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Buying or Selling a Home/basement floor crack in new home

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Question
I'm not in Texas but I hope this question is general enough that you get the idea.  My husband and I are relocating and found a new home being sold by the builder.  He went to look at it last night and noticed that in the "storage" area of the basement there was a crack in the floor.  the basement is finished so we don't know if there are cracks elsewhere.  We are in Iowa so radon is a concern.  Is this a matter of sealing the crack or would you say "repouring the basement is needed.  We plan on getting a radon test anyway just to be safe.

Answer
The cracks in the concrete can sometimes be small and normal
cracks, or they may indicate a bigger problem.  I recommend
a complete inspection by a qualified Professional to ensure
that you fully understand what you have there.  I cannot
see what you are talking about, so my comments are incomplete.

Basements can be the source of hidden problems to the eyes
of the average person.  Movement cracks can sometimes allow
moisture penetration, and wood destroying insects inside
the dwelling.  You have to also look out for sweating walls
and fungi-mold problems too.  There are methods to deal
with cracks or improper moisture barriers... but your
basements needs inspected before you can really start
talking about any of the many different repairs methods
that may or may not be needed. An inspector should also
look at any joints in the concrete and the drainage
around the house too.  All of these items are very
important and work together to provide a proper function.

Look at the radon and then get Professional advise on
best way to deal with it, if it is indeed present.

Don't take any shortcuts or you may end up saving a dime
and losing a dollar... you know what I mean? Previous
repairs can sometimes hid problems from your eyes and
a qualified Inspector is needed to uncover the potential
problems that you may not see at this time.

Good luck and I hope this has helped you.

Thanks,

John McKenna,CMI
Certified Master Inspector
American Home Inspection
http://texas-inspection.com

Buying or Selling a Home

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John McKenna, CMI

Expertise

I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"

Experience

Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

Education/Credentials
Certified Master Inspector (CMI) National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565)
See more info: http://texas-inspection.com

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