Has anyone bought a house with these type of walls?

Question

Some of the houses I've been looking at in a particular neighborhood have cinder block-type walls.

Here's an example: http://www.idxre.com/homes/6/2/5117-ARGO-WAY-SACRAMENTO-CA-95820/12065119

I've never owned a house with these type of walls, and I have a few concerns about them. For instance, how well do the walls insulate against heat & cold? Also, I assume if I ever have to run any type of wiring, I'm going to have to run it along the outside of the wall (exposed) because I'm obviously not going to be able to run it through the walls.

However, on the positive side, they seem like they could be pretty durable and tenant-proof.

Anyone have any experience with homes like this? Thoughts? Other concerns I should be aware of?

Steve Babiak · Answer

Hey Bryan A. - as a soccer goalie, I would have though you'd be blocking those kicks so they wouldn't "score" ...

David Niles · Answer

LOL, arrest my case for NOT spending the money on dry walling the walls on a rental.

Account Closed · Answer

Believe it or not, a lot of the older college dorms are built like this..they insulate fairly well...come to think of it, after i moved out of those dorms into a newer apartment, we would have competitions on if you could kick a soccer ball through the sheetrock, throw a baseball, etc. (that's where my sheetrocking lessons began)...never had those problems with the cinder block walls :)

Steve Babiak · Answer

Although electrical wiring could be in either conduit or wiremold, don't forget that armored cable can also be used.  Probably easier to do it like that, and the armor can be painted.

How is the electrical wiring to the rooms done now?  I thought it looked like there were exterior runs - maybe using UF on the exterior, you could do interior wiring too.  I added some receptacles to a brick and block house recently using both UF on the exterior to get to upper level interiors, and using armor jacket in the basement.  I told the electrician to use the least expensive wiring methods, whatever that would be.

Kyle J. · Answer

I'd likely just leave them the way they are (instead of covering them) if there weren't any major issues with them.  I wouldn't want to spend the extra money to cover them, due to the cost and the fact that some of the houses already have pretty nice paint jobs.

I was just a little unsure of what issues might come up that I haven't thought about, since I haven't dealt with these types of walls before.  In fact, in two of the cities that I have rentals in, I don't even think there are houses like this anywhere in the city.  So it's a little uncommon around my area.  That, plus the wife hates the look of them.  (She thinks they look like prison walls.)  Though I tried to explain to her that she doesn't have to live in these houses and the neighborhood these are in seems to have decent residents so they can't be all that bad.  I know the houses sure don't stay on the market long.

David Niles · Answer

Installing vinyl over the outside isnt a huge process, just nailer strips and the fan fold insulation goes between, would really pretty up the outside.  
As far as inside, dont think I would want to go through the expense of furring, insulation and drywall/paint for a rental, block is much more durable, repaint and next tenant.

Rob K. · Answer

I used to have two row houses next door to each other that had those kind of walls. I wondered the same things as you. If there ever was a problem, you would probably have to run coduit for power on the inner wall.

I know of an area near me where all of the houses are like this. They are finished off inside as Shanequa J. mentioned. The exterior is exposed concrete block, but many people install vinyl siding over it with insulation behind. Makes a nice look and strong as a brick (you know what) house.

Shanequa J. · Answer

You could frame the walls then attach drywall to the studs; it's like they do basements. Run all electrical behind the drywall.

David Niles · Answer

Cant say I have seen many houses with upstairs walls like that, our basements are.  As far as adding outlets etc, you are correct, conduit or trackmold will be your only real option.

Durable, I would think so, if the tenant breaks those wall, they have serious issues, lol.

Has anyone bought a house with these type of walls?

Most Popular Reply