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Buying a first house - concern after viewing - need advice

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daniel.prasal

New Member
Hi All,

I'm in a position of buying my first house and have been on a viewing yesterday. It is great sized 3 bed house with large garden. It needs a lot of work, which Im' ready for, but one thing concerns me and waving a red flag in fromt of my eyes. On the upper floow there is a seriuos wall crack above doors that spans across two doors. The crack is visible from both sides of the wall, so I understand it goes through the wall. My knowledge about structural engineering is next to nothing, but I belive it might be a wall that supports roof. There is a chimney brest along this wall and the wall itself spans accross the middle of the house. The house is around 60-70 years old and wall internal walls are brick walls. I haven't noticed any cracks to outside walls. I made some photos. I would appreciate any advice if that is something serious and just walk away from getting that house or is it minor thing that is not going to ruin my wallet.


 
Veronica

Veronica

Administrator
That would concern me too. I would insist on a structural report before risking my money on it.
 
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Dora Wi

Active Member
I think I would ask for the opinion of an expert in this matter. Also, are the architectural plans of the building available? That could help with determining whether or not these are supporting walls.
 
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bhupinderbhatti

Member
You should not acquire that house, in my opinion. Because it is a one-time investment, so think carefully.
 
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wellsee

New Member
Hi All,

I'm in a position of buying my first house and have been on a viewing yesterday. It is great sized 3 bed house with large garden. It needs a lot of work, which Im' ready for, but one thing concerns me and waving a red flag in fromt of my eyes. On the upper floow there is a seriuos wall crack above doors that spans across two doors. The crack is visible from both sides of the wall, so I understand it goes through the wall. My knowledge about structural engineering is next to nothing, but I belive it might be a wall that supports roof. There is a chimney brest along this wall and the wall itself spans accross the middle of the house. The house is around 60-70 years old and wall internal walls are brick walls. I haven't noticed any cracks to outside walls. I made some photos. I would appreciate any advice if that is something serious and just walk away from getting that house or is it minor thing that is not going to ruin my wallet.


The cracks are signs of foundation problems. That can be fixed. Call in a foundation repair company. It''ll run you 10k-20k. If you have the money to take care of it. It's a good negotiation point. Many investors won't touch those properties. Here in Texas, it's a common thing to find. I spent 13k on a house and it came with lifetime transferable warranty. Look around on the outside for cracks and looks like more under that hideous wallpaper. Do the doors shut ok? The foundation would have to be taken care of before anything else., always cuz the house needs to settle for 3 months. and your frame might be get outta wack after the repair you'll see , it's mostly all fixable. Then you need rain gutters and diversion of water 3' from house for the warranty to stay in place. Find a company that's been around awhile. Many fly by night foundation companies that might not be around if you need them. If you by chance pull up the flooring, you'll probably notice hairline cracks in the slab as well.
 
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Alba_bernia

New Member
Nothing like buying land and starting to build from zero, Maybe if you have the money you can take that house down and rebuild it full (if the land were it's build interests you) if you are not planning to do this, buy other house!
 
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YHwork

New Member
In my opinion, you should think carefully before buying the house. Also, if you consider buying it, you can ask a renovation professional to check if there is any other damage in this house. If there is not a serious case, you can proceed to it. Just my opinion.
 
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michelle1121

New Member
It's kind of a big crack. I would think twice before buying that. Consider looking at other properties first.
 
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Dora Wi

Active Member
Are there any updates? What did you decide in the end?
 
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leonardgeryol

New Member
Well, I'm not a specialist in wall construction problem is not looking huge if the main parts of the wall are not damaged.
 
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