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Expert: - 3/10/2009


Question
QUESTION: I am purchasing a home that is being built now.  The basement floor was poured last week and now has numerous cracks all over it.  Also, the drains were put in the wrong place.  We were told that the concrete was poured on a windy day and dried to quickly as the reason for the cracks.  We expect them to totally remove the basement floor and replace it and put the drains in the correct place.  Do you agree?

ANSWER: Hello Susan,

I must agree - a newly poured slab does not crack so quickly.  Yes, drying to rapidly can be one of the problems.  However, the builder should have known that it is necessary to maintain water on the slab on warm and windy and dry days.

I would also question if the grade under the slab was prepared properly.  It should have been compacted with a "structural fill" base.  Also, was there wire reinforcing in the slab? (I doubt it!)

The location of floor drains is critical.  And just as important is the slope to each drain - from a high point down to the drain.  It doesn't need to be a drastic pitch - just enough to allow water to drain properly.

I hope this response has been helpful.

Roger



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your response.  My husband tells me that I did not tell you that the basement floor as above is poured on metal beams and putting some type of pans on them and then the concerte poured.  We live in Colorado with exansive soil and this is supposed to help with that. We still expect them to totally remove the floor and replace it and put the drains in the correct place.  Does this change your answer?  Three other patio homes are being build as the same time as ours and their basement floors are absolutely smooth with no cracks at all.  Please respond.  Thank you  

Answer
Hi Again Susan,

No, my answer doesn't change.  The system you described is more commonly used for suspended floors in my area.  The concrete should be smooth and crack free regardless of the system.  I suspect they leave a void under the pans to allow soil to expand or contract.

Good Luck

Roger

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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