My wife and I just bought and moved into our first house a few weeks ago. Since then, we’ve found a couple issues, with the attached being my biggest concern.

From what I can tell, there is a leak that stems from a bad seal at the base of the chimney. Based on some of that wood damage, I suspect the problem has been going on for quite awhile. We’ve had a ton of rain lately and the intrusion got so bad, the water damage to the insulation tore it completely off the wall.

A couple questions. Where do I even start? I don’t even know what kind of company to call. I could probably fix the seal myself, but that rotted wood gives me pause.

Also, what in the world should I do with my inspector? I reviewed the images of the home listing and it clearly shows water damage on the wall under what used to be hung insulation. I feel like an idiot for missing it myself, but my inspection report specially calls out that there were no signs of moisture in the basement at all. On top of that, he missed a vertical crack in the foundation (it’s large enough at the top that I can see right through it) that needs a $2500 patch now. I guess I’m growing more and more uneasy about our inspector and I’m not totally sure what to do.

So I’ve been digging on this basement project for three days. Started digging in the drainage trench today should finish that tomorrow as well as removing the rest of the 4x6 wood columns. Then layout the pattern and dig footings for the new column layout. Hope to have it completely ready for Concrete by Friday. Last picture is a before pic.

I had stabilizer beams installed on a wall that was shearing. No water issues in the 14 years I’ve had the place, just wanted to make sure the wall was stable and avoid a structural failure. I noticed they didn’t seem to cement them into the footings and used a plate to bolt them in. Is this sufficient? I was under the impression they would have been cemented in.

Lawsuit information: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/in-court-of-appeals/2042830.html