Your thoughts on these cinder foundation cracks? Pics inside

[Jeff Brower]

Hello all,

Seeking advice on these cracks. I am in contract on this 1947 small (570 sqft) two bedroom SFR in my town. It is a HUD home which I already have $500 in my ernest money down. Buying as investor so no refunds on that, it is gone should I decide to walk away.

The purchase price is low (17k) and the house is so small that I am foregoing a normal home inspection. The only issue I am seeing are these two spots in the crawlspace. These appear to be pretty bad cracks where the cinder is falling backwards. These two spots are the worst. The lower block around the rest of the place looks moist. There are no drywall cracks or level issues. Doors and windows all open/close with no binding. I do not see any issues stemming from these cracks yet, but who knows in the future. Joists look good with no rotting. This house has been vacant for over a year.

What are your thoughts? I know some of you will say 'consult a structural engineer' which is fine, but can I get your opinions? I can walk away and be out only $500. My plan is to buy and hold this one after interior rehab (mostly cosmetic) (rent $650/month). I have more pics if that helps. Thanks!

Inside worst spot:

Outside worst spot (same spot as interior shot above):

Second worst spot:

[Brian Rossiter]

Structural evaluations of existing homes is one of the many services I provide.  There's nothing in your photos that would scare me off.  I see a lot of efflorescence, which is normal for a block foundation of that age.  Step cracks are also common.  I agree with @Jeremy Gunn; fill the cracks in the mortar joints inside and out and paint the foundation. 

Your photo "normal_1443145119-crack2.JPG" looks like one block on the bottom course is misaligned.  If I'm seeing this correctly, I would take care to completely fill the space between blocks with mortar or epoxy to keep water out.

I would also thoroughly dry out the crawlspace.  A space heater and a couple of blowers would do the trick (unless something is still leaking in there).  Although, as @Account Closed points out, stopping any sources of water intrusion would be the priority.

Of course, this is all speculation based on your photos and testimony.  I'm sure if I were on the scene I could spot more things to fix or get a better idea of what the photos are actually depicting.  I would recommend "consult[ing] a structural engineer" as you skillfully predicted.  ; )