Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer has shared a simple tip for anyone who spots cracks in their walls or those of a potential property they’re wanting to buy.
If you spot cracks in your home, you should be doing the 10p test to avoid a huge bill – here’s what we know about it.
Phil Spencer urges homeowners to try 10p test before buying a house
The Move iQ founder and TV presenter told the Metro about the test in the hopes that it would help people understand their walls better.
Phil told the newspaper: “Often, they may just be a cosmetic issue, but they can also be a warning sign of a serious problem called subsidence [when the ground starts to sink, impacting the property’s foundations].”
If you’re heading to a house viewing, make sure to take a 10p with you so you can measure any cracks in the walls that you spot.
Phil explained: “If the crack is less than 3mm wide – which means you can’t fit a 10 pence piece into it – it may not be serious.
“Plaster sets hard and can crack over time as the property shrinks or swells in different weather conditions.
“The key thing is to not jump to conclusions, and the ‘10p test’ is a useful rule of thumb.”
Tips for first-time buyers
While you might associate cracks in walls with older problems, Phil explained that they occur more frequently in new builds.
He said: “During the first year after it’s built, a property will gently “settle” and the plaster will contract as it dries out.
“These tiny movements lead to cracks forming in the plaster, which are nothing to worry about and can be filled and repainted.”
Using data from Checkatrade, the Metro said repairing cracks in the ceiling can cost between £1,400 and £1,700.
If it’s a subsidence issue, though, you can expect to be handed a bill of £12,500, on average.
Cracks in walls can also be visible from outside the home.
“Cracks caused by subsidence tend to appear at ‘weak points’ in the home, typically around windows and doorframes, or where an extension has been added. If you notice cracks in these areas, keep a close eye on them and take action if they get bigger,” Phil said.
While cracks wider than 3mm are a big concern, you’ll also need to watch out for diagonal wall cracks and cracks that have spread wider at the top than they have at the bottom because this is also cause for concern and could lead to a hefty bill.
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What causes cracks in walls at home?
Cracks can be caused by a few things, according to Compare the Market.
These include water leaks, a new build home or extension settling into the foundations and temperatures and humidity levels changing can eventually cause walls to swell and shrink.
If your walls have been newly plastered, they could crack as they dry and if you live near busy roads, vibration from the passing traffic could cause cracks.
The comparison site also said “fitting uPVC double glazing without a supporting lintel” can cause cracks to appear in walls.
