Can someone please help me look at these inspection reports?

Question

Hi there,

I'm looking for help analyzing these inspection reports for a property I'm in contract on. There are two homes on one lot and the homes were originally built in the 1920's. It's my first property purchase and would be a house hack. The houses seem to be in ok condition, but the two things that stick out to me are the electrical on the main house and the foundation on the small house where the addition was made. We scoped the sewer and it looked good. No roots at all. Below are pictures from the inspection report. I'd be thrilled if someone with a lot of home construction experience would PM me so I can send them the full inspection reports.

Am I asking for trouble with this foundation? We just had a 5.7 earthquake after the inspection and I went back over to look at the foundation. It all looked the same (from my perspective). I compared to the before pictures, but really have no idea on this type of thing. I haven't had a contractor out to provide their opinion (but maybe I should?)

This is the main house where there is knob and tube wiring coming into the house. This worries me and would be something I would get fixed right away. Would like to talk with someone more in depth about how much this may cost to rewire.

Thank you,

Eric

Charles Goetz · Answer

@Eric Andersen

Eric, It's hard to tell from the photos what's going on, but I can say from having done a bunch of houses that needed foundation repairs you will be better off having a structural engineer look at it rather than a repair company. Where I'm at they cost around $500-750 but if you think there may be a problem, it's good to get an engineer to look at it. I have found that's it's better to pay the price than to rely on the foundation repair company.

As for the electrical, if it is in fact knob and tube wiring still in use than for sure I would have that looked at by an electrician. From what I can see from the picture, it looks like there is Romex wire spliced in. I personally would feel better having it completely checked out. If it needs to be completely rewired it could be costly. They may see that it alright.

I would have a couple of people look at it and see if the seller will work with you.

Kevin Zolea · Answer

@Eric Andersen

Hey Eric, I would highly recommend getting an electrician to check out the knob and tube. I was under contract on my first house hack and the inspector found knob and tube in the basement. I got an electrician in and they gave a quote for $10,000 and found more then the inspector had originally seen. You can always use this to renegotiate.

Eric Andersen · Answer

Thank you Carlos. I appreciate your advice.