I recently bought an old house from the 1950s, and unfortunately, the home inspector overlooked some major issues with the foundation. There's basically no drainage, and the house is on a hill. I've got a short video showing one of the corners, which looks really damaged. I'm trying to figure out a temporary DIY fixing solution, like using concrete blocks and hydraulic concrete, but I'm not sure how effective that would be. On a scale from 1 to 10, how bad is the situation? I know I should eventually hire a professional, but my budget just won't allow it right now. Check out the video here: [https://youtu.be/8Myy91RPyh4](https://youtu.be/8Myy91RPyh4)
3 Answers
I get the urge to DIY, but honestly, this looks pretty serious from your video. You might think you can’t afford to hire an engineer, but the risks of doing it wrong are much greater. A structural engineer can help guide your DIY efforts, and the first visit might only cost a few hundred bucks. Also, avoid DIYing a structural problem entirely—your home insurance could be at risk if they find out. It's worth getting a few quotes from local foundation companies to understand what a proper fix might entail.
Honestly, that video isn't doing you any favors. It would be best to start with a wider shot next time to give people context before zooming in. However, it's clear that you have a significant issue. If you think the inspector missed it, consider filing a complaint, especially if it was accessible and he neglected to mention it. Just be mindful of how you approach fixing it; jumping in without a solid plan can make things worse down the line.
It sounds like you're in a tricky situation, but the number one priority should be safety. I'd recommend propping up that area and figuring out how to excavate and pour a new wall if you can, but be cautious—there's a lot that could go wrong with a DIY approach. If you're tight on funds, maybe consider using concrete blocks and hydraulic concrete for a temporary fix, but have some sturdy wooden supports ready just in case. Always better to be safe than sorry!
I hear you on the budget constraints! Just be sure to keep an eye on any signs of further damage while you work on the temporary fix. A little extra support now can save you from bigger issues later.
Yeah, I get that the video isn’t great. I’ll try to shoot another one. I'm just trying to do my best in a cramped space!