Crack in the basement

[MorningGlory]

Originally Posted by Vishaka

Thanks all,
It is believed that the crack is due to expanding soil.But the structure is protected since its Slab-on-Grade construction.The crack may increase or remian the same with time.Will this bring down the house value? The builder assures nothing will happen to structure.
I am tempted by the granite and other high grade stuff in the house Need strong will to decline the offer.

Geez, have you looked at older housing in the area to see how it survives? Bentonite is not fun. I had one house where we had a seasonal "rearrangement of the doors" ceremony where we went around and adjusted all the little plates that the latch fits into. In humid weather the doors would latch. In dry weather other doors would latch, and the humid doors would get re-arranged. How annoying. Our house let us know how wet the soil was, that was for sure.

[2bindenver]

I think you need a good agent & inspector.

[DenverAztec]

You may be getting a good deal because of the crack? Take the advice of those here and hire a good inspector or structural engineer to look at it. Cracks can happen in newer and older homes, and all over the state, but why start out with a headache upon closing?

[esya]

noahma gave the best advice--call an engineer, the cost of an inspection is worth the money if you think you want the house.