I don't know the significance of that crack, but realize that concrete
pretty much WILL crack, that's why they use seams or expansion material.
Find me a foundation that doesn't have a crack in it, I'd be surprised if
you could. 1/8" is medium sized for a concrete crack, but unless there is
vertical displacement, I usually wouldn't pay attention to a crack that big.
If the concrete wasn't cured correctly, or if it was just cured poorly it
will crack early on. You should be asking the question, will this crack
enlarge and cause a structural problem. Only an engineer can tell you that.
If at any time it shows up as a problem and you're made aware of it, you
MUST disclose it when you sell. If you don't the significance of a crack in
the concrete, you may not have to disclose it, however if a court could
prove that you should have known it was a problem, then you could be held
responsible. Those kinds of lawsuits are VERY nasty. I would definitely
disclose anything I knew to even potientally be a problem to a buyer, it's
just too risky not to.

-Jeff


"frankg" wrote in message
...
On 4 Oct 2003 07:47:40 -0700, (Zhixin Tang) wrote:

Hi, I found out there is a vertical crack on the foundation wall
(poured concrete) all the way from ceiling to floor. It is on the 40'
foundation wall, in the middle of garage, close to steel pieces in the
concrete, about 1/8" wide. The foundation is only 2 months old and the
house is close to completion.

I think one wall is settling down more to cause the crack. I am afraid
that the crack will become bigger when settling continues. Is not rare
for a 2-month foundation has such a long and wide crack? I am
currently requesting the builder to hire a structural engineer to
assess the problem.

Since the house has been closed, I may have to option to walk away if
it is a serious foundation problem.

Folks, I would appreciate your advice on this problem. Also if I do
accept the home, I have to disclose the problem when I sell the house
in the future?

Thanks.

Tom

In my opinion, 1/8 inch settlement in 2 months is too much too soon.
I suggest for peace of mind, hire your own structural engineer (your
cost) to inspect it independent from the first report to see if the
results are similar or not.

Or if you just don't feel comfortable with this project, don't buy it.
Hopefully you won't lose any money but if you do, it may be a lot less
than if you make the purchase and have to either repair the damage at
your cost or sell a house with a foundation problem at a probable loss
in value.