there is a horizontal crack in the poored concrete foundation. it goes right up to the bricks and mortar. the basement floor is also cracked comming from the wall to where the sump pump is. the drywall on the ceiling and walls is cracking too. we just purchased the place 10 months ago. it seems to me the previous owners had patched over the problem. the cracks in the drywall started to appear as the cold weather came. also when there was the dry spell this summer i noticed that the soil shrunk about 1/2 an inch around the foundation of the house, when the rains came the gap disapeared. 1.i would like to know if there is a quick fix? 2. if the previous owners would be liable for this? 3. if there is anyway of getting a free estimate?
Answer:
Depending on what jurisdiction you live in, the previous owner may very well be responsible. Your lawyer can talk to you about a 'statement of disclosure' that may have been a necessity on the part of the previous owner. Free estimates are the order of the day and no, there is no quick fix but yes, its going to be expensive
