Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 09, 1999 01:38am | #1

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   Somehow it doesn't surprise me that the builder said the cracks were normal. If you're sure that there won't be anymore shifting, sinking, or cracking, I think I'd consider a two-part expoxy cement repair. It's expensive, but also permanent. See a local professional concrete products supplier.

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 09, 1999 10:52am | #2

   *I bet there is a home warranty involved. Keep on your builder about this, the movement that caused the cracks may continue beyond the end of the warranty. I know a couple who had similar cracks in their new house, builder recommended a band-aid. Fonrtunately, wife's dad is a mason & knew better.Visit the "all concrete cracks" thread here. Don't assume everything was done right. It probably wasn't.

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   Michael_J_Evans | Feb 10, 1999 01:18am | #3

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   I do have a home warranty for one year, how long should I wait until repairing? Thanks for the info

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   Guest_ | Feb 10, 1999 01:28am | #4

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   From a lawyer perspective, and I'm not practicing law here, don't wait any time at all. Start to keep a log of your contacts with the builder, expenses, copies of letters, photographs of the damage/repairs, etc. With luck you'll never need them (and don't mention your recordkeeping to the builder! It would sound like you're litigation-happy).

   To protect yourself, it would be wise to get a reliable professional assessment of the problem with a written report. The builder is an interested party and might not have the competence or honesty to describe the problem properly to you.

   Of course, use good common sense in dealing with the builder, assume his intentions are honorable and his work competent, but be precise and persistent about your needs. If and when a repair is undertaken, you should expect him to extend the warranty a reasonable time with respect to the concrete.

   I'd like to hear more from the trade about determining whether this is a big deal or a little deal. I'm assuming the worst, that the soil wasn't compacted properly or there is movement due to water. Maybe it's no big deal.

4. 
   Fred_Matthews | Feb 10, 1999 10:28am | #5

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   An 1/8" crack is not normal. Contractor needs to fix it and the problem that caused it. Document
   b everything.

5. 
   Michael_J_Evans | Feb 10, 1999 10:28am | #6

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   My new home (9 mos old) has devloped cracks in the basement floor. The builder assures me these are normal and can be repaired. Can anyone recommend the product I should ask him to use? The cracks are no more than 1/8" wide and I want to be able to put carpeting over the floor later. Thanks for your help!