Inspection Report - Structural Remarks

[Tracey Leung]

I am in process of purchasing a turnkey property (built 1969, 3 bed/2 bath for $139k.)  The inspection report came back with some minor findings. There is a structural finding: "Unusual settling cracks and significant separations noted at brick on homes exterior. Recommend a structural engineer evaluate the situation for repairs as needed." 

What would you do if you are in my situation? Call for a structural engineer? Contact the inspector for more details? Contact the turnkey company? Or is it a deal breaker?

[Keith Underkofler]

Hi Tracey, I'm General Contractor, in business myself for 20 years. I do a lot of structural repairs, renovations and I see this sort of thing very often.

First, you need to determine if this is a veneer or if it's structural brick. It's not unusual to see cracks like these in a brick veneer. Structural brick not so much. However, based on the age of the house and what I see in the picture, it looks like veneer to me.

The veneer can crack for a myriad of reasons, most of them not major. If the house is built on a slab then look at the slab for settlement issues. If there's a basement or crawl space, you will find further damage on the foundation wall if the damage is of any significance.

Before you spend money on a structural engineer, have your contractor meet you at the property, go through it with him and get his opinion. If you're finding cracking on the inside then you probably have a house with issues, if not then it's likely just the veneer or brick ledge.

Also to note, the home inspector typically is not able to help you determine the root causes of these types of issues. Their liability coverage doesn't allow it. They can only make observations and recommendations. As in "I observed a crack and recommend you ask an engineer"

Best luck,

Keith