether cracks or structural movement in your property are signs of subsidence, settlement, or another cause. The report provides diagnosis, repair recommendations, and monitoring advice.
2. Do all cracks mean subsidence?
3. What size of crack should I worry about?
4. What are the main causes of subsidence?
Common causes include:
- Shrinking or shifting clay soils (common in London and the South East).
- Tree roots drawing water from the soil.
- Leaking drains or water mains washing away supporting ground.
- Poor foundations in older properties.
5. How do you check if a property has subsidence?
We carry out a thorough visual inspection of cracks, walls, floors, and external ground conditions. We also assess drainage, damp issues, and soil type. Monitoring may be recommended to confirm whether movement is ongoing.
6. Will I need a structural engineer?
In some cases, yes. If we identify significant structural movement, we may recommend further investigation by a structural engineer. Our role is to diagnose and advise whether that step is necessary.
7. How long does a Subsidence & Cracking Survey take?
Inspections usually take 2–4 hours, depending on the size of the property and the extent of cracking.
8. How quickly will I receive my report?
We normally deliver reports within 3–5 working days. Faster turnaround can be arranged if required.
9. Can subsidence affect property value?
Yes. Properties with subsidence issues may be harder to sell or insure unless the problem is fully diagnosed and repaired. A professional survey provides clarity and reassurance to buyers, sellers, and insurers.
10. What should I do if subsidence is confirmed?
Your report will include practical recommendations. This could range from repairing drains and improving soil conditions to structural underpinning for more severe cases. Importantly, our advice is independent and impartial, with no ties to contractors.
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