What is it?
The difference between a building ‘finding its feet’ (settlement) and the ground failing beneath it (subsidence).
What does it look like?
[Insert Photos] Settlement is usually fine and vertical. Subsidence is often wide and diagonal.
Common causes
1. Soil shrinkage (clay)
2. Leaking drains
3. Tree roots
4. Poor initial construction
How serious is it?
Rating: High Concern (Subsidence) / Low Concern (Settlement). Subsidence requires immediate structural intervention.
How to tell which cause you have
Are there cracks inside and outside in the same place? Are doors sticking? These point to subsidence.
What should you do next?
Contact your building insurance provider if you suspect subsidence.
Typical repair options
Underpinning for subsidence; simple monitoring and filling for settlement.
Typical repair costs (UK)
£5,000 – £25,000 (Subsidence) / £200 – £1,000 (Settlement).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is settlement normal in new builds? Yes.
2. How long does settlement last? Usually 1-2 years.
3. Can settlement turn into subsidence? Rarely.
4. Does insurance cover settlement? Usually not.
5. What soil is worst for subsidence? Clay.