Structural Engineer

[SkinnyDave]

I’m hoping someone here can point me in the right direction…

We recently moved into a 1970 Barrett-built, 3 bedroom, detached house on an estate just outside Nottingham.

It’s in good condition with no cracks to brickwork or plaster.

Since we moved, I’ve noticed that there’s a definite slope from the rear of the property down to the front. I’ve had to level cabinets and units - I’d guess that there’s about a 2-3 inch drop from front to back.

I believe that because of the extensive mining operations in Nottinghamshire, houses in the area are often built on a concrete “raft” rather than on regular foundations and a surveyor suggested that this might have tilted a little and this is what’s causing the tilt. He checked extensively for signs of subsidence and cracking and couldn’t see anything so was happy that the house is sound but did recommend that we get a structural engineer to take a look and advise on where anything needed doing to stabilise matters.

I’ve spoken to three structural engineering firms in the area (two companies and one independent) and none of them are interested/able to help. One doesn’t do domestic property, one just declined with no reason given and one didn’t even reply.

Any suggestions on how to find a suitable engineer to give me some advice? I’ve also noticed recently that there’s a strange random “chink” noise (sounds like a brick being hit with a small hammer) every now and then from the corner of the front bedroom - that may be related or it might be to do with the BT wire that attaches to the house just there or even the car port that next door seem to have attached to our wall. Whatever, I think I could do with an engineer’s assessment of things to understand how much I need to worry about this.

Sorry for the long rambling post but I’d be grateful for any pointers on how to engage a suitable engineer.

[dewaltdisney]

My advice would be to approach your buildings insurer. This has just not happened and there is apparent negligence in the purchasing process where defects should have been identified for you. It will be your insurers who have to sort this and they may take recovery proceedings against any known deception or negligence. Don't be fobbed off and make a claim.

DWD