Bad Foundation - NEEDS Piers - Future Implications

[Jack Luzecky]

Hi all! I am currently looking to purchase a home with significant settling issues in St. Louis, MO. The house will need piers, and my guess is it will cost about 20k. Its been sitting on market for a while and i believe most are too scared/don't have the capital to fix the issue shortly after closing. Fortunately, i do have the capital to take on the project, but worried about what future buyers will think. Assuming the piers do their job, and the structure of the home is sound...will this scare off buyers still? Does anyone else have experience selling a home that has had piers installed? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated! I thank you fellow BPers in advance!

[Scott Moulton]

I've also looked at a potential flip in west county with significant foundation issues, about 25k in repair.  I've been hesitant because I think it does affect the ability to sell it, even after repair.  I've seen bad foundation work done only to have major settling issues again 10 years later.  If you go for it and get the work done, try to get some kind of guarantee in writing from the foundation company that you can offer to prospective buyers.  That goes a long way to curb their apprehension.