Rhonda1972
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? MARYLAND
I just brought my first house. I had it inspected by a reputable home inspector. The home inspector wrote down on her report that a structural engineer examine the basement, because she seen cracks that were vertical and horizontal. The horizontal lines were a major concern after talking to my home inspector and my realtor I had the realtor draw up an additional agreement between the seller and I to make all repair. One of the items listed was the basement to have it inspected by a professional. Later my realtor summated a document from a building contractor, which stated that points need to be cut out and "pointed up" on the basement wall. I first questioned why it was a building contractor and not a structural engineer? I questioned my realtor she said that he has the credentials and the ability to inspect the basement for soundness. I then call the lady who inspected my house to verify with her if this was acceptable that a building contractor and not a structural engineer inspect the basement. She consulted with her supervisor and said that it was acceptable. I then accepted the findings. I have been in the house for about 5 months now and it appears that the basement wall is puckering out more than when I brought the house. With no were to turn I called a couple of Waterproofing companies to examine the basement since I could not find a local structural engineer and the ones I did find did not want to travel to my area. (too far out) The two waterproofing companies said that the wall is NOT okay and I have Hydrostatic Pressure behind the wall. Only one wall is underground. Both companies told me I need a sump pump and one said I need a sump pump and 5 I beams to support the wall.
I am trying to find someone that can help me. I am concerned that the waterproofing companies are number one out to make money and to look out for their own interest.
After researching and reading a lot of material on the Internet I have read over and over that horizontal cracks could be very serious. One of the waterproofing companies took a device that detects water used it and confirmed that water is behind the blocks closest to the floor of the basement.
Can you please help I don’t know what my rights are and what exactly the problem is since I have been told so many different theories.
I just brought my first house. I had it inspected by a reputable home inspector. The home inspector wrote down on her report that a structural engineer examine the basement, because she seen cracks that were vertical and horizontal. The horizontal lines were a major concern after talking to my home inspector and my realtor I had the realtor draw up an additional agreement between the seller and I to make all repair. One of the items listed was the basement to have it inspected by a professional. Later my realtor summated a document from a building contractor, which stated that points need to be cut out and "pointed up" on the basement wall. I first questioned why it was a building contractor and not a structural engineer? I questioned my realtor she said that he has the credentials and the ability to inspect the basement for soundness. I then call the lady who inspected my house to verify with her if this was acceptable that a building contractor and not a structural engineer inspect the basement. She consulted with her supervisor and said that it was acceptable. I then accepted the findings. I have been in the house for about 5 months now and it appears that the basement wall is puckering out more than when I brought the house. With no were to turn I called a couple of Waterproofing companies to examine the basement since I could not find a local structural engineer and the ones I did find did not want to travel to my area. (too far out) The two waterproofing companies said that the wall is NOT okay and I have Hydrostatic Pressure behind the wall. Only one wall is underground. Both companies told me I need a sump pump and one said I need a sump pump and 5 I beams to support the wall.
I am trying to find someone that can help me. I am concerned that the waterproofing companies are number one out to make money and to look out for their own interest.
After researching and reading a lot of material on the Internet I have read over and over that horizontal cracks could be very serious. One of the waterproofing companies took a device that detects water used it and confirmed that water is behind the blocks closest to the floor of the basement.
Can you please help I don’t know what my rights are and what exactly the problem is since I have been told so many different theories.