silverhatch Posted May 18, 2014 Report Share Posted May 18, 2014 I'm in contract to buy a home. During the inspection some cracks were found in the outside wall of the foundation. I need an estimate to repair. The seller is paying $500 but I want to make sure it's not going to be much over that. Recommendations appreciated. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdhill Posted May 18, 2014 Report Share Posted May 18, 2014 Did a structural engineer examine the house? If they are just cracks, and the foundation hasn't moved...get some concrete in a tube and a caulk gun and fill them...Really not hard to do... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhatch Posted May 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2014 It was not a structural engineer, just a home inspector. I don't think they look bad but I'm no expert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wnaplay1647545503 Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 If its structural $500 wont put a dent in it more than likely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhatch Posted May 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 That's what I'm worried about. I only have a few days to respond to the offer. I'm not sure what to do or expect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zx2guy19 Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Is the wall bowing, causing cracks? My new house needed 9 steel beams installed. Cost me a fuck load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supplicium Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 hard to say without more details or pictures but try: http://www.mybasementdoctor.com/ or K & G Contracting (614) 878-7075 Is the wall bowing, causing cracks? My new house needed 9 steel beams installed. Cost me a fuck load. who did the install & or supplied the steel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350pandaz Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 my parent's home had cracks in the basement, didn't look too bad. they called the basement doctor and determined major repairs was needed. the cost ended up being around $5k. I would stay away from that house unless u hire an expert and determine the cracks isnt a big deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93 RX-7 Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 I have never hired the basement doctor, but I had them estimate a job for me once. Their price was twice what I paid J&J Waterproofing for i-beams. That's probably why so many realtors, myself included, recommend them j&j. Their number...(614) 329-8088. I would agree that if it is structural, the cost will be way more than $500. If you are at all concern have a structural engineer take a look. Just know that once you have the engineer's report, it will be much harder or impossible to get financing if the seller doesn't fix the problem. Banks don't seem to like to lend on things like this these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyM3rC Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Easy way to check even for a newb, take a long level (or something with a straigh edge) to the basement, hold vertically (like ceiling to floor) and see if the wall is straight. Is very easy to tell if the wall is bowed, will show clearance at one end of the level when held flat against the wall. If I had to guess, I'd say the drainage away from the foundation isn't good enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 my parent's home had cracks in the basement, didn't look too bad. they called the basement doctor and determined major repairs was needed. the cost ended up being around $5k. I would stay away from that house unless u hire an expert and determine the cracks isnt a big deal ^^ this. I'm very picky and would stay away all together. Cats/Cat piss and ANY type of issue in a basement will cause me to walk. Water problems are nothing at all that I'd want to risk or play around with. Too many other homes on the market to settle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRed05 Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 When I was buying my house, the inspector noticed that the basement was leaning in a little bit at the top and there were some cracks. The seller had to pay for a structural engineer to come check it out. He then determined that it was within the accepted range (from when the house was settling) and recommended that the sellers get someone to add a better drainage system as well, which they did. Didn't cost me a dime. Hopefully it turns out the same in your case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbs3000 Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 inspectors have to just say "I'm not a structural engineer, I see cracks and cannot determine the severity of the issue." As for the structural engineer, they will eat that $500 just to show up. I would recommend having a structural engineer look at it, if they says it's normal settling and not an issue then go through with it. Otherwise, keep on moving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cstmg8 Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Check the wall for bowing, or lean. If it's just minor cracking, dig up the outside by hand and apply foundation tar/sealant, pocket remaining $400. If its moving, forget the intrusive i-beams, call someone to apply the carbon fiber strips and epoxy. Its pretty amazing, and cheaper due to the lesser labor for install. Plus, you can finish over it without building around a big beam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhatch Posted May 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Pics Garage area [/img] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffro Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Pics Nice siamese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supplicium Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 Id say from the pics, 500 aint even close Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSXRAntwon Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Id say from the pics, 500 aint even close Multiply that by about 10-15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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