When is a cracked foundation a bigger expense than the house?

[John Hodson]

Hi BPers!

I'm getting close to close on a property and there are cracks in the foundation that the inspector found. I'm asking the inspector for a more detailed analysis of these cracks so I can decide if the foundation will be a big expense in the lifespan of this property. I know my mom went through some trouble with our old childhood home that had a major foundation problem where the ground was eroding away and the house was slowly cracking. It's very expensive to lift a house.

Has anyone else had a similar issue? What would you say is a deal breaker from some cracks in the foundation? Again, I am asking my inspector for a more detailed analysis to see if it is minimal or extensive. Thanks all!

[Kevin Martin]

@John Hodson

Are these the only areas with cracking? If so, then it doesn't seem like a very wide spread issue that would be a major problem but no one can say for sure without being there. The picture with the crack through the block is concerning but this could just be an isolated area. 

If it was me I would just make sure there are gutters on the house and make sure to have proper drainage away from your foundations. Keep an eye on it and if it gets worse then hire an engineer.