Cracks in the wall after the neighbor blasted on their property

[Martin Lj]

The neighbor is building a new house and has conducted a series of explosions on their plot. Our house is about 10-20 meters away from where they have been blasting.

Before they started blasting, an inspector was here and checked the house, noting that there were some cracks in the paint in the living/bedroom areas. Mainly around windows and doorways. The inspector said that these were mainly the types of cracks that could occur during blasting.

Now, after the blasting is over, I have noticed at least 10 new places with cracks in the paint.

What kind of claims can be made for these damages?

Am I to blame for having an old house that can't withstand blasting on the neighboring plot?
Can I demand that they fill/paint the entire room?
Can I demand compensation equivalent to the depreciation the house would have if we sold it tomorrow?

 

[Martin Lj]

Here you see an example of a new crack. Most look like this.

 

[skyisthelimit]

Unfortunately, I have no source and I'm not entirely sure, but I seem to remember that as long as the vibrations stay within the limit values, you are responsible for any cracks/problems that arise.
Didn't they put up a small measuring device on your house?

 

[skyisthelimit]

Found the following post that might be helpful perhaps (and at least partially contradicts what I wrote above):

https://www.byggahus.se/forum/threa...gde-bort-vart-berg.256775/page-5#post-2253654

 

[Martin Lj]

Unfortunately, I don't have a source and I'm not entirely sure, but I seem to remember that as long as the vibrations stay within limit values, you have to take responsibility for any cracks/problems that occur.
Didn't they set up a little measuring device on your house?

Yes, the surveyor set up some measuring equipment on the foundation on the outside of the house.

But it sounds a bit disappointing if you have to blame yourself for living in a "bad" house that gets cracks.

 

[skyisthelimit]

Hi, yes I understand that and would probably feel the same if I were in your position.

On the other hand, I can understand that there must be some sort of limit for what a house should withstand, I mean in an extreme case you could get cracks from a truck passing by.

But apparently it doesn't have to be over according to the judgement mentioned in the link above, there might be hope for you.

 

[Kaboff]

Well, it is the builder's insurance that covers it if they have been below the limit value, but check with the inspector and your insurance company on how you should proceed.
The situation is different if you hadn't had any cracks before, then it should be restored to that condition.