Ungrouted block walls

[Mark Silliman]

Yesterday, we inspected an 80 yr old house on a river, steep slope underneath, foundation in poor condition. Part of the foundation is hollow blocks with no grout inside....my question concerns whether this in itself is a defect? Don't they currently require modern home to have grouted block walls?

Thanks.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Back in the old days, they only mortared the outside for some reason.
If you can move the blocks by pushing on them, then it is a major defect. Other than that you will probably need to post pictures.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Regardless of when it was built, this would be considered a significant defect in CA. Where are you located?

[Robert Ernst]

I agree with Jeff that they should be filled. Some say that it also allows a unseen passage for wood destroying insects.