Crack in the hallway

Dear all

The agent just did a quarterly inspection and reported on these cracks. How serious is this crack and what should i do? I am really worried now

The IP is in Ipswich and was built in 2012.

Thanks all

Tommy

 

These would appear at first glance to be a designed crack and the building has failed do follow instructions on where to crack. (wisecrack).

Get a gyprocker to create more defined cracks and patch the ceilings.

A building inspection may find a root cause If it is not due to solely to dry weather.

 

Thanks Scott. Sorry for the dumb question but could you please explain a bit more on your first 2 paragraphs? I'm totally new to this and would like to have some guidance.

Prior to purchase the IP, i got a pre-purchase building inspection and was told that it was due to the soil movement pr something similar.

 

An ‘expansion joint’ (which I think is what Scott means by a ‘designed crack’) prevents cracking following movement of the structure of the building. Commonly used in large ceilings or long hallways.

If you need to put an expansion joint in, these days it would likely be hidden under a fake plaster ‘beam’ or similar.

The cracks in the cornice and wall should be patched, however they may open up again. The site how2plaster.com.au has lots of info as does the Renovate Forum - a great local site.

 

Thanks Joynz. Can a handyman do this type of job? Because i'm in different state

 

The cracks could have been there for years and you might not actually need to do anything if you don’t mind how it looks. You can ask the PM to measure the width of the cracks and check next inspection if they have moved.

The plaster might have been cut improperly around the opening, causing some of those cracks - in which case it might be more difficult to get a permanent fix. A plasterer should know what to do.

If you do get it repaired, be specific about what you want. For example, do you want the joint hidden, or just the cracks in the wall and cornice fixed?

 

Thanks Joynz. I just want the cracks fixed.

 

Just remember if it is due to movement in the building you can get the cosmetic repairs done but you will probably end up getting them re-done in a few years time.

 

If i want to find the cause of the crack, i will need to engage a structural engineer. Is that right Y-man? Would contacting the builder help in any way given the house was built in 2012?

 

Getting it re-done in a few years time is not too bad, at least not in a few months time.

 

If you do get them redone, don't waste time on a handyman, get a plasterer, you'll get a much better result. Im with the others, I would leave it 12 months, let it hopefully finish moving then patch it. Again, you may find yourself patching every few years. If built in 2012 should still be under builders warranty- try getting them back before the warranty expires if you can.

 

Only if it is a structural issue (rules vary between states so check warranty period).

 

Yeah that is right, most likely you wont get them back anyway, even if it is structural, they will try to evade you til its out of warranty. Worth a try either way though

 

Just goes to show that it’s not just houses built in 1912 that are susceptible to this. This is why I dislike new houses, what was once new must become old.

As for fixing it, grab some Gyprock joint compound, apply, sand and paint over it. Easy peasy, done it many times myself and I’m not handy.

 

Hi Otie, unfortunately the PM just told me that the warranty already expired. I will wait for a few months to see how it goes. Thanks

 

Found a crack in our kitchen. Didnt appreciate the gyprock approach

 

Haha. I was going to ask how did you go about fixing it until i saw the photo

 

Bot sure If you can fix a crack like that.