r/masonry

Hello all,

Clearly signs of water and cracks in basement during open house viewing. The owner have stated water has been an issue in the past but the installation of a sump have resolved issue. No french drain just a sump is my understanding. I am concerned with cracks as well....any thoughts? The house was built in the 60s and is in greater Boston area. Any feedback is appreciated. Also, if you are able to perform inspection with additional photos I will be willing to pay for the work.

We’ve got some damp on our outside wall. I’d love some advice or understanding on where it’s coming from/how to solve it.

My best guess is there is a leak that is running down, hitting the damp proof course and then running along the wall but not sure.

Anyone with any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Hey all,

I’m under contract on a side-by-side duplex and looking for some experienced input before moving forward.

Details:

- Side-by-side twin (duplex)

- Main structure is on slab

- Each side has a utility closet area

- One side looks normal, the other has significant cracking in the block wall (see photos)

Observations:

- Cracks are concentrated on one side only

- That same side has negative grading (ground slopes toward house)

- Patio + exterior stairs also slope toward the structure

- Retaining wall is nearby on that side as well

Inspector noted:

- Likely related to water/drainage

- Could not determine structural severity (recommended further evaluation if needed)

Questions:

1. Does this look like primarily a drainage issue vs structural failure?

2. If drainage is corrected, is this typically stable long-term?

3. Would you expect this to require structural repair or more of a reinforcement + water management fix?

4. Rough cost range for addressing something like this?

Trying to understand risk level and what may come up during FHA appraisal.

Appreciate any insight.

Fireplace was removed from the home a long time ago, new furnace and water heater

have been installed wondering if it's safe to remove this type B and fill like the blank on the back

Three pillars on left have settled several inches. What’s a ballpark for tear down/replace with new footings? Trying to compare cost to piers to lift.

My foundation shows some metal in the seams?

I have steps I need to rebuild. I removed the top tread and discovered it’s hollow underneath and only supported by a row of bricks on each side. Are there proper building guidelines for these kind of steps?