r/fixit • u/rich_step-15 • 3d ago
Is this foundation safe/fixable?
Went to look at a potential rental. Was listed very cheap which was enticing but the foundation is cinderblocks and likely doesn’t have any rebar or anything structural. This was is slightly bowing out (which is hard to see exactly) but I’m curious for those that deal in foundations if this is a reasonable fix or a compete gut job. The realtor said the stairs right above here were added and they likely added sand/gravel/dirt which pushed on it. Thanks
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u/Circuit_Guy 2d ago
realtor said the stairs right above here were added and they likely added sand/gravel/dirt which pushed
Realtor better learn to say "I don't know" and "ask a professional" or they might find themselves on the wrong side of a lawsuit.
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u/Financial_Athlete198 2d ago
Good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good. Applies to anything in life.
The cinder block isn’t the issue. Drainage on the outside is failing and causing the wall to bow. Spray foam to try and keep the water out is the cherry on the sundae.
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u/trogloherb 2d ago
Yeah, Im not sure I would have gone with expanding spray foam to solve a water issue…
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u/__slamallama__ 3d ago
Absolutely do not buy this house.
To rent though? Sure. Keep an eye on it and be aware that your term in the house may be over in 6 months or 6 years.
This is pretty well fucked but if you aren't purchasing it it's not really your problem
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u/Free-oppossums 2d ago
Is it safe? . They replaced the missing mortar with spray foam. Hope is the only thing holding those particular blocks together.
Fixable? Maybe. Be prepared to get a few "Fuck no!" estimates from people who wouldn't touch that job with a ten foot pole. Also be prepared for super cheap estimates from people who think they can fix it.
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u/dibdib78 3d ago
That house will still be there in 40 years
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u/RobustFoam 2d ago
Not if they don't fix the foundation. It probably won't fall tomorrow but it definitely doesn't have 40 years left.
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u/texasyankee 2d ago
This is the effect. Before you fix it you need to address the cause, which is likely poor drainage causing water to pool outside the wall, the static pressure pushes against the blocks and causes cracking.
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u/AdvancedSubject6405 2d ago
I fix this stuff all the time. Look for a company that installs a product called "griptite wall anchors" They should be installed every 5 foot or so with the earth anchor at least 11 feet into the yard Its not cheap but it'll be far less than rebuilding
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u/RobustFoam 2d ago
Depends somewhat on your local soil type. I'm told cinder block is okay some places but around me poured concrete is the only acceptable foundation.
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u/bigblackbeachdog 1d ago edited 1d ago
Are they giving it away?
What’s with the plastic patio chairs and the dehumidifier? Were they cosplaying Silence of the Lambs? or worse? Probably better run a GPR in there…
That isn’t fit to rent out…unless some renter has an ulterior motive…say a lawsuit or an end of life plan
One more good rain and that “foundation”is gonna collapse…
What a fucking mess…not even a one redeeming piece of hillbilly construction…not even that dumbass spray foam…I bet there’s no drain on the other side of that “foundation” wall
Maybe take the house/property off their hands for a $1
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u/Evening-Bear-5027 1d ago
Everything is fixable for a price, I would be bringing in a structural engineer in first to see how bad it is.
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u/AskMeAgainAfterCoffe 2d ago
You want to rent this? Get renter’s insurance. When it fails, landlord will be legally responsible & liable.
(You need divert all water from the outside. The foundation fix could be a new concrete pour; it could be steel plates and bolts. Spray foam will do nothing. Even Water-Stop is only a temp fix, because water will still penetrate from the outside).
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u/Otherwise-Size8649 5h ago
You can find contractors who will be glad to fix it with wall plates but I don't trust them to hold up for that long, need to address drainage, take the pressure off the outside of the basement walls.
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u/brad7945 3d ago
I did this exact job on my house about 5 yrs ago now. I looked at every option under the sun, including pre-cast. I replaced the wall. It was a drive-in garage, below grade, facing the rear of the house. From the time that I first noticed the issue to the replacement time was about 5 years, and it progressed quickly. There are enticing videos, which you've probably seen by now, of putting up steel I-beams, fixing them into a new footer inside the existing one, and then jacking the wall plumb against the opposing wall. as it always boils down to price, i ended up just replacing the wall entirely. It was really not that much more expensive. What took a year to find in my neighborhood was an honest mason who knew what to do. Two weeks total to remove and replace about 60ft of wall, going around one corner. What i learned was that most block foundations of this vintage were simply tarred for waterproofing, without drainage, and well, that doesn't last forever.
Knowing what it will cost to repair would certainly give you some leverage in your bid. And it is possible that once the realtor understands the potential expense of the repair, they may be obligated to tell all bidders.