anyone knows how serious this stucco crack is? (bank owned, buying a house)

[jay1900]

Hello guys,

I am buying a house. Today, after the inspection, we found that there was a crack under the window.

The inspector said it was not a cosmetic problem. I am kind of worried if it's a structural problem.

this house was built in 2006. But I really doubt if the builder would like to fix it. Also, it's bank owned.

does any one can help?

thanks a billion!

[krudmonk]

I used to paint homes. We slapped in some putty and let it dry before painting. A stucco crack is just a stucco crack. They happen quite often.

[ferretkona]

Stucco is merely a concrete coat that floats on the building paper. Cracks are pretty common and no danger.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

OMG!!!! A newly discovered earthquake fault!!!

But seriously, as noted above, it's fairly normal. You should see the stucco cracks at my place!

[nmnita]

normally not serious at all, it has to do more with the house settling.. Cracks look awful, but cause little problems, I am surprised the inspector made much referance to it.
Sounds like the inspector just wanted to make sure he covered his tail.
Nita

[Shope]

I'm in construction and lots of things can cause a stucco crack. That is just a cosmetic crack, cracks are very common around windows. If you don't space the plywood just right you can also get cracks. I wouldn't worry about it at all. You could get it fixed for cheap if you wanted to.

[mmcguire]

Horizontal and vertical cracks are normally not something to worry about. Large cracks the head off at a 45 degree angles may need to be reviewed.

[NewToCA]

Generally, some decent quality exterior paint can fill a small crack like the one posted.

[Rocketir]

What is on the other side of the wall? Is it a wet wall? Could some moisture be causing the framing to swell? Doesn't a typical stucco crack extend from the corners, whereas this one goes all the way from the foundation throught the window sill area. I don't know, but I would probably investigate it a little more just to be safe. good luck.
Jes

[PDX_Home_Inspector]

As a home inspector I would beg differ with the "painters and other experts" Depends on what kind or stucco it is - if it is hard coat, then you should just fill it with a flexible, paintable sealant and paint. Is there a crack inside at the same area and / or a crack in he foundation same area)? (I am really glad that these experts can say that while the stucco cracked, the vapor barrier is still OK even though they can't see it). If so then there is movement of the residence. If it is synthetic stucco then it was improperly installed and needs removal and replacement - properly installed synthetic stucco should not crack like that. It WILL leak and cause damage.