Horizontal and vertical cracks in CMU foundation

[Robert J. OConnor]

Originally Posted by rmayo

Trenching on the inside is usually an attempt to treat the symptom and not the problem.

Agreed

I am completely amazed sometimes how people try to save a few hundred bucks on what is for most the single biggest investment they will ever make in their life costing hundreds of thousands of dollars ...

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Agreed for the 3rd time.

[KEVIN WOOD]

I agree with this also!

[Brandon Jasionowski]

According to my agent, the seller believes there is no problem with water or the foundation, although I don't believe they've been to the house yet to see the area of concern. Based on the buildup of efflorescence on the floor, I'm guessing they hadn't been to that part of the basement in years. In fact, they probably could have parged the wall and I would have been none the wiser.

As for the block masonry, most of the older houses in this area appear to use it. In this early 1960s neighborhood, the developer did use brick masonry below the ibeam supports. I was told this provides better compressive strength.

I'm going to get another quote from a basement company, just to see how they compare to the other guy's recommendations. Of course, I would prefer the exterior drain tile and excavation. I don't think the seller will move downward on the price though, so I'm probably going to have to punt at the end of the day.

Thanks for all the help gents. This experience was very enlightening. I hope it prepares me better for my next home inspection

[Robert J. OConnor]

Originally Posted by Brandon Jasionowski

According to my agent, the seller believes there is no problem with water or the foundation

Did you really expect a different response ...

Originally Posted by Brandon Jasionowski

I'm going to get another quote from a basement company, just to see how they compare to the other guy's recommendations.

Your just not following what your home inspector and others here on the board have tried to tell you ... ... you need an independent evaluation, not another estimate.

In the end it's your decision, and good luck with the house if you purchase it.