Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 12/21/2011

Question
I am building a new house.  I am concerned about a specific part of the foundation that the builder "repaired" when the put the pipes for the HVAC condenser lines in the wrong place.

Is this "repair" of the foundation going to be a problem in the future?

Should I make the builder "repair" it correctly or better?

Answer
Hi Daniel, it's hard to say from the photo but it looks like whoever repaired the foundation here did a half-assed job about it, at least cosmetically speaking.  It does look like the cells were filled with concrete which is good but it also looks like there is dirt in there which needs to be cleaned out and the block work propery pointed up and any piping sealed around.  As your masonry wall goes up from this point I would have the masons put a bonding beam over the repaired area.  This is a simple procedure that will reinforce the repaired area and help prevent any settling in this spot.  A bond beam is made of "U" blocks and has a bar of rebar laid down in the "U" and the entire length is then filled with concrete grout.  That is my recommendation ..make sure the bond beam spans at least 8" past the repaired area on each end.  I hope this info helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely, Bruce Johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com