Home foundation repairs...

[zeek]

Ive been looking at homes to buy in Tennessee. One that I really liked at one time had foundation settling problems. They hired Ram Jet to do the repairs at a cost of over $25k. It has a lifetime transferrable warranty.

Has anyone ever dealt with something like this? I really love the house and because of the past problems it is selling for a very good price.

EDIT: I meant Ram Jack, not Ram Jet....

[Don Rickles]

Originally Posted by zeek

Ive been looking at homes to buy in Tennessee. One that I really liked at one time had foundation settling problems. They hired Ram Jet to do the repairs at a cost of over $25k. It has a lifetime transferrable warranty.

Has anyone ever dealt with something like this? I really love the house and because of the past problems it is selling for a very good price.

Ram Jet filled the air in the trailer tire? Or just added one more Cmu under the rear corner?

[Big bob]

The foundation is the most important part of a building. You would not believe some of the crap people dump in them. Best take a closer look at the lifetime warranty it only covers where they fixed it. And once they fix one spot it puts strain on other spots.

[LATB]

I suppose it would depend on the scope of the repair.
And your stomach for risk.

[LATB]

Originally Posted by Big bob

The foundation is the most important part of a building. You would not believe some of the crap people dump in them. Best take a closer look at the lifetime warranty it only covers where they fixed it. And once they fix one spot it puts strain on other spots.

Truth. And it’s why I gave no compromise on building the foundation/structural slab for my new home. Cost more than my 1st house.

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by zeek

Ive been looking at homes to buy in Tennessee. One that I really liked at one time had foundation settling problems. They hired Ram Jet to do the repairs at a cost of over $25k. It has a lifetime transferrable warranty.

Has anyone ever dealt with something like this? I really love the house and because of the past problems it is selling for a very good price.

I think you mean Ram Jack. If so they are reputable.

Companies like that can warrantee repairs because the business is highly profitable. Also good repairs are designed to be adjustable, so that call backs can be handled relatively quickly and cheaply, usually by a single technician in a few hours.

Any repair other than a minor one (such as sagging floor joists) should include a report and design by a licensed structural engineer. The report should document the problem and identify its cause, and the design should address the cause. If it does not, then walk away.

[Don Rickles]

Foundation settlement, is considered in need of repairs with a crack as small as 3/8". If some home inspector came thru and discovered even this small of a crack, it would be listed as structural damage. In order to list and sell the building remedies would have to be done by a certified company. So, "dig" deeper and investigate thoroughly the repair that was done, and if it really was minor or did it have multiple repair locations.

[Frankie the Fink]

Why would you to it, and I assume you have to disclose the fact on a resale...
I wouldn't buy some shellacked turd because it was cheap..

And if that company goes tits up in 8 years - then what is the warranty worth ?

[zsr22]

There's buying a used car and then there's buying a previously-wrecked used car. I want nothing to do with the latter.

[Frankie the Fink]

Originally Posted by zsr22

There's buying a used car and then there's buying a previously-wrecked used car. I want nothing to do with the latter.

Well luckily everybody doesn't feel the same - before and after; eventually sold to a South African diamond mine executive for stupid money:

[96 Vette CE]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

Well luckily everybody doesn't feel the same - before and after; eventually sold to a South African diamond mine executive for stupid money:

What do you consider stupid money? I know what the market is on them accident free

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

Why would you to it, and I assume you have to disclose the fact on a resale...
I wouldn't buy some shellacked turd because it was cheap..

And if that company goes tits up in 8 years - then what is the warranty worth ?

I don't know how long Ram Jack has been around, but it's at least 20 years in Winston-Salem. I consulted with one of their competitor for about 15 of those years. Those companies are bought and sold and the new owner buys the assets and liabilities.

My home there developed cracks in a basement wall due to lateral soil pressure and the company that I consulted with did the repairs. That was not just disclosed but highlighted by me as one of the "hidden gems", along with things like all copper piping, full masonry fireplaces, extra attic insulation. new heat pumps and permanent stairs to the attic. That company enjoys thousands of five star reviews and my realtor emphasised to the buyer that the repair was an asset to the sale, not a liability.

@zeek, a lot of it depends on the type of repair and extent.

[Frankie the Fink]

Originally Posted by 96 Vette CE

What do you consider stupid money? I know what the market is on them accident free

$150,000 3 years ago and no crazy 10% Mecum auction fees, super righteous car but with the base motor - so that was a "hit"... Also added aftermarket "Vintage Air A/C" which is also a "hit" to purists. Car repaired with NOS, used original or the top reproduction parts available at the time.... The buyer sent an inspector out and we went over everything on my lift; the accident repairs were disclosed but weren't an issue. The car will sit in a private collection in a personal museum.

Could have held out for more elsewhere maybe, but it was a painless, hassle free transaction and the car got sent off to an appreciative new owner and will be well cared for. I considered Bring-A-Trailer but they wanted a DNA sample, drug test and other nonsense before listing it - screw 'em.

Price may be higher or lower now, I don't care, sorta lost interest in the hobby.

[96 Vette CE]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

$150,000 3 years ago and no crazy 10% Mecum auction fees, super righteous car but with the base motor - so that was a "hit"... Also added aftermarket "Vintage Air A/C" which is also a "hit" to purists. Car repaired with NOS, used original or the top reproduction parts available at the time.... The buyer sent an inspector out and we went over everything on my lift; the accident repairs were disclosed but weren't an issue. The car will sit in a private collection in a personal museum.

Could have held out for more elsewhere maybe, but it was a painless, hassle free transaction and the car got sent off to an appreciative new owner and will be well cared for. I considered Bring-A-Trailer but they wanted a DNA sample, drug test and other nonsense before listing it - screw 'em.

Price may be higher or lower now, I don't care, sorta lost interest in the hobby.

Wow, you did well for sure

[Frankie the Fink]

Originally Posted by 96 Vette CE

Wow, you did well for sure

I got another $5,500 for my cache of original parts after the sale too..
Rebuilt alternators, water pumps, starters, two spare carbs, split window rear stainless trim, etc.. I was totally satisfied with the eventual outcome.

[Swany00]

Tennessee is one of the top area's people are moving to, I'd be surprised this "great" deal is probably because of more problems. Unless it's your final home and resale isn't an issue, I'd probably keep looking.

[GTOguy]

Originally Posted by Swany00

Tennessee is one of the top area's people are moving to, I'd be surprised this "great" deal is probably because of more problems. Unless it's your final home and resale isn't an issue, I'd probably keep looking.

I agree. I would consider moving to northern NC, in the Yadkinville/Mayberry area. You and Yadkin could get together and host a youtube channel.

[Don Rickles]

Originally Posted by zsr22

There's buying a used car and then there's buying a previously-wrecked used car. I want nothing to do with the latter.

Nice carjack broheim

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by Swany00

Tennessee is one of the top area's people are moving to, I'd be surprised this "great" deal is probably because of more problems. Unless it's your final home and resale isn't an issue, I'd probably keep looking.

Originally Posted by GTOguy

I agree. I would consider moving to northern NC, in the Yadkinville/Mayberry area. You and Yadkin could get together and host a youtube channel.

Kentucky is a better deal. About half the population of TN. My last drive through there was on the Cumberland Expressway and there was a long stretch where I rarely saw another car.

But, since this thread is supposed to be about foundations, avoid the areas with karst formations.

[zsr22]

Originally Posted by Don Rickles

Nice carjack broheim

I was trying to use relatable terminology for a car forum.