Burnley is known for its wonderful Victorian architecture and history. It has pleasant parks, cricket grounds, pubs, and friendly people. But when buying or selling houses here, one challenge could be subsidence, which is quite common in this part of Lancashire. As a local real estate expert, I’ve worked with many homes that had this problem. In this guide, I will share some useful tips on how to deal with subsidence for homeowners in Burnley.
Subsidence is basically when the ground under your home starts to sink, which can damage your house’s structure. It usually happens because of changes in the soil underneath, like because of mining, changes in ground water, or the soil shrinking in dry weather. Burnley’s mines and its type of soil (clay) can make the area risk-prone.
Signs of subsidence include cracks on the walls, doors that stick, and uneven floors. The moment you suspect subsidence, you should act right away. Firstly, hire a professional surveyor to confirm it. If subsidence is confirmed, a structural engineer should come by to suggest repair solutions.
Also, check your insurance for subsidence damage coverage. Most building insurance policies do cover it. But you need to inform your insurer as soon as you find out about the subsidence. You might need to pay extra fees, and your premiums may increase, but the coverage is worth it.
Don’t overlook subsidence. Simple fixes may include watering the soil around the foundation in dry weather or repairing leaky drains, since these can contribute to subsidence.
In severe cases, you may need to strengthen the house’s foundation, a process called underpinning. It can be expensive, but necessary if the subsidence is threatening your home.
If selling your home that’s been affected by subsidence, you should fully disclose this to potential buyers. This builds trust and is important legally. Plus, surveyors will eventually find the subsidence, so it’s best to discuss it from the start.
But note, homes that have been underpinned and repaired properly can sell for higher prices, as the risk of future subsidence is less.
Homebuyers looking at houses impacted by subsidence should do a detailed homebuyer’s survey. Make sure the subsidence issue has been properly fixed. You could also negotiate a lower house price, or ask the seller to fix the problem before the sale.
Hiring a buildings surveyor or engineer to check the house before buying can give you peace of mind. They can check the quality of any repairs, and if further treatment is needed, give you an idea of the cost.
Although the thought of subsidence can be daunting, being well-informed and getting professional help can reduce your worry. With a little effort, you can handle any subsidence issues in Burnley.
In conclusion, while dealing with subsidence might seem scary at first, it can be handled well with expert advice and action. Although you may face higher insurance premiums and repair costs in the beginning, the security and potential increased value of your home in the future make it a worthy investment. Consider the tips shared in this guide before making decisions related to real estate in Burnley, especially those dealing with subsidence. With a positive and proactive attitude, homeowners in Burnley can identify and address subsidence successfully.