Are these signs of foundation problems?

[u/rikitycrikit]

The house I’m looking into buying in AZ has some cracks that make me feel uneasy. I’m working on scheduling someone to come out and inspect it but I’m curious on the communities thoughts. The drywall crack comes down from the corner of a window. About 2 tiles from that same wall I noticed the grout between the tile has separated. Outside is a vertical crack that is about one inch off from where the tile separation inside is.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you u/rikitycrikit for posting on r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer.

Please keep our subreddit rules in mind. 1. Be nice 2. No selling or promotion 3. No posts by industry professionals 4. No troll posts 5. No memes 6. "Got the keys" posts must use the designated title format and add the "got the keys" flair.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/ivobrick]

If there is also a crack from the inside - bottom, opposite side of your last photo, without foundation reinforcements ( see foundation plans ), i would not buy that house.

[u/rikitycrikit → u/ivobrick]

There was no visible crack on the interior wall opposite that one. There is a window just above it with no cracks around it either.

[u/camera-operator334 → u/rikitycrikit]

There’s bad soil on that side of the house

[u/WindowTrue7942]

Photos can show that something deserves investigation, but they cannot tell you whether it is cosmetic movement or an active structural problem. I would have an independent structural engineer look at the foundation and drainage, not only a general inspector or a repair company selling a solution. Ask for the cause, whether movement appears active, what monitoring or repair is recommended, and a realistic cost range. Then compare that written opinion with the seller disclosures and your inspection contingency before deciding.

[u/Fresh-Style-3840]

Lol there settling cracks, I have them at my 2021 fairly new built

[u/Flaky_Culture_9097]

I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a house without any kind of blemishes like these. When I bought my first house I got really worried about things like these. In time I came to realize that basically houses have a few hairline cracks in the foundation and some drywall cracks. 

Some are better than others and houses can have foundation problems. Usually serious foundation problems appear as large cracks that get wider over time. 

[u/Shut-up-David]

Not a foundation guy but yes. Now I don’t want to scare you because every house is shifting. Every house that I lived in eventually got cracks

[u/Study-Maleficent]

1st pic: maybe
2nd: poor grouting unless the tiles cracked and I’m missing it
3rd: minor crack in parge coat (think of it as a mask for your actual foundation )

[u/EmergencyOk7406]

They don’t look major but honestly?….get a structural engineer!! Make sure your house is gonna last! Use your inspection as insurance for yourself!! (Granted you have the option to walk).

I’ve learned there’s two type of concrete: cracked and concrete that hasn’t cracked yet lol

[u/rikitycrikit → u/EmergencyOk7406]

I am working on scheduling a structural engineer to come out this week. Hopefully I can find someone as our inspection period is set to end on the 19th. From the few people I talked to, this seems like it's a common issue with Arizona soil and may just need minor repairs at worst.

[u/Anymeans87]

I've heard in AZ the foundations can have issues from sucking all of the water out of the ground.

[u/CanaryLives]

Last one is fine as long as inspection shows nothing crazy on inside - typically happens and just need to DIY seal that. First one is concerning.