Crack in the basement (Denver: new home, buying, construction)

[Vishaka]

We are buying a new home in Highlands ranch by a reputable builder.The house is recent construction less than 4 mths.But Now we see there is a crack (less than 1/4th of inch in the basement.Is it wise to go ahead and buy the house? We got a good deal but the crack worries me.Please answer ASAP.I have to close soon.

[MorningGlory]

I wouldnt buy. There are a lot of problems in Co with Bentonite. I would not touch a house, questionable for whatever reason. Having grown up in the Denver metro area I am partial to anything that had been standing for 30 years and is still solid.

[2bindenver]

What does the inspector say?

Is the crack in a control joint?

Can you fit the head of a nickel in it?

[Vishaka]

Thanks for replying.
The basement is completely cemented.The crack is on the cement flooring and runs from middle to completely one end.We can fit the nickel atleast where the crack starts.

[2bindenver]

What does your home inspector say? What about your buyer's agent?

[Noahma]

with the clay in our soils, the slabs are designed to move, or crack in specific areas. There should be some grooves running along the slab that are about a half inch deep. They are called control joints, If the crack is in one of them, you might be fine. If it is not, you might have a more serious problem. where slab-on-grade construction happens the soils test relatively stable. Sometimes things do shift a little. More serious soils require a structural slab, which contains quite a bit more reinforcing, and will have Caissons (concrete piers drilled into the ground) at regular intervals to help stabilize the slab.

I would contact an independent Structural Engineer and have them inspect it, on top of a home inspector. Going the extra step will defiantly help out. Structural Engineers go through alot more schooling than your typical home inspector, and can give you EXACT details of the structural integrity of the home. I very highly recommend finding a Structural Engineer to take a look at it.

I design homes here in Colorado, We have seen some very bad stuff. Slab Heave is no fun at all.

[BillRadio]

I wouldn't buy a house that new just for that`reason. However, if you feel pressure to buy, ask the builder for a new home warrantee offered by a third party.

Also, check neighboring houses. If they have problems, you might too. The reverse may be true, also.

[fromthebay]

wow sorry but j thought by the title that you had found a baggy of crack in the basement... wow anyways that sucks hope it works out

[b.adams]

Most new homes settle out in the first year or two. Having that crack that big already would be enough for me to say "pass". I watched my builder build my home from the ground up ... a dirt start. I still don't have any cracks in the foundation walls or floor ... but I also have a structural steel and concrete floor.

In the past, I have watched them pour foundations in the rain and snow. Once the concrete arrives, they pour regardless of the weather.

It is safer buying an existing home because you will know the issues ahead of time.

I was really impressed by how my Continental Home (by DR Horton now) was built.

[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.