Zillow Advice: Home Buying - My Husband and i are looking at purchasing a home that has 105 year old foundation is it safe?

Just get a home inspection. ...

Thu, 28 May 2009 21:32:00 GMT

Just get a home inspection. Choose one yourself don't use one provided by the seller.

Old foundations are an issue ...

Thu, 28 May 2009 20:22:00 GMT

Old foundations are an issue when it comes to insurance. The main thing insurance companies and prospective homeowner's should look for is 1. Is the foundation a cement, perimeter foundation (not post and pier.) 2. Is the foundation attached to the home. This is especially important in earthquake prone areas such as the greater Seattle area where there is the likelyhood of a major earthquake causing substantial damage. If the foundation is not attached to the home, then in an earthquake, the home literally bounces off the foundation and collapses (I've seen this). However, if the home you are considering is not attached to the fouandation, it can be retrofitted by an experienced contractor. Only attached foundations qualify for earthquake insurance. 3. Are there cracks in the foundation. WHile not uncommon, small cracks are generally not a problem, a lot of small cracks or large cracks could be a sign of land subsidence. Earth movement/subsidence is not covered under homeower's or earthquake policies and insurance companies will immediately cancel policies where htere is significant subsidence going on. There is an earth movement policy available separately to cover landslide (above or below the home, but not avalanche). My recommendation would be to have the foundation inspected prior to buying.

Apart from Foundation issue, ...

Thu, 21 May 2009 02:44:00 GMT

Apart from Foundation issue, be prepared for some quirky designs and floorplans that seem a bit odd

Old homes have lots of character! ...

Sat, 16 May 2009 22:08:00 GMT

Old homes have lots of character! and if it already was able to withstand the test of time it may be OK.

Do not underestimate any defects on the foundation. Get an inspection, and then get a second opinion from a foundation specialist.

Good luck,

Sandro

I love old houses. Maybe ...

Sat, 16 May 2009 17:08:00 GMT

I love old houses. Maybe you'd consider coming back and letting everybody know how it went. Fingers crossed for a good inspection and all going well :)

I would be more skeptical ...

Sat, 16 May 2009 16:28:00 GMT

I would be more skeptical of the 2007 re-build than a foundation that has with-stood 100 years already.
Get a good inspector and get answers to these problems, just don't blow them off as nothing.
FOR EXAMPLE:
Gaps in the baseboards could mean slight foundation settled over 100 years and the re-build did not compensate to shim and Square it, thus the gaps. Small gaps are normal in run of the mill construction, this is what molding covers. With true craftsman, you will be hard pressed to find so much as a seam. Your inspector will determine acceptability.

The bulge could be the result of a forced fit, now a spring loaded problem that will magnify itself later. SIGNS OF POOR CONSTUCTION WILL TIP THE INSPECTOR OFF TO LOOK FOR OTHER HIDDEN TRICKS. These types of flaws can be just the tip of the iceberg in what you cannot see.

For example: You don't want to buy a house that is not properly attached to the foundation, right?

Only a good inspector will be able to tell you for sure by looking first hand. DO NOT USE ONE REFERRED BY THE CONTRACTOR OR SELLER. FIND YOUR OWN. DO HAVE THE FOUNDATION CHECKED INSIDE AND OUT.

Thank's guy's for all the ...

Sat, 16 May 2009 15:57:00 GMT

Thank's guy's for all the great advice. This has been awesome. It has helped me a great deal on where to go from here. I will use all of your imput to help us on this purchase.The home was bought by contractor in
2007 who took the home down to the stud's and rebuilt it. But we noticed a slight bulge in one wall and some gap's in the base board's. so that gave us some concern's. So thank you all for the great advice. We will will certainly have some extra time spent on the foundation inspection. We love the home and hope it is solid.

Most are fine. Just have ...

Sat, 16 May 2009 15:31:00 GMT

Most are fine. Just have a licensed home inspector do a thorough check of the home and foundation during your home inspection period. Check the references and make sure no complaints are filed against the person you choose.

Brent

"Some 105 year old houses ...

Sat, 16 May 2009 14:52:00 GMT

"Some 105 year old houses have fine foundations, others are a mess. The East coast has lots of 100 year old+ houses so this issue comes up more frequently there."

I had to pipe up... my parent's house was built in the 1700's (by a "Defarm," in fact) and the foundation is as perfect as the day it was built. I presently rent a home that is also more than a century old and the foundation is in fantastic shape. I suspect that Connecticut's soil, lack of earth quakes and amazing stone masons contribute to our good luck. I would definitely take Sunny's advice and get the inspection. You might also go to your local historical society and ask about the home and those in the area, often they can give you a wealth of info.

Some 105 year old houses ...

Sat, 16 May 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Some 105 year old houses have fine foundations, others are a mess. The East coast has lots of 100 year old+ houses so this issue comes up more frequently there. On a house this age, I would consider spending the little bit extra to get a separate foundation inspection after your regular house inspection or at least let your inspector know that you want extra attention paid to the foundation during the inspection. Most foundations will stay nice and solid even on an old house unless there have been ongoing gutter issues, faulty grade/drainage issues around the house, clay soils under the house or if there is a faulty mix of the original concrete. Old houses are great and many are very sound even at 100 years old. Get your inspections done and don't be afraid to get an additional foundation inspection if you feel you need one.