House with structural issues...

[David Robertson]

I got a pending offer on a short sale that has some structural issues. Here is summary of the issues.

1. The front concrete stoop is pulling away from the house. The stoop/entry stairs need to be replaced and I have accounted for the cost in my repair estimate. It seems to be a minor issue and it is manageable.

2. My main concern is that the interior slab of the house has bowed up in the middle of the house maybe 1/2"-1" causing cracks in drywall throughout the center of the house. A structural analysis was performed in 2006. The engineer basically said to trim the interior columns as much as needed to re-level the house. He said that once the issues is fixed the house should have a long and useful life as he imagines the house is done settling and bowing (house was built in 1976).

I guess my initial thoughts were that if the house is out of level 1/2" to 1" in the center, it really isn't a big issue. I imagine that is common in many homes throughout the country. I would think repairing the drywall would be a sufficient fix, although not completely resolve the structural issue identified in the structural report.

A couple questions:
Could I have issues selling the house if I don't modify the columns? I imagine I would have to disclose the structural report when I go to sell?

It seems 'fixing' the issue by trimming the columns may do more harm than good. I would have to modify wall heights in the basement, and potentiall relevel ductwork and piping.

As the engineer said, the house is likely done settling and bowing...If it ain't broke, don't fix it?