Originally Posted By: Earl Stark This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I am selling this house and there are some cracks in the foundation. The buyer has asked that we have a Structural Engineer evaluate the house to determine if it is “structurally sound”. Would someone(s) please look at the pictures and advise me if you would say that the house is structurally sound. Thanks in advance!
Originally Posted By: bking This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Home Inspectors can not (or should not) say something is structually sound without inspecting it in person. There is a lot more to look at than just cracks.
Originally Posted By: Earl Stark This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Would anyone be able to voice an opinion on the cracks. What the “could indicate”? I would be more than willing to fill in any void in the information to get an opinion. We have already scheduled a SE to come in and evaluate. I was just trying to get some inkling as to what to expect.
I can understand why you wrote what you wrote though. The Home Inspector that came through my house yesterday is actually the one who reccommended a SE evaluate the structure.
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Earl,
The HI gave you his opinion, you took it and now let the SE do his job. I doubt that your going to get any second opinions here from just a couple of photos. Thanks for asking though.
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hey Earl;
Just curious why your spending the money for a Structural Engineer? In California that would be part of the Buyers due diligence. If they believe there's a problem, they would call in their own engineer, geologist, mold inspector or whatever. Your buyer may decide not to by the property, no matter what the result. Your left with the SE's bill.
Originally Posted By: Earl Stark This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Whandley, I don’t know if it is the same in Ohio. I am guessing that since we are the sellers that the burden of proof falls on our shoulders.
dduffy, How long has the wall been in that condition, I had not noticed it in the 4 years I have lived in the home. My wife bought the house 13 years ago under a FHA loan and this wasn't brought up as a problem. The soil is typical Ohio dirt, not sand or clay. The water drains away from the house. Around 9 years ago, a water drainage system was put in to keep the basement dry as flooding basments are prevalent in the neighborhood. The basement floor was jackhammered up and drainage was put in. The basement is finished and never floods. As for the Mortor being acceptable I am not sure what you mean. If you mean is it solid, hard and in place, yes. I have no idea if the blocks are filled.
I hope this could give some insight. The wall itself is not bowed, we don't get water through the cracks or any seepage. The house itself doesn't seem to lean or pitch, door open and shut as they should.
Basically, what I am trying to figure is if this will more than likely require a repair or not.
Originally Posted By: James D Mosier This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m with Will. Tell them they are welcome to have a SE come by anytime and check it out.
My mother-in-law sold a house a few years ago, the buyers wanted about 20 different things fixed and/or replaced, she told them they could walk away or fix it after they move in. I can see from the street that they haven't yet done what they asked of her.
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Earl;
I can't imagine that you as the "Seller" are required to pay for and procure inspection services on behalf of the "Buyer". That doesn't seem right. It would be incumbent upon the "Buyer" to establish the existence of a structural problem, present you with that information and documentation along with an appropriate request for repair. If you still have disagreement, you could then enlist your own SE to render an opposing opinion. For example: In my area we have Geological issues. On many occasions the "Buyer" contacts an Engineering Geologist for inspection, the results come back with a recommendation for repairs and or soil remediation. The "Seller" gets their own EG who comes up with an entirely different explanation for the hypothetical movement. Maybe you could contact NACHI-Legal for additional thoughts on the matter.
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
James & Will,
I think you are dangerously close to giving advice that is not within the realm of HI’s to offer. These questions regarding who pays for what or who is responsible for what should only be asked and answered by the Realtors, the Buyer and the Seller and not by us. Earl, I recommend you discuss the logistics and who is responsible for what with your Realtor or R.E. attorney and not rely on information gleaned from this message board. Just my opinion
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Michael;
I thought all of these posts were individual opinions, not "Legal Advise". Certainly Earl is capable of reading his own sales contract, which no doubt spells out specifically who is required to pay for what inspection services. I believe I also suggested contacting the NACHI-Legal thread for their thoughts on the matter.
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Will,
I guess the way I look at it is that Earl is a ‘civilian’ possibly looking for ammunition from us to dispute the buyer’s request for an SE. Who pays for that is really none of our business. The more we advise him on how to handle the situation then the more we risk stepping on the Realtors or attorneys toes. Now, I’m sure a lot of folks will say tough tittie but I just don’t see much good to come of giving Earl advice in this situation. Please feel free to continue but it’s not something I would do.
Originally Posted By: Earl Stark This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
For me, paying the SE is a moot point. My goal of initially posting was to find an objective opinion on the cracking that is seen in the pictures. What are the causes, a gauge of severity, repair options and avg costs, is this a common house settling for a house that was built in 1912, etc. I am not looking at using this thread to dispute anything or contract negotiations. The SE will give me a final verdict tomorrow after the inspection.
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
No one responsible, ethical and or professional is going to tell you what the cause of, severity of and/or any required remediation might be of the retaining foundation wall based on those photos, “Insufficient Information”. We have several SE NACHI members. I’ll bet none of them is going to put a professional opinion in writing with PE stamp base solely on those photos.
Originally Posted By: Earl Stark This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Well, thanks anyway…can anyone direct me to a web site, brocheur, online set of criteria with detail on types of cracks and causes. I am a mechanical engineer and would like any other resources to form an opinion myself. Thanks again.
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hey Earl;
Here's a great website focused on slab foundations. It does cross over into masonry foundation systems in general. Since your an engineer, you no doubt will be able to glean valuable information that may be applied to your particular structure. Plenty of general information, engineering detail and additional links.
Originally Posted By: Earl Stark This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The SE came through the house today and gave it a clean bill of health, structurally. I just wanted to say thank for all in this forum that helped with information. It’s off to the Electrical forum to inquire about electrical things…
