Then yes, there could be hidden moisture, and as mark said, there would also be concerns for subterranean termite, since you can’t see the mud tubes.
Then yes, that would be wood frame.
If it’s block, the windows would be recessed about 4"back from the wall. It looked like the window on the porch was recessed.
Is it on a crawlspace or slab ?
“Siding (stucco) to Soil contact or proximity. This may provide entrance of moisture or insects to siding. Recommend grading soil so there is at least 6” of space (where practical) between the siding and the soil below and checking for any damaged trim and siding materials. "
I don’t know about Florida, but that’s every house in Southern California build before the mid-80s.
I’d have zero concern about that here
But we have a much, much drier climate than Florida.
It all depends if it has a block/concrete foundation or on a open crawl that has been boxed in.
It’s a concrete block foundation bud. No crawlspace.
It’s a slab bud. I’m not sure why this would matter. Yes, a crawlspace might hold moisture but a slab foundation with stucco into the ground could cause wicking issues.
Then I wouldn’t have a problem with it as lone as it was property installed.
In addition, My name isn’t Bud ! Its Roy.
Stucco below grade is not properly installed though. I understand it could be worse with a crawlspace but it’s still WRONG (Why they don’t do it anymore unless on solid masonry). It’s going to come down to the stucco moisture test.
Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Most likely going to skip on this one. Seems too problematic for me.
Wow!
Since you sound surprised, let me ask you a different question. Would you spend 350k on a house that is wood framed, cb slab and has stucco running into the soil where you can’t see any of the foundation? Especially after knowing all the issues stucco and ground contact can cause with seeping moisture up into the wall cavities and framing members? Oh yeah, and the house has had previous termites as well in its back porch. Apparently taken care of but I still would need a WDO inspection which isn’t guaranteed.
I absolutely am!
Are you an actual inspector, or are you just here looking for ammunition to use against the seller in negotiations?
Did you even bother to read my post? Do you not comprehend what I pointed out and stated?
Like I tell the thousands of clients that have attempted to corner me into making their decisions for them…
NO! I have no need for another house of any condition… And since I have the experience, knowledge, tools, and resources to make any repairs/corrections/modifications by myself, condition is simply another ‘line item’ on my ‘punch list’ for determining the feasibility for making the purchase… ANY purchase!
Now… perhaps you should go back and re-read my original post and pay attention to what I actually stated this time!
Possibly, but not without a stucco moisture test, sewer scope, termite inspection and other subsequent evaluations such as well and septic if they apply.
Once my knowledge buckets are full I can make an informed decision.
Also, how much do I love the home, the location, schools etc?
How many problems do I want to inherit? How is the home positioned in the market?
Best of luck with your decision.
No, it doesn’t
A wood frame house on a slab foundation with the stucco going to grade is a as common as the grass being green and the sky being blue here.
Obviously, they don’t build them that way anymore, but they made millions of them between the 1950s to mid 1980s.
Wood at or below grade would be a problem. Here it is.
Thank you.
Yes, routinely. But hides well, and is generally only seen in full when the stucco is removed due to a section that proceeded to failure.
Post photos from the inside, but again, those termites avoid the outside of wood.
I own one, I live in one, I inspect them all the time. In my area it indeed IS a problem, not a small one, but in context only one of a many considerations for a given property.
Poor stucco lot and hardscaping finish termination clearance. Problems that occur from poor termination clearance: Cracks, Crumbling surface, Mildew. Mold, to Decay and Rot.
Recommend a licensed Stucco professional repair and seal any damage then provide proper adequate termination clearance.