Does anyone have any experience on sloping floor in foundation?

Question

Hello,

I have put down an offer on a duplex in the Bay Area and did an inspection on the foundation and found that the floor was sloping due to the soil in the area.  The inspector said that the fix or re-leveling would cost $15K/unit, and it could potentially happen again because of the soil.  The structure and strength of the foundation are good; however, I am worried about the sloping.  Does anyone have any experience with this and could share your experience or advice?

Thanks in advance,Alice

Account Closed · Answer

@Alice Chau with my property this will definitely prevent any further sinking. I don’t know that anyone could say it would be forever, but should be good for a few decades.

I would hope local contractors would know enough about the soil your property is on to tell you the longevity of this type of solution for your property.

Account Closed · Answer

@Alice Chau I just took care of this on one of my properties. Row of townhomes, and the rear wall was sinking. Hired a contractor to dig up the sidewalk, and then down to the bottom of the wall. They then injected a substance to prevent the wall from any further sinking.

It cost almost $25,000 to complete the work, but the three end units had become un-rentable due to the sinking. It will pay for itself in less than a year of rents.

Ryan Wimmer · Answer

Foundations slope when the soil underneath the footing is unstable (usually caused by water and inproper grading). Correct the issue causing the unstable soil and it will limit future movement, hire a structural engineer to evaluate it, they will let you know if it’s a liability. Most cases you’ll just monitor it and it’s more of a resale issue then a rental problem. Future buyers would want it fixed

John Teachout · Answer

What would happen if you didn't do anything? So it maybe sinks another inch over the next 15 years? Or the house tips over?

Karl B. · Answer

It's a headache, for sure. I've viewed both single and multi-homes in multiple states that had sloping (CA, TX, MO, PA) and unless you're getting A RIDICULOUS DEAL that leaves A LOT of money on the table for you to do the sloping repair at a worst case scenario it's often best to walk away and find a level home.

If you decide to go ahead, you'll of course want to hire a professional and to ask him what the odds of a re-level would be. The professional isn't a psychic but based on his/her experience you'll get an idea as to the general risk.

To get a grasp as to the history of re-leveling of other homes in that neighborhood would be very useful as well.

Again - I would only proceed if the deal is VERY GOOD and you have a cushion for a worst case scenario.