We've put down an offer on a house and the inspection on the house itself came back good with the exception of 2 retaining walls, a small one on the side and a massive one in the backyard. Here is a link with the photos from the inspection. https://photos.app.goo.gl/daMUPsWTxB6Ccs4o9
The inspector noted that both walls are leaning and they both have major cracks in them. Today I had a structural engineer take a look at it. They couldn't find any permits pulled for it and the sellers are saying it was the original builder that built them 20 years ago and they had just done some renovations such as adding drainage lines and painting.
Would you advise me to walk away or negotiate the price down (if so, how much)?
Thank you
Posted by West-Fennel-3460
5 Comments
run don’t walk
Easily solved if you spend the money. Without measurements it is hard to say. Anything under 3 to 3.5 feet is not structural so generally less expensive. A diy non structural wall is approx $12 per sq ft on the face plus $10 per linear ft. Installed is 4 to 5x.
If the house is a good price then buy it. I don’t see either of those killing a deal if the house is good and the price is good. They are older walls, not even like they were recently painted to hide it.
Can’t even tell you about how much to offer less as there is Way too much info missing. ASK your Buyer agent
You already hired a structural engineer, what did they say?
we are in the process of buying a house that has some forward leaning retaining walls. none of them are causing issues with the home, so we are purchasing and plan to fix down the road. negotiate the price down, for sure.