Horizontal Cracks in basement on Turnkey Inspection Report

Horizontal Cracks in basement on Turnkey Inspection Report

Rental Property Investor · Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2017 · 45 posts · 37 votes

I got the inspection report for a turnkey property I am considering buying. There was one item listed in the 'Major Item' section. See language below along with pictures:

"Horizontal cracking on East side of basement. This type of movement indicates wall is being pushed

in by soil pressure. Repairs made, but incomplete and unreliable. This is still a structural concern.

Recommend hiring professional structural engineer to evaluate and advise to avoid continued

movement and possible structural damages to home. None visible during time of inspection."

The TK provider's perspective is that they fixed the cracks, but they also recommend a structural engineer take a look. Should I get it checked out before putting it under contract? I know this is not uncommon, but I dont want any potential return wiped out because of a major foundational issue in a few years. Has this come up with anyone before? What would you do? I can't believe I am the first person to encounter this with a TK property.... 

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Rental Property Investor · St. Petersburg, FL · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
7y
@Jesse S. I would get it professionally checked before putting it under contract. If the TK company said they "fixed the crack" but it was done improperly, they didnt actually fix the problem. What other items did they cheap out on during renovation? Not only could there be a huge expense for you in the future, but now it is something that you would have to disclose if you ever put the property up for sale.
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  • WorldWide · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    Great to hear, Warren! Hopefully, you didn't lose any sleep over my comments :)

  • Bay Area, CA · Member since 2016 · 80 posts · 43 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Victor S.:

    Great to hear, Warren! Hopefully, you didn't lose any sleep over my comments :)

    Not at all Victor.  I am glad I did the inspection for peace of mind.   

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