New Home Buyer Basement Water Leak

[miller081206]

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin.

We purchased our first home and moved in 32 days ago. During our first rain this spring we found a leak on the seam of two bricks in our basement that had water coming through in a strong steam shooting out about 4 inches from the wall. The crack was from the floor up about 4-5". We had standing water in 3/4 of our basement. Now we need to know where to start and who is liable for the repairs, and should we try a quick patch just to prevent as much water from coming in until we can get it settled and have a professional out to do the work.

We had a home inspection done 2 months prior to closing and the inspector said everything foundation wise was good, no red flags that he could see. We had another person come out and inspect our foundation the morning after the water came in and in his report he said 2 of the walls were also displace by 1/8" to 1/4" and that it appeared that patching and painting of the walls had been done to conceal the movement of the wall from the home inspector and home buyer (us). He also stated that there may be sump pump issues.

The sellers never disclosed that there had ever been any water issues before and after a call was put into their selling agent they claimed it had never happened before, but this inspector said that was highly unlikely.

So if anyone can point me in the right direction my wife and I would be very grateful. Where do we start with this whole mess?

Let me know if you have any other questions!What is the name of your state?

 

[FlyingRon]

Unless you can prove by a preponderance of evidence that the sellers knew of the leak and did not disclose it to you, you have no recourse. Houses are generally sold "as is."

Fix it for real NOW, then worry about trying to recover the costs from the sellers.

 

[miller081206]

In your opinion how could we come up with more evidence? Should we just bring in more people to inspect what's going on and get their professional opinions?

We also called our home inspector who initially did the inspection. He said he would like to come out and look and see what happened as well. Is it ok to let him back in and take a look, and maybe give his input as too what happened and how to proceed?

 

[jpathfynder]

In your opinion how could we come up with more evidence?

Gathering evidence can be a double edged sword. Water stains on the walls would be good evidence of existing water leaks, however, if they are visible you and/or your inspector should have seen them...

 

[miller081206]

Anyone think that there is a problem with letting the home inspector back in on a "follow-up" so he can see what it looks like?

I don't think he would be liable, but can't say for certain. We took pictures of the home during the inspection and any place where we now see water marks were covered up by the owner's property.

If there are any other details that I can provide just let me know.

Thanks much for the previous replies as well!

 

[xylene]

Expect to spend VASTLY more on very questionable basement leak case than it would cost to have a professional waterproofer repair the foundation.

Also, for water to be "shooting" in suggests VERY high hydraulic pressure which a simple patch job will do nothing for.