Originally Posted By: rmoewe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The first picture that I can see looks ok. The masons used block to fill in the area that was not going to be shown. This is common practice for masons. I saves them time and money.
The last picture looks like a typical case of footer failure. Write it up and recommend an SE.
Originally Posted By: David Randall This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Richard,
I believe the focus of the first picture is the opened mortar joint to the right of the soldier course above the window.
Hi Tony,
All 3 are showing some significant foundation movement has been ongoing during construction, and I'd have strong concern that this motion will continue.
I find it very disheartening that residential codes and building practices rarely, if ever, aren't adjusted to higher levels when building in clay-based soils.
I'm afraid these photos do not speak well for the future of your own situation.
Originally Posted By: Tony Sohal This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi David,
Now I am really worried. What should my approach be with the builder before closing. I see all these cracks.shifiting in a ton of houses in the subdivison. Wouldn't the city inspector catch that??
Originally Posted By: lewens This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Tony
If you are contemplating closing on one f these houses in the subdivision my advice would be, run, very fast in a direction away from this builder. You other guys will notice that Tony lives in Toronto,Ontario,Canada.
That type of workmanship is what has become of the trades in the Toronto area and the major reason I got out of the trades. This type of work is typical around here. The framers are pounding out a 2500 sq.ft. house in 2 weeks. No thank you.
Originally Posted By: Tony Sohal This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Larry,
Go ahead. I do not know if the builder can/will object to that. What are my options. I looked at the construction performance guidelines and found out that even in there it states that "Cracks upto 6mm are normal shrinkage cracks and that only cracks greater than 6mm require further investigation even though they will be fixed by the builder".
I have seen a large number of houses like these in my subdivision only. I drove through some other...ditto. I am at a loss. Buying a house is a BIG investment an you get a cracked foundation even before the house is finished. How can I get out of this deal.......
Originally Posted By: lewens This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Tony 6mm is the thickness of the poly that is used as a vapour barrier in the home after the insulation and before drywall. Not very thick at all. All the cracks in your photos appear to be alot wider than that. I would have an engineer come and have a good look and let you know what he thinks.
I almost haye to say this but talk to your lawyer re getting out of this purchase. If you want I will come out and give you my 2 cents worth for free. Email me privately at larryewens@aol.com if you want to set this up. All the resources at my disposal are at yours.
Originally Posted By: David Randall This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
lewens wrote:
Tony 6mm is the thickness of the poly that is used as a vapour barrier in the home after the insulation and before drywall.
Larry, mil thickness is different than millimeters; 6 mil plastic is 6/1000th's of an inch thick, 6 millimeters is 6/1000th's of a meter. Big difference.
Originally Posted By: James D Mosier This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
David Randall wrote:
lewens wrote:
Tony 6mm is the thickness of the poly that is used as a vapour barrier in the home after the insulation and before drywall.
Larry, mil thickness is different than millimeters; 6 mil plastic is 6/1000th's of an inch thick, 6 millimeters is 6/1000th's of a meter. Big difference.