Hey everyone! I'm a first-time home buyer super excited about a house that fits my budget! The only thing causing me concern is the foundation. During my basement tour, I noticed the walls are bowing, and there are steel reinforcement beams installed. I'm unsure if this is a serious issue or if those beams will hold up in the long run. So, I have a few questions: 1. Is this a major red flag that means I should walk away? 2. Do steel beams really fix the problem, or do they just prevent it from getting worse? 3. If I decide to go ahead with the purchase, are there affordable yet permanent options to fix the bowing foundation? Any insights from homeowners, contractors, or people who've faced similar situations would be really helpful! I've attached some pictures to illustrate the issue.
2 Answers
Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I'd look for something else. Foundation issues can be a nightmare and might make it harder to sell down the line. Those steel beams? They're more of a temporary fix and may not really address the root cause of the bowing that's probably from external factors. If there's any transferable warranty related to the beams, that might be a plus, but still, tread carefully!
I’ve talked to a few structural engineers, and they say steel beams can be a valid long-term solution—but only if the foundation is repaired properly from the get-go. I'd recommend getting a structural engineer's opinion before making any decisions. Oh, and those beams in your pics? They seem poorly installed. A better fix includes proper bracing and support. If you’re not confident in the work done, it could be safer to walk away, especially being a first-time buyer.
For sure! And if you can, ask for the original engineering plans for any repairs done. If they have stamped plans and they checked out, that’s a good sign.