Stucco Cracks

Since we live in an area that moves all the time how do you report stucco cracks ? There is almost no homes that do not have them, I try not to alarm the client but I guess the must be reported. Any language you use would be helpful

[size=2][/size]Section of the exterior stucco noted[size=2] [/size]voids,[size=2] [/size]cracks/checking condition with inaccessible areas. Stucco extends below the adjacent exterior soil
grade These condition can provide a safe entrance for pest and may cause excessive moisture to the interior walls/flooring. Stucco limited the
inspector’s access to areas of the foundation. A termite inspection should provide more information.
The adjacent earth should be lowered as necessary to correct any faulty grade condition. The lower section of the stucco should be trimmed
up above grade as necessary to provide full access for further inspection of the inaccessible foundation.
**Always get estimates and have all work completed by competent, licensed, insured, and bonded professional contractors. All repairs should strictly adhere to Manufacture Installation Specifications, National, State, Local codes, and the Authority having Jurisdiction.
All work should be completed, inspected and certified before you close escrow.

Best

Ron
**

Ron thanks for the reply, not exactly what I had in mind, not wanting to scare the client to death :slight_smile:

You will never make it beyond the stage of “newby”, Gary, if you do not learn early in the game that your job is to describe the condition of the home and to do so without any regard for outcome of the sale.

Until you learn this and apply it consistently, you have no right to charge a fee for your services.

I am in Arizona (the stucco jungle) If the cracks are minor I will say " Typical stucco cracks noted, considered common. cracks should be monitored closly and sealed as required to prevent moisture entry into wall cavity

Thanks Tom thats about how I would describe it.

James… Who asked you your opinion about my ability to do home inspections. I am only new to this board, I have inspected thousands of property’s over the years without any complaints so why not just answer the post and keep you opinions to yourself

Because, as a NACHI member, your actions reflect on all of us.

Let the realtor sell the house.

Yup… I scare the crap out of a lot of reat estate agent:shock:

Poor little real estate agents:mrgreen:

But the buyers love my reports…

Best

Ron

“What the plainspoken man lacks in subtlety he makes up in clarity.” -
A.D. Miller…

Thanks guys a wise man said “It ain’t what you say its the way how you say it”

Gary in 30 years of inspecting home I Have never scared a buyer out of buying a home. If they walk away it was because they did not like the true condition of the home…

But I have piss off more agents then I can think of…

Agent should not be at inspection… Open the door and then go away.

So the inspector and his client can inspect the together… Thats the way it should be…

Best

Ron

Ron like you I have been around a long time. I also work for the buyer not the agent, most of my agent connections are the most respected in the industry and would never try to hide any issue, they also never hang around for the 3 Hrs. it takes to do the inspection. To hyper :slight_smile:

and

http://www.nachi.org/gallery/foundation/settlement_and_cracks

Here are a couple phrases I use when I see normal stucco cracks.  They are very common here in Florida.

There are several stucco cracks in various locations around the house (See Structural Photo #). Recommend sealing and painting all exterior cracks to prevent water intrusion.

[FONT=Symbol] [/FONT]Common minor cracks were observed on the exterior walls of the house. This implies that structural movement has occurred. The location, size, shape of these cracks is common. The inspection did not find evidence of significant movement requiring immediate major repairs.

[FONT=Wingdings] [/FONT]

Thanks Mat

There is pronounced cracking to the exterior walls . This implies that structural movement of the building has occurred. While the rate of movement cannot be predicted during a one-time inspection, it is likely that repairs are needed. A structural engineer or a repair specialist who is familiar with residential building failures should be consulted to further evaluate this condition and the remedies available.

[size=2][FONT=Helvetica][size=2]There are some relatively very small vertical and horizontal cracks in the stucco walls, which are probably attributable to [/size][/FONT][/size][size=2][FONT=Helvetica][size=2]shrinkage and settlement, they have little structural significance. Generally speaking, cracks that are less than 1/4" are not [/size][/FONT][/size][size=2][size=2][FONT=Helvetica]commonly regarded as being structurally significant.
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[FONT=Helvetica-Oblique][size=2] [/size][/FONT]

[size=2]There are typical [size=2]cracks[/size][/size] in the stucco, which you should view for yourself. All[size=2] cracks[/size] result from movement, and are structural in that respect, but the vast majority of them have only a cosmetic significance. However, you may wish to have this confirmed by a specialist
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I do not use words like (minor) (small) ( its a crack ) take a photo.

It opens the interior of the wall void to moisture and needs repair.

Best

Ron