Construction Issues – What Goes Wrong and How to Fix It

Building or extending a home can feel like a roller‑coaster. One minute you’re excited about a new kitchen, the next you’re staring at a crack in the foundation. The good news? Most problems have a clear route to a fix if you know what to look for.

Typical Problems You’ll Meet

Here are the headaches that pop up most often on UK projects:

• Foundation cracks – tiny lines can be harmless, but once they widen past 3 mm they usually signal movement.
• Planning‑permission limits – many people don’t realise that you can extend a house up to a certain size without a full application.
• Bad foundation – a house built on unstable ground may need underpinning or a complete repair.
• Loft conversion roadblocks – low headroom, steel trusses or fire‑safety rules can block a project.
• Material durability – cheap bricks or low‑grade timber may look fine now but can cause costly repairs later.

Each issue shows up in one of the articles linked to this tag, so you can click through for a deep dive.

Practical Steps to Tackle Issues

When a problem surfaces, follow these quick steps instead of panicking:

1. Measure & document – use a ruler or a crack‑width gauge. Snap photos from different angles and note the date.
2. Check the guidelines – for foundation cracks, the UK Building Control’s “crack width chart” tells you when to call a structural engineer.
3. Get a professional opinion – a qualified engineer can tell if a 2 mm crack is harmless or a sign of subsidence.
4. Compare costs – before you sign for a full underpinning, ask for a detailed quote and a second opinion. Our guide on “Can you save a house with a bad foundation?” breaks down typical prices.
5. Plan for permits – if you’re expanding, run the proposed dimensions past the “permitted development” rules. The article “How big can you extend without planning permission?” explains the limits step‑by‑step.

Don’t ignore insurance either. Many policies exclude foundation work unless the damage is proven to be sudden, not gradual. The piece on “House insurance and foundation issues” walks you through the fine print.

If you’re renovating, pick materials that stand the test of time. Our “Most durable house materials” guide lists options like engineered timber, high‑density block, and low‑expansion concrete that resist moisture and movement.

Finally, keep communication open with your builder or contractor. Ask for regular updates, and don’t be shy about requesting a written scope of work. A clear contract prevents misunderstandings that often lead to costly re‑work.

Construction issues can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge they become manageable tasks. Use the articles on this page as a toolbox – each one gives you the details you need to diagnose, decide, and act. Happy building!