Subsidence / reinforcement

ArthurG

Hi,

Haven't posted in this forum before, please feel free to move if its not the best place.....

The house I'm currently has a pretty long garden (about 40 foot) and ends on a bit of a slope down to a road.

Over the last 3 years or so, the fence at the back has shifted a bit, and on closer inspection it seems there has been a bit of shifting of ground or subsidence if thats the correct term. I've had someone 'in the building trade' have a look and he wasn't too concerned about it, but I'd rather get something done than leave it.

To cut a long question short, how would I go about understanding the what would be needed?. I'm not sure if its a question for a builder or an engineer or what.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Penn

I think engineer might be your best option. Building surveyor either, but engineer might be your best bet. I wouldn't ask a builder. Nothing against builders, but if a retaining wall or something is needed, they'll need to get an engineer in anyway, so its probably best if you hire the engineer first and get talking to them

muffler

paddyirishman85 wrote: »

I think engineer might be your best option. Building surveyor either, but engineer might be your best bet. I wouldn't ask a builder. Nothing against builders, but if a retaining wall or something is needed, they'll need to get an engineer in anyway, so its probably best if you hire the engineer first and get talking to them

+1. Good advice.

ArthurG

Thanks for responses.

If its not against the rules, if anyone has a name they can suggest a PM would be appreciated.

Cheers!

muffler

Yeah keep names/recommendations to PMs please.

ArthurG you would need to indicate what part of the country you are in.

Oh and if there is a substantial cost involved have you considered claiming of your house insurance? There is the odd policy out there that doesnt cover this though.

ArthurG

Good point

West Dublin area.

Graaaaa

Insurance policies sometimes cover subsidence of garden WALLS, sometimes not. A fence may not be covered at all. The thing with insurance providers is that it is their business to reduce costs and any find reasons why your claim is not covered. This is were claims-consultants can come in handy, they know the loss-adjuster system and know how to work it for your favour, usually for a 5% fee based on the claim awarded.
However they have dubious arrangements with builders etc. that you will not be aware of, and generally their 'estimate' will come in at 105% of the builders quote - convenient or what? However if you get the work done and are not out of pocket what does it matter? Ask the insurance company how much your premiums for next year will be affected by the claim, then make a decision based on whether your will actually be penalised by more in the long run.

+2 on consulting an engineer to find out the cause and recommend if a retaining wall is needed. If the height difference between your garden and the road is less than 3ft, then the wall might be in block i.e. cheaper than concrete. A land drain to the inside of the wall will also keep costs down, if it is found that a high water-table is part of the problem.