TOPIC: Structure Concern

Looking at homes to buy and came across one the wife and I really like with everything new inside but my only real concern at this time is if there is structure concern with some cracking I see in the brick mortar. I noticed they have been patched previously and I do not notice any real shifting but just these filled in cracks. It comes off looking bad cosmetically because of the color of the patchwork make them stand out more. Have noticed these on all four sides of the house. Another thing to point out is the three houses over from this one on the same side of the street all have this same brick work done and all have the same visible problem. One person appears to have painted over the brick possibly to hide the look of the cracks. Any thoughts? Picture included

sorry uploaded the picture twice

sorry also to add the house is a ranch with a full finished basement. No signs of water in the basement or any damp smells. Built in the 1950's

Hi John,


Do you have any close up shots of the cracks?

No sorry I don't. Took this off the real estate listing for it. Although we did put in an offer on the house, we will be hiring our own inspector to view the house prior to making any type commitment. We went back again and inspected the driveway for signs of cracks along the house and there were none as well as the walls all around on the main floor and basement and saw none. Was just wondering if it was any sign of real concern considering the next 4 or 5 houses in the same row were made with the same brick and all have this issue. Maybe bad brick work by the builder. One of the other houses viewing on an angle even show a row of bricks starting to curve upwards. Shotty job and cheap materials perhaps?

John...take a close look at the foundation walls in the basement. I see the block basement window.  Look for bowing foundation walls or horizontal cracks.  Find out how old the patchwork is. Also, is the foundation poured concrete, block, or brick. Brick doesn't hold up as well if used as a foundation material.  It will disintegrate. It was used in many old Chicago homes and old multi-unit buildings.

I've seen older homes close to the parkway where new streets are put in and the pounding of the ground has put static pressure against basement walls "Street Creep".  Again, this usually shows up in the basement...but can be transferred above grade on a brick home.

If its been this way 20 years, I wouldn't be too alarmed. If it's new, get an inspector, or a structural engineer you feel confident with.