House foundation issues (Dallas: how much, buying a house, transfer)

[Vina]

We are thinking of buying a house and we have already agreed on price. But there is slight issue with foundation and structural report suggests placing two pears under the wall. Could you please suggest whether or not it is recommended to buy this house? Appreciate you prompt responses in advance.

[momof2dfw]

At least you KNOW what the condition is. The company that does the work should have a lifetime transferable warranty. Get some good recomendations. Once it is fixed that foundation if done properly will be stronger than the others in the area that don't have piers. You could end up buying a house and not have done a structural engineers report and end up having MAJOR foundation issues going on that you, the seller and the inspector were unaware of.

[bookworm2768]

I'd say that there are no slight issues where foundations are concerned. Get a foundation company (or two) to come out and give you a plan of work and estimate on what needs to be done. Putting in piers can be expensive. You may find that you need more than a couple of piers.
Also, how much damage has the structural issue caused to the framing, plaster, door frames etc? All of these could be out of postion due to the movement of the foundation.
As momof2 said do make sure that the work has a lifetime warranty and make doubly sure that they are a reputable long existing company. Anyone can give you a lifetime warranty and then declare bankruptcy and move on. You could be stuck with a shoddy construction repair job and a wobbly house to boot.

[loves2read]

not my business but why are you paying for this work---
something like this unless you get a REALLY good deal on a house would always come out of the seller's pocket IMO--because foundation problems are never "slight" and could get progressively worse if the causal factor is not repaired correctly--putting piers under one wall may not be the ultimate way to stop any future problems...

what does your realtor say about this "slight" problem...
agree with the other two posters' advice==but be aware that some people will not go near a house with foundation repairs--so you could very well have issue at resale time..

[dixierambler]

Foundation repairs are not necessarily a deal breaker, but they do deserve close scrutiny. As momof2 said, proper repairs will be stronger than the remainder of the foundation. Just be aware though, that future repairs to other areas may be required. The soil around Dallas is notoriously unstable. There are several methods of foundation stabilization. None of them are inexpensive, and some are more effective than others. You would be well advised to heed bookworm's advice and get at least 2 estimates for repairs. Just make sure they are very reputable companies, with foundation engineers on staff, and not just some salesman wanting to sell you unnecessary foundation work.