Settling Crack- How expensive is this??

Question

I came across a possible deal but I don't know what this will cost to fix. This is a small house, about 1,000 sq.ft. one-story house. I didn't see any other signs of settling or foundation failure. I haven't been inside. Can anyone give me an idea of what I'm getting myself into?

Thanks in advance.

Eric Y. · Answer

I prefer brick ranch homes myself so this is something you come across a lot. One of the very first things I'd check out is the gutters/downspouts and see how they look. If they're dumping water right at the foundation (or the grading is negative and pushes water back into the house) then you could have a potential issue. I've bought 2 homes that had the beginnings of these issues, but once I put gutter extensions on and fixed the grading around the house there has been no issues at all and the repair work looks fine with no new cracks appearing or worsening. If there isn't any issues with water and drainage, then I'd be weary. That is showing some movement and depending how old the house is, some settlement is normal. Check other structural weak points (areas around doors/windows mainly) and see how they look. Also ask neighbors or mailmen if you can. I've gotten so much useful information just by asking people--they love to stop and chat for a few minutes. If they are exceptionally helpful and friendly and I still buy the house, I usually give them something to let them know I appreciate their time and information (this also has a double-whammy of getting you a friend and ally with eyes on the property daily). Neighbors usually feel you out to see who is buying, anyways so you need to make a good impression.

Matthew Paul · Answer

It could be failure of the brick ledge , it could be the whole foundation and footer .

It will always look like a repair , If it is a frame built house and no foundation problems , remove the brick and go with siding .

Bryan H. · Answer

I was a a REIA meeting and a structural engineer was speaking. These numbers are in line with what I remember him estimating for a job like this. Figure 3 piers per corner.

http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/foundation_repair/cost.html