Water seepage on basement walls and sand in the cracks

[Nick]

I have a 1 year old house which has water seepage/wet spots on several areas of the basement wall. The area below the front entryway remains perpetually wet This happens when it rains. My builder told me that this is normal and that the foundation just needs to settle. I don’t believe for a second that this is normal. My foundation has had a year to settle already and still the problem persists. Also I recently noticed sand/soil in the grooves between the concrete blocks. What does this mean?

[Andy]

You may have a serious problem on your hands (didn’t want to hear that I bet – sorry…), or it may be fixable without a big expense, but you need to move fast. First, a few questions: 1) How high is your basement wall – basement floor to dirt level? 2) Are these concrete blocks “poured” in the middle, or left hollow? 3) What kind of water proofing was put on the blocks? Tar? Membrane? Other? Any? 4) Do you have good slope away from the house? 5) Do you have any rock edging with plastic under it? 6) What kind of back fill did your contractor use? Sand? Dirt? Clay? Rock? and 7) Was drain tile used around the perimeter of the house and what kind? This will get us started…

[BobB]

Well, Nick what this means is you need help, and soon. The problems won’t go away with work. I would suggest an independant professional inspection, with a written report, follwed by a trip to a lawyer.

BobB

[Tom]

They did the foundation wrong, didn’t backfill enough or you’re home is built in a ditch. If in a ditch you could be screwed. Other than that, I would SERIOUSLY consider going after the builder.

[Jason]

Greetings Nick,

What does your local Building Inspector say about this?

Pay him/her a visit and ask about the construction. Ask to see the property file and inspection sign-offs.

Footing, Foundation, Rough framing, Rough Electrical & Plumbing, Insulation and Final inspection.

Then it might be time to talk to an attorney.

Good Luck,

Jason

[grasshopper]

Keep the basement dry (<50%RH) or you will grow mold on any organic surface in a few days.

[Author]

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