Buying a Duplex with "minor" foundation issues

[Ramon Vazquez]

Hello BP community,

I'm looking at buying duplex that seems rather promising minus the foundation issue pre-disclosed by the seller. Here's what I know (first time dealing with this type of issue)

A structural report conducted by a local engineering group recommended:

- Piering to stabilize, attempt to return to original levels the south east corner of 5311, approximately 23’ of the east(rear) wall and 12’ of the east end of the south foundation wall.
- Approximately 4-6 piers are recommended, final number of piers to be guaranteed by contractor performing the work.
- Epoxy patch all cracks in the foundation walls per the attached specifications I would recommend the owner maintain the following items in the future:
             - Maintain grading around the foundation of the house per the attached specifications
             - Epoxy patch all cracks in the foundation walls per the attached specifications as they appear
             - Keep soil near the foundation walls moist during dry weather

The seller has offered to complete the piering (estimated at 5k) with an offer that matches the asking price and my agent said all the cracks appear to be epoxy sealed already.

Is there anything else I should look into or consider before moving forward? Is maintain moisture area a home that diffcult? Any expertise in foundations would be much appreciated.

[Brian Ellis]

Anytime there are cracks in a foundation you are susceptible to leaks. Water leaks in a foundation is a huge pain. You cant really get rid of it unless you put some sort of complex drainage system along the outside of the foundation. Epoxy will only last for so long.

Check some factors

- Whats the Grade of the lawn

-  Does the basement need to be re-finished

- Are downspouts positioned correctly