Foundation problems, bowing walls

[Alex Paz]

Hey BP community! More like a general question but what do you think about foundation problems? Do you buy homes with a bowing wall in the basement? The last few properties I've seen, the basement's have been pretty rough. One of my first flips was a property with bowing walls that at the time I didn't consider a major problem. I fell in love with the location. Eventually sold but didn't make what I anticipated. Months later I had the buyer complaining about issues in the basement. It was a nightmare and I told myself I wouldn't buy a property like that ever again...

[Nathan Smith]

Quote from @Caleb Brown:

Quote from @Mark Towey:

Quote from @Caleb Brown:

If the numbers still make sense it's not terrible to do. If you are not local then it's more moving parts. When you do the work hire a structural engineer and do the work recommended. Have a warranty to protect yourself, reputable companies always offer that. 

 So for order of operations, would you first have a structural engineer out to the home first and then hire a foundation repair company to do the work? I have not yet dealt with many home purchases where the foundations were in rough shape so I'm just not sure what would be best first to do if the number could make sense. 

 Engineer always first during the inspection period, then get bids

 I agree with Caleb; always get the engineer out first to see what needs done, then get the bids. If you get the foundation company out first to tell you what needs done, in my experience they almost always try to up sell you on things you don't need.