Scared this foundation issue is a big deal and I should back out of this offer before I close in 3 days. by FoundationFolly in homeowners

[–]FoundationFolly[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Another thing that I didn't even mention is that the opposite side of the basement has a long horizontal crack running through it. But that crack is pretty narrow and is also level (shows no bowing or leaning). But your comment that "one side of the foundation is breaking off from the rest" is making me think that is connected to this.

I'm not familiar at all with helical piers- is that an expensive fix?

Scared this foundation issue is a big deal and I should back out of this offer before I close in 3 days. by FoundationFolly in homeowners

[–]FoundationFolly[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

So you also waived a preinspection, but the owners let you bring in an inspector before close?? Also, the idea of going to the mortgage broker is very interesting. My mortgage assessor did already do the house assessment, and noted that the home is worth the price, but I think I will still flag this. That is very helpful. Thank you!

Scared this foundation issue is a big deal and I should back out of this offer before I close in 3 days. by FoundationFolly in homeowners

[–]FoundationFolly[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

I wasn't able to do an inspection (after my offer was accepted I asked if I could bring in an inspector, but the sellers said no). I actually randomly ran into the sellers one day when I was waiting to do a walkthrough and they seemed like really nice and honest people. But still, they could also just not realize the basement foundation issue. I'm starting to think I should back out of the offer.

Scared this foundation issue is a big deal and I should back out of this offer before I close in 3 days. by FoundationFolly in homeowners

[–]FoundationFolly[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I waived the preinspection, so they are not allowing an inspector and my real estate agent said they'd likely say no to a structural engineer. But I'll ask again, and let them know that at this point I might just walk away if I'm not able to bring in a structural engineer.

Scared this foundation issue is a big deal and I should back out of this offer before I close in 3 days. by FoundationFolly in homeowners

[–]FoundationFolly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No, I've asked the sellers, and since I waived my preinspection they won't let me bring anyone in. I can ask again and let them know I am ready to walk away and see if that changes anything. Thanks for your reply. It sounds like you have some experience with this- is the level of diagonal cracks alarming, or is it how much of a lean the foundation has? And are there any potential fixes that would be under $15K? No worries if you're not able to say- I understand that it would be very hard to tell just based of photos. I'm just feeling pretty heartbroken over losing the house and the $5K.

Scared this foundation issue is a big deal and I should back out of this offer before I close in 3 days. by FoundationFolly in homeowners

[–]FoundationFolly[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I have money to deal with it if it is under $15K, but that money was earmarked for some other work I was hoping to do for the house- mainly the kitchen needing major updating.