Phil Spencer urges house hunters to do the ’10p test’ before buying

It’s important to look out for cracks in the walls when viewing a potential new home – but just knowing that they’re there isn’t enough.

As property expert and Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer exclusively tells Metro, you should be testing those cracks with the 10p test.

In Phil’s opinion, not all gaps in the walls or ceilings are created equal, and while they can sometimes be harmless, they could also be symptomatic of something much more concerning.

‘Often, they may just be a cosmetic issue, but they can also be a warning sign of a serious problem called subsidence [when the ground starts to sink, impacting the foundations of the property],’ Phil explains.

This is where Phil’s 10p test comes in. While it has nothing to do with the value of the home, you will at least need to remember your wallet for the house viewing.

‘If the crack is less than 3mm wide — which means you can’t fit a 10 pence piece into it – it may not be serious,’ Phil says.

‘Plaster sets hard and can crack over time as the property shrinks or swells in different weather conditions.

‘The key thing is to not jump to conclusions, and the ‘10p test’ is a useful rule of thumb.’

Phil adds that cracks can actually happen more frequently in new-build homes.

‘During the first year after it’s built, a property will gently “settle” and the plaster will contract as it dries out. These tiny movements lead to cracks forming in the plaster, which are nothing to worry about and can be filled and repainted.’

The cost of repairing cracks in the ceiling can vary between £1,400 and £1,700, according to statistics from Checkatrade. But if it turns out to be a subsidence issue, you could end up parting with £12,500 on average to cover the cost. Ouch.

Likewise, cracks measuring more than 3mm wide should be a red flag, as well as diagonal ones, and those which are wider at the top than the bottom.

Wondering where to start? Find a surveyor and arrange an inspection of the property. They’ll then be able to identify whether the building has subsidence and advise on what to do next.

Phil also warns to watch out for cracks that are noticeable not only from the inside of the home, but the outside, too.

‘Cracks caused by subsidence tend to appear at ‘weak points’ in the home – typically around windows and doorframes, or where an extension has been added. If you notice cracks in these areas, keep a close eye on them and take action if they get bigger,’ Phil notes.

‘Subsidence can be caused by lots of things and isn’t a problem limited to older properties. If you think your home might be affected, don’t panic, but act fast. The sooner it’s investigated and fixed, the less damage will be done to the property.’

Phil Spencer’s top tip for selling your home

It’s time to get rid of those excessive trinkets – even including photographs and various personal items that, as Phil says, make the home look ‘cluttered.’

‘When potential buyers view your home, they want to imagine themselves living there, and it’s hard to do that if the property looks a little too lived in,’ he previously told Metro.

‘That’s not to say you need to depersonalise, but removing clutter and making everywhere tidy will get every viewing off to the best possible start.’

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