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I’m much more a Fine Woodworking guy than a Fine Homebuilding guy, though I do read both. That said, let me throw out a question on the house I am trying to buy. It is ~25 yrs old, and has no visible problems. I’ve been living here for a year and have seen nothing to make me worry. However, I do know the slab is cracked. It’s a regular slab on grade home, typical for homes in the area. I’ve got the engineers report, and it states that all damage occured within the first 3-4yrs; that all damage is cosmetic; and recommends no structural repairs. My questions are as follows:
– The engineers report is two years old; should I insist on a new one, or should things be the same?
– Should I be concerned that more damage will occur?
Thanks for your opinion, I’ve heard lots of horror stories about cracked slabs, the but report on this one makes me feel ok about it. Thanks in advance!
Craig
Replies
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You should be ok. The engineers report sounds reasonable. One question Who commisioned the report?-Rick Tuk
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The report was done by the seller - I'm not sure why, as to the best of my knowldge the house wasn't on the market two years ago. Thanks for you input... I really appreciate it.
Craig Duff
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My biggest concerne would be radon leaks. Although they don't usually happen unless a deep penetration, such as a basement, but it is possible. My only other concerne would be heave or severe settling. if the slab is flush at the cracks you should be ok. There are epoxies on the market for filling cracks in concrete.
TC
*I would have a second independent engineer look at it as good insurance. It may cost a couple hundred bucks but may save you thousands down the road. It would be worth the peace of mind. I have seen what people call cracked slabs only normal surface cracking but have seen others actually pull apart plumbing lines underground. If you have an expansive soil (clayey with high plasticity index) you can count on the house moving with seasonal fluctuations in ground moisture. If the crack was due to initial settlement and appears to have stopped I wouldnt be as concerned.
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I'm much more a Fine Woodworking guy than a Fine Homebuilding guy, though I do read both. That said, let me throw out a question on the house I am trying to buy. It is ~25 yrs old, and has no visible problems. I've been living here for a year and have seen nothing to make me worry. However, I do know the slab is cracked. It's a regular slab on grade home, typical for homes in the area. I've got the engineers report, and it states that all damage occured within the first 3-4yrs; that all damage is cosmetic; and recommends no structural repairs. My questions are as follows:
- The engineers report is two years old; should I insist on a new one, or should things be the same?
- Should I be concerned that more damage will occur?
Thanks for your opinion, I've heard lots of horror stories about cracked slabs, the but report on this one makes me feel ok about it. Thanks in advance!
Craig