differential settlement cracks


Well, we gave an offer on a house in Bay Ridge and had our first ever inspection. The inspector was very thorough, but his report is discouraging.

The house had two sets of cracks on parallel walls which inspector believed to be differential settlement cracks. The house is 80+ years old; we don’t know when those cracks have occurred.

He basically recommended that crack monitors should be installed. If cracks are growing, this would indicate that there is foundation or subgrade failure. There are other signs that this may be the case.

We really like the house, but this is probably a show stopper. We want to withdraw our offer, but before we do, we’d like to know if this type of thing is common in Brooklyn houses?

Is it reasonable to ask the seller to install those crack monitors?

Categories: Structural
By _oa_ | 03/17/2009 5:59 PM | Comment

owls’ head park


How safe is the area around owls’ head park? (Bay Ridge)? I absolutely love the area, and we are seriously considering buying a house there.

I’ve been to the park in the morning and during the day — seems safe. Crime stats look ok.

However, I just had a conversation with family friend who says the park becomes gang playground at night. I’ll be driving there myself to check it out tonight, but tonight may not be representative..

Categories: Quality of Life
By _oa_ | 03/11/2009 2:53 PM | Comment