This guide was commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Building Research Establishment to provide practical guidance for homeowners whose properties have been affected by subsidence, or heave, or who are concerned by the potential risk of damage.

The first, best-selling, edition dealt specifically with the problems associated with properties founded on shrinkable clay soils, and was reprinted many times. The second edition has been expanded to include sections on other types of subsidence and causes of damage that are unrelated to foundation movement.