All Forum Posts by: Ricky Grizzanti

David, 

The home looks to be a slab on grade (most common for Texas) - The negative pitch in grade, heading towards the house will only be a worrisome issue if your area is prone to lots of storm-water. In addition, the longhorn state is famous is known for very sandy soils, hence the reason basements are rare (because the soils being so sandy, do not have the support like many other soil types which are more rigid providing force so the wall does not buckle. 

So in short, does your region experience lots of annual rainfall? 

Also, the current grading topography of the rear yard may not be an issue at all because the sandy soils are great for storm drainage as compared to clay (in my state) where the rain water does not percolate down.  

@Christine Ong Christine is that crack in the basement concrete slab?  Also, is your area of California prone to seismic activity i.e. earthquakes? 

@Christine Ong

It sounds like a lot of money for a test that can come up with many potential causes. 

How bad is the cracking/settling of the foundation? Is there large cracks in the foundation block/material?

Send a photo of the area of concern

How bad of a foundation issue are you talking?  Settlement is one issue, however hydro static pressure on the foundation walls may also be present.  Is there serious horizontal cracking of the foundation block? 

Definitely contact the Fire Marshall/inspection/permit office of the municipality in which your property resides. I work as a building inspector for a large town/suburb in Rochester NY  (Town of Greece100K people) 

Depending on the state and what code they have adopted ( Most likely ICC/NFPA) many jurisdictions require licensed alarm companies do to installs, granted every state/city has its own locally adopted codes but when your talking commercial size occupant load then a quick call to the local building department will outline exactly what you need or need not provide for permits. 

A potential property I am interested in is listed for 40K - How much should i have budgeted for a down payment, closing costs, etc?? Please advise !!!

Blessed with a background in development coupled with working in planning, zoning, appraising, and home inspecting.  I have garnered a skill set that is proficient in just about any facet with regards to real estate.

More important, I love sharing the knowledge i have with others and learning from them in return,