I'm a first-time home buyer currently under contract for a house that seems great at first glance, but the inspection revealed a concerning 3-inch drop in the foundation on one side. A structural engineer checked it out and said there's no immediate need for foundation leveling, but it might be necessary down the line. They recommended some preventative measures like installing tree root barriers, putting in gutters (there aren't any right now, just a French drain), and adding soil to help with drainage away from the house. I'm worried about the implications of this report and the potential costs for these improvements. Should I walk away from this deal? The seller has indicated they won't cover much for repairs since they're already losing money on it.
2 Answers
If this is a 50-year-old home, a 3" drop isn't unheard of, especially if you’re in an area with clay soil. My old houses had similar settling and never really needed foundation work. A lot of the problems can be related to aging pipes rather than the foundation itself. But still, get a second opinion if you're uneasy!
Honestly, you might want to walk away from this one. That kind of foundation issue could turn into a major headache and cost you potentially $100k down the road. Plus, it’s always risky to trust a seller’s take on problems like these. Better safe than sorry!
Thank you for the advice! I had a feeling it might be better to walk away. Appreciate your input.