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We have new constructed house that will be closed in one week. The house is two story and have a walkout basement. The basement concrete wall (one wall with backfilled soil) has 8-9 big cracks, most of them are diagonal and through the whole wall from top to bottom. Both corners of the same wall (joint lines with the other two walls) have vertical cracks through the wall height as well. Some cracks are connected with each other, showing "V" shape. The builder has used epoxy to fill in the cracks. But with so many cracks on one wall, we are concerned so much on the leaking problem or even strength problem in the future. With so many cracks on the basement wall, the house is definitely devalued. We would like to find out if it is possible to have builder give us some reimbursement or extend warranty on the basement wall. Thank you for your time and assistance.
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The short answer is yes it is possible for the builder to give you a reimbursement or extended warranty. Because it is possible, doesn't mean that they will, especially the reimbursement part. If they believe in their construction, they shouldn't have too much of an issue giving you an extended warranty, depending on how much extra time or what additional conditions you are hoping to get.
You didn't mention if your basement is block or poured, how large the cracks actually are/were and whether you have or intend to finish your basement now. Both block and poured basements crack. Because you didn't mention joints between blocks, only the joint lines between the two walls, I will assume that it is a poured wall. Estimate how wide the cracks are. Can you stick a dime in the crack? A pencil? Something larger or smaller? Depending on the actual width of the crack, it may be within expected tolerances and epoxy might be the correct remedy. If the cracks are wider, maybe not.
If you are finishing the basement now or soon, you will have an additional measure of difficulty, that is proving that you have an issue behind the drywall, until you have a real issue.
If you would like to discuss it more, please feel free to contact me, we offer a free telephone consultation that might help ease your mind or determine if you need some additional assurances from your contractor.
Answered on Apr 03rd, 2013 at 3:26 PM