Hole in new construction basement wall - DIY Chatroom

AprilQ · 12-17-2005, 01:18 PM

Hi. I need some advice. I am building a new home with a large developer. Our footings and basement walls were poured in the last week in freezing temps and lots of snow.

There is a hole approximatly 2' x 2' in the middle of one of the basement walls. It has obviously been patched. The builder does not seem that concerned, but I am. Is this a major compromise of the integrity of the structure? The hole penentrates all the way through the wall. They have offered water proofing in the basement and a 10 year warrenty.

Any advise is appreciated. I have pictures of the hole.

K2eoj · 12-17-2005, 03:09 PM

I would want a letter from a professional engineer from your state regarding the structure. Water is a tough one on a cold joint in concrete. Depending on drainage, ground water etc. you may never have a problem but I would be concerned on that one.

They had snow in the bottom of the forms and thought the mud would melt it and push it to the bottom and out. I've seen really bad cases of that situation which engineers would sign off on. I'd be upset if it were my house.HS>

AprilQ · 12-17-2005, 09:58 PM

Thanks for the advice. I am planning on requesting an evaluation from an idependent engineer and I'm also calling the building inspector.

THEBIGPUNN · 12-20-2005, 08:21 AM

a lot of walls are poured in cold weather so weather shouldnt be an issue. i am curious as to what happened. i have seen wall cut-outs for egress windows, or small basement windows, or even tubes put in for some utilities to pass through. find out from your builder who did the walls and see what the problem was. i dont think this will be a compromise of the wall itself, but i am concerned about how well the patch job is. post us some pics.

Phillysun · 07-08-2008, 08:08 PM

Too bad it was a small hole as it might have been useful for a furnace vent line. I would want the hole patched with the proper type of concrete product to control moisture and air penetration. I would do it myself or hire a third party and not trust the contractor or one of his subs.

Your local building inspector should have a clue as to why it is there in the first place. I would suspect a screwup by the person doing the forms work for the concrete pour.

I would not proceed until the problem is resolved and question the integrity of your contractor based on your description of his response to the matter. This was a visible flaw that you caught. What about the ones that will be buried in the walls or attic?

**thekctermite** · 07-08-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phillysun

Too bad it was a small hole as it might have been useful for a furnace vent line. I would want the hole patched with the proper type of concrete product to control moisture and air penetration. I would do it myself or hire a third party and not trust the contractor or one of his subs.

Your local building inspector should have a clue as to why it is there in the first place. I would suspect a screwup by the person doing the forms work for the concrete pour.

I would not proceed until the problem is resolved and question the integrity of your contractor based on your description of his response to the matter. This was a visible flaw that you caught. What about the ones that will be buried in the walls or attic?

You do realize that this is a three year old post, don't you?