How do you know if basement walls have been reinforced?
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We lurchased a home and it is becoming apparent that the second floor was not original. The main floor bathroom has lost the ability to use the existing fan. There is no fan over the oven but you can see there was one via the roof. There is a crack, on the outside basement wall, that has been repaired. There are bumps on the main floor ceiling that almost look like they could have been recessed lighting patched over. I think I need Mike Holmes or his kids.
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If the second floor was an add on then possibly the first floor was not properly reinforced to carry the weight. A good structural engineer and contractor may be your only option. Unless you can get Mike Holmes out there. You can also check with your building department on any permits pulled on the property and any work that was done. Good Luck.
If you had a house inspection prior to purchasing, you could sue the inspector.
we purchased a house that the walls were pushed in and had beams to hold them from coming in any farther. I checked the dirt around the walls of the house and you could see the the dirt sloped in to the basement. I filled all around the house with more dirt so the ground slopped away from the house and the water runs away from the house and the walls went back to the way they were supposed to be. many years ago when a house was built drain tile were laid all around the house and a sump pump was installed in the basement so the water could drain
to the sump pump and pumped out over the lawn and the dirt was 2 feet from the basement wall and this was filled in with gravel and approx 3 feet of dirt was put on top of the gravel. A way of fixing a leak in the basement wall was to dig the dirt out by the crack in the wall drive 2 boards like a "V" against the wall so the crack was covered by the "V" and then filled in with bentonite as this will swell up and stop the leak. Never let a tree grow close the the foundation of a house unless you want to repair the wall as the roots will cave in the wall
I would ask a carpenter, or a home examiner. Let him examine your home, for safety, and wisdom. He would know what to look for, and also tell you of the oven vent. Perhaps this was not properly lined up to begin with. Ask, and make a list of areas that you want to be checked, and you will lots of steps ahead of the game. Best wishes, J.
If you did not hire an inspector prior to the purchase, hire one now - the best in town. Chances are you have a one year home warranty thrown in on the deal - use it - get everything fixed. If you did have an inspection and items were missed, be sure to tell your realtor not to use that person or firm in thefuture and get your fee back. If the repairs are extensive and costly, time for an attorney. I am a nice person and only suggest this when no other options are available. I hate to see people dump their life savings into a new home for their family only to find out the place is a money pit. It is one thing to fix things up with paint and cosmetic items, but mechanical and structural things for the safety of your family is of utmost importance.