chimney repair and addition questions

9 years ago

My husband and I are interested in this home. We like the land and the quirkiness of this home. There are some things we are nervous about and request your opinions. This home was originally the stone structure. In 2008 the addition of the second floor and family room was added. We toured the home and requested the builder information regarding the addition and the realtor gave us the name of a builder that we can not find any information about. We were hoping to find out what kind of inspections were done ensuring that the original home could support the second story and the details of the addition itself. The home is part of an estate and so that information is not available from the surviving family members.

The cobble stone structure does not show any obvious areas of large cracks, etc but we do note several hairline cracks that seem to be normal in our freezing/thaw cycles. When you go upstairs there are three areas that floor is notably humped one on the side nearest the street and the one facing the back yard. These two seem to correlate with the cobble stone original structure. The third is in the center. We of course would have a home inspection prior to buying. Can we assume that a building inspector would be able to assure the structural stability of the original structure and the second story?

Our other concern is the chimney that was never extended up the addition of the second story. It vents a wood burning stove in the sunroom area. There is cobble stone available but we do not know what kind of cost it would take to finish this and where we would find such an expert. The cobble stone garage in back is in poor condition and has a stall area on the rear who's roof has fallen in and walls are collapsing. This is tied in to the garage walls so I do not know what the complexities would be of that as well. I know we could just tear it down but it has so much character that we would hate to do that.

We do not want to buy a money pit. Is this worth further investigation or would you run?

http://viewegrealestate.idxbroker.com/idx/details/listing/a366/6170174/6170174-4500-FOREST-PKWY-62521

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Comments (3)

new-beginning
9 years ago
I would NOT reply on a home inspector to determine stability of the addition; I would hire a structural engineer
facga5 thanked new-beginning
User
9 years ago
^^^ That, and ask for an estimate on how much to fix to safe state if there are problems (or at least what has to be done so you can talk to a contractor).The problem with stone walls under too heavy a load is they don't give much warning before they go.
facga5 thanked User
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nancylouise5me
9 years ago
In addition to the structural engineer, stop in at the town's planning department and code enforcement office (that is what they are called in my town). I can't see how the venting of the fireplace is up to current code when it stops at the first floor. They may also give you info on the permits pulled and the builder of the addition.