Quote:
Originally Posted by LongIslandIceTea
Hey guys, I need some professional suggestions! I'm in the contract of a new construction near beach, but found a few cracks in the concrete foundation (see attached images). The builder says it is typical in long island since the house is built on sands. Is it true? Are they serious problems? Do I need to have an engineer to check it out? Any one can recommend a good engineer?
Many thanks.
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Your 'builder' is FULL of Baloney. If he's misrepresenting the foundation now, what other significant structural problems can you look forward to in the future?
Be prepared to have your attorney involved, this might not be pretty.
1) The hole for the foundation might have been dug too deep and then back filled to bring it to the proper height. The fill wasn't given proper time to settle and the cracks are stress points where the fearth under the foundation is settling.
2) There may be issues with the footings.
3) The foundation might have been backfilled too soon -- backfilling a green foundation will cause issues.
4) The concrete mix might have been incorrect for the weather it was poured in.
These are only a few exanples.
Is this a rebuild on an existing structure, or is this completely new construction from the ground up?
The builder might tell you, "Well it passed inspection." Don't accept that. Go with your gut and get an engineer in there. I will IM you a name of a man I have worked with.
One of my neighbors became a 'builder'. He is trained in computer programming. Too many people watch HGTV and learn just enough to become dangerous.