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chicago, il
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Severna Park, Maryland
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 Home inspection advise
[#2] Posted: 05/23/2012 - 11:22:14 PM |  |  |
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Since you have opposing opinions, it sounds like a case where you might want to get further evaluation before making any big decisions.
Perhaps a structural engineer, someone with PE after his name or at least a well qualified home inspector with experience in the type of building in question.
If there was enough settlement to rack the window openings, I would not consider that a non-issue. Although it's obvious I didn't see anything in person and my response is subject to your particular description.
What exactly did the report say regarding the structure aspect? Anything?
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John Dirks Jr - Arundel Home Inspection LLC - MD license: 29827
Maryland Home Inspectors - Maryland Home Inspection - Maryland Radon Testing - Baltimore County Rental Inspection
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Chicago, IL
Posts: 9508
Joined: Dec, 2003
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Home inspection advise
[#3] Posted: 05/24/2012 - 06:00:26 AM | | |
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Where is it and who was the inspector?
Don't take structural advice from a window guy; find someone that knows what they're talking about. Your inspector might be a moron, or he might be right.
Don't be surprised a developer would sell a property with gaps in the windows; I've seen them sell things with more than gaps in just about everything.
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Kurt in Chicago
"If I smell it, it goes in the report".............Phillip Smith...2012
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Lafayette, Louisiana
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Home inspection advise
[#4] Posted: 05/24/2012 - 06:42:14 AM | | |
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I agree with Kurt.
I see how it's possible that there's a foundation issue but it could be other issues as well. It's hard to say without actually seeing the house. It could be that your home inspector left some questions unanswered, some findings unexplained. He could be short on either inspection prowess or communication skills.
Post the section of your report that explains the window problem as well as any other sections that relate to it and give us a view of this inspector and his report.
Post some photos if you have them.
Marc
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"If Guam gets too overpopulated, it might tip over."
Congressman Hank Johnson (D) GA |
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Wyckoff, NJ
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Home inspection advise
[#5] Posted: 05/29/2012 - 5:02:12 PM | | |
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I will also agree with Kurt. I'll add:
How old is the building?
When was it renovated to residential?
When were the windows in question installed?
Are there any other signs of ongoing settlement in elements installed at the same time as the renovation or windows-doors out of square, cracks in the interior walls, etc.
Where are the cracks, on the inside or outside of the wall?
It's hard to tell without being there. What does the condo assoc. say about it, or better yet other owners?
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We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them
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chicago, il
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Home inspection advise
[#6] Posted: 06/01/2012 - 11:26:57 AM | | |
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Thank you all for your replies. We found out that the association was aware of the cracks several years back and had three structural engineers assess the cracks in the building. In the end they did pin the foundation with six pins down to the bedrock in the corner of the building where they saw various cracks. I will ask for proof of this work from the association. I'm relived to hear that the association is seemingly maintaining the property. Now the next step is to get the windows removed and reset or replaced. It seems like all of the window places I've called refuse to repair the windows but want to replace them. Do you all think a general contractor would be able remove, square the opening and reset the old windows? Thank you all for your great advice!
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Springfield, NJ
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Home inspection advise
[#7] Posted: 06/01/2012 - 12:08:36 PM | | |
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You did not share the style of window. Assuming that they are double hung windows I would recommend that you installed framed replacement window units. Assuming that the building is stable, the windows should seal within their frames and the gaps can be addressed around the perimeter of the framed units.
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Steven C. Hockstein, AIA
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chicago, il
Posts: 3
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Springfield, NJ
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Home inspection advise
[#9] Posted: 06/01/2012 - 12:55:06 PM | | |
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I assume you mean that they are double hung windows with fixed transom units above.
I would defer to the window specialists on what they are comfortable in fabricating. Generally I would not recommend vinyl but that is more of an aesthetic decision.
You should check with the condo association about their requirements and/or recommendations. Most condos have rules so that the building has a cohesive appearance.
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Steven C. Hockstein, AIA
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Lafayette, Louisiana
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Home inspection advise
[#10] Posted: 06/01/2012 - 1:04:13 PM | | |
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Ask a few cabinetmakers about rebuilding the windows. You may still need someone else to remove them and then re-install them later.
Marc
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"If Guam gets too overpopulated, it might tip over."
Congressman Hank Johnson (D) GA |
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Canton, Ohio
Posts: 284
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Home inspection advise
[#11] Posted: 06/01/2012 - 11:17:31 PM | | |
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Look on the internet. There is a company called Window Repair Company in Chicago and they have a website by the same name. They don't mention Replacement on their site, just repair.
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Ezra Malernee
Canton, Ohio
www.ezrashome.com
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