Found a Double! Only issue: foundation

[Aisha M.]

Hey! So I found a double going for 100k. The only issue is a huge foundation crack in the basement. Should I make an offer anyway and negotiate the seller fix that problem? or put in an offer far below asking, so that I have room to repair it? Or just forego the entire deal? Thoughts on the matter.

[Kevin Sobilo]

If I'm going to own and maintain a property for a long time, then I want to take ownership of solving any problems with it. I'm the one who will be dealing with any ramifications for a long time.

I would get some estimates for repair and negotiate with the seller based on those and then fix the problem when I close.

If the wall hasn't moved too much, there is a process where they can use carbon fiber strips adhered to the wall to keep crack from moving. That solution requires no digging. It can be pricey, but I believe they will guarantee the foundation won't move.

Another option is to dig holes outside the house, and bury anchors. Then drill through the foundation and connect to the anchors and use those to make sure the cracked wall doesn't move.

Many times the reason a foundation cracks is from pressure created from water freezing and thawing. So, you may also want to do some work outside the house to dry the ground nearer to the foundation.