Should I be worried about this crack on my new build?
Asked by Astrid Poulsen 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 20, 2024
Should we be worried about this crack? It’s on a brand new construction.
Water filtration is important to consider and can be easily replaced.
Not the best location for it, but the crack isn’t too severe. If it’s within warranty, you should call the builder back to take a look. It’s possible that the crack occurred during the installation of the mudsill.
The mudsills are bolted on with J bolts. There probably isn’t a J bolt there on the corner, it could be in the cell on the right. It’s very strange for the entire block to appear loose.
Yeah, you’re right. I’m just trying to figure out how it cracked without anyone noticing haha. That joint came loose too, so maybe the walls just shifted.
I think someone probably accidentally hit it and just moved it back without saying anything. It seems like it’s at a height where it could have caught the back of a skid steer.
I have a feeling this is a sign of things to come. As mentioned, it should be completely filled and reinforced with horizontal rebar – what we refer to as a bond beam. The blocks should be shaped like a U between the cells. Depending on the building code, it might need to be filled with vertical rebar connecting to the footer.
If I were you, I’d simply swap out the damaged block and everything should be good to go.
Hey, did you realize your house has a crack? Yep, literally…
Make sure to have a mason replace the cracked block. It’s a priority.
There should be rebar both horizontally and vertically in that! If it’s not there, maybe they could add some. Something seems suspicious here
Is there rebar in cinder blocks? It’s possible, but generally bricks do not contain rebar.🧱
It’s important to note that block and brick are different. Blocks are solid and filled with rebar every 4 feet tying into the footer. The corner blocks should be filled as well for structural support, not just aesthetics.
According to building code, an anchor bolt needs to be placed within 12 inches of each corner. Ideally, the block should contain an embedded anchor bolt…the second cell likely contains concrete securing the anchor bolt. It may need to be replaced with a cut 1/2 block..
If your faucet is leaking, it can cause this kind of damage over time. Yeah, it’s better to take care of this sooner rather than later. The slope is off, which is leading to a significant water flow in this area.
Is it a newly constructed home with shark bite fittings? It seems like there may be more plumbing issues to be concerned about after noticing that.
I believe they also produce pex fittings now that can be crimped.
Hey , you’re correct but not with hose bibs. You’d need to purchase a pex by thread adapter and ideally get a sharkbite hose bib with a threaded end.
Hopefully that’s true!
A nail was improperly placed through the plate, causing it not to transmit downward and leading to no settling.
So, it seems like it shifted entirely. You might want to consider having a professional replace it.
Sure thing.
If it’s a new construction, the contractor ought to take care of this.
Absolutely! Both cracks are definitely worrying and can lead to water getting in.
No worries
There should be a bond beam in that spot. It might be a red flag if the builder cut corners.
If it were on a 50-year-old house, I wouldn’t be too concerned. However, on a new house, you should ask the builder to take care of it. This way, there will be a record of the crack being fixed and you can monitor if it reappears. It seems like the crack may have resulted from equipment moving during construction.
Do you think the location will make a difference? Some new builds in AZ had settling issues with the foundation that owners only discovered years later.
It’s always a good idea to investigate now and talk to neighbors about any similar defects. Hopefully, this is just an isolated case from a faulty installation.
I’m a plumber and I’m worried about the build quality with that sharkbite hose bib. I don’t really want to get into the block issue.
Can I ask you an honest question? Have you witnessed many cases of sharkbite pieces failing? I understand they are not permanent solutions, but I’m curious about their durability.
Mechanical fittings are not any different from other types. They serve a purpose, but not in new construction. Also, the bib isn’t securely fastened to the wall, so it might rotate. It just indicates a lack of pride in workmanship in this scenario.
The main issue with DIY plumbing is when people cut pipes but don’t debur or clean the edges, which can ruin the O-ring or damage it slightly leading to failures. Sharkbite fittings can be considered garbage, but they do work to some extent. I would feel comfortable using one under a house or in areas where failures won’t be costly. However, I would avoid using them in ceilings, walls, etc. Instead, it’s best to sweat pipes, use glue fittings, or opt for compression fittings – anything but push-to-connect fittings with O-ring seals.
I might be more worried about the brick separating from the mortar on the right, and the block below starting to do the same….
Hmm, something seems off. A corner block isn’t just loose, but also cracked in half? Hopefully your warranty can cover this. You should have someone from the building come out to take a look and fix or replace it. And about that Sharkbite hose bib… Did they use Sharkbite materials for the whole house? While Sharkbite is decent, I personally prefer using it only for temporary fixes. Did you get a detailed house inspection before finalizing the purchase? I have some concerns.
The corner was supposed to be filled completely with concrete, but it looks like they may have missed a section or skipped it altogether. It might be too late to fix it now without a big project. I’d recommend patching it up to keep water out.
I don’t think it’s a popular spot anymore.
It’s likely not a big issue. Just swap out the block. Seems like there was insufficient mortar applied on the left side. The pattern is consistent until it reaches the crack, then it thins out.
I believe the mason who worked on this was careless. Check out the failing mortar on the right side of the block below as well.
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I believe that indicates there is a weak area in the foundation. That’s why the corner is sinking, causing the blocks to shift from left to right.
It’s a bit tricky to determine from this photo. I would need to check for any cracking in the slab and measure the ceiling height in various spots.
It’s also possible that the top block was elevated compared to the others, so when they tried to place the house on the foundation, it naturally cracked due to the height difference. This issue could have affected the block below as well. Just a theory
The blocks serve as a mold.. they don’t provide much structural support, it’s actually the rebar and concrete inside that create the structure.. I’m assuming they didn’t use sufficient rebar and concrete in this case.. it’s really concerning
All 3 of my friends who recently built their homes have faced issues. I live in a 1910 house with no problems, and my boyfriend’s 2005 house is also trouble-free. It makes me wonder about the quality of new constructions.
I work for a construction company, and let me tell you, 9 times out of 10, I would never buy a new construction home. They are just the worst.
My house is built like a rock from the 1920s, haha!
Unless you’re willing to shell out a lot of money for specific construction methods and the time and materials needed, can be difficult to achieve.
Agreed. I purchased a brand-new home that was built in July 2022. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice all the shortcuts taken until after I had moved in. The entire house is not properly squared, with everything being off. The studs are not where they should be, and my floors are starting to come up in certain spots. I definitely won’t be making the same mistake again. Nowadays, it seems like there’s a focus on quantity over quality. Houses are being hastily constructed to move on to the next project and make a profit.
Statement is definitely accurate.
It really depends on who’s constructing it and what kind of materials are being used. Unfortunately, a lot of homes being built nowadays are subpar because builders are only focused on making money.
They’re throwing these new houses up so fast these days. I personally love the charm that comes with older homes!
My house, built in 1978, has been pretty low maintenance. The only major repair it needed was a new roof when it hit 40 years old. Can you believe it?
I can relate. I absolutely despise my house! The contractor did a terrible job – nothing is square, the 2 1/2 car garage lacks rebar or stress lines, resulting in long cracks all over before we even moved in. It’s a nightmare!
Experienced the same thing with me and overcharged me to construct his spec house!
Oh no
The whole situation is worrying. There isn’t enough mortar between the blocks. The construction quality is low for various reasons. Houses are not constructed the way they used to be.
My husband and I visited a house that was built in 2001 and it was practically falling apart despite having only one owner. The siding, porches, roof, and floors were all sagging. The doors were misaligned. In contrast, we purchased a house from the 1920s and it is incredibly sturdy. There is no cheap siding like what is shown in the picture; it is all solid brick. It’s unfortunate that people no longer prioritize quality. The builder should be held accountable and fix it!
Is on the same page. I recently purchased a house from 1966 that is incredibly sturdy. I decided against many newer, pricier homes that were basically crumbling.
If houses were still built the way they were in the 1920s like your home, only the wealthy would be able to afford them today. The “cheap” houses people complain about now are just a response to market demand. While there are poorly built homes nowadays, there were also plenty of bad ones back in what many consider the good old days. As someone who has built and renovated many homes, I can say with confidence that the construction methods used today are much better, safer, and more energy efficient than anything built before 1980.
Compare the cost of building a house with brick versus siding, and you’ll realize why brick homes are not as common nowadays.
How wonderful that you have a fantastic home! What a blessing.
No thanks, I prefer investing in sturdy brick houses instead of poorly constructed ones. I’ve noticed they are available for less than 150,000 in many places. Recently, a neighbor purchased a well-built home on an acre for 119,000.
That’s your decision, and I’m happy you love your home, but it’s inaccurate to claim that all new homes are bad while all old homes are good. Remember, your old house has been through multiple generations of owners who knew how to repair and maintain things. It’s not that your old house has never had issues; it’s just that those issues were addressed 80-90 years ago.
Seriously. The number of newly built mcmansions I’ve cleaned recently that are either falling apart or close to it is just mind-boggling!
We recently bought a 60-year-old home, and while it’s not perfect, it’s definitely better than most new homes nowadays. 🫣🫣
Amen. Our house looks pristine with double Sheetrock, solid HARDWOOD moulding (walnut), hardwood floors, and bricks. The charm of our 100-year-old home is undeniable. My best friend bought a new build Mcmansion and faced $4500 in repairs in the first week and $35,000 in the first TWO YEARS. No thank you!
You’ve got a keen eye, those joints are terrible.
I adore that! Reminds me of ours a bit. ♥️ It was owned by someone who passed away in his mid 80’s. He truly cared for this place and we love discovering all the special touches he added.
Wow, that’s awesome! Your home seems like it was cherished and continues to be cherished by you! So glad you have a lovely home ❤️
I absolutely adore our home, ! The original floors have been beautifully restored, along with the baseboards, molding, and doors. The natural lighting makes it feel so bright and welcoming. The kitchen may be new, but everything else is original, except for a few updates in lighting and paint.
Wow, that is absolutely stunning!
I lucked out with my house – it was built in ’58 and has been kept up pretty well on the surface. But everything else is falling apart or has already gone to shit, haha.
Many of you may not be familiar with construction terms, but just so you know, 3/8 of an inch is a typical joint size for laying blocks. It seems like some of you may have started building before the foundation was fully cured.
I felt really sad for whoever ends up living there. The workmanship is just sloppy.
Hey , it seems like you’re making some big assumptions about the whole house just from one picture. While it’s definitely a concern, there’s no proof that the house will have serious structural problems because one corner block may have been impacted before it fully set. Do you have a background in construction to make such broad assessments?
Hey , she’s correct actually and structurally it’s not sound even without frost.
Hey , those joints aren’t completely filled. When you use the jointer, you shouldn’t have gaps like that. If you don’t need to brush it after jointing, that’s a good indicator…
Hey there, the expert did a good job with the joint, you can clearly see the entire block shifted to the left, the Mason didn’t leave it like that intentionally.
Tough break, even though I’m in the construction industry, I made sure to get a thorough building inspection. In Australia, you can include a clause in your purchase offer that requires the inspection to be carried out by a registered builder. This gives you an option to back out if there are major flaws. Inspectors usually spend quite some time meticulously examining the house.
I believe you could simply have someone replace the block and mortar to resolve the issue. It shouldn’t be too costly as long as you don’t exaggerate the situation.
What do you mean by ‘new build’? If it’s within the first year, contact the builder for repairs.
Bingo!
Do they still use cinderblocks when building houses?
😂I bet modern builders would opt for legos to save money😂😂😂
It seems like you don’t know how expensive legos can be
Here, haha I never really got into them😂 I’ve always enjoyed constructing things that didn’t fall apart easily🏠🏠🏠
Yeah, most houses in Florida have them.
Seriously? That’s a major concern up here in Canada. Wood foundations are better than cinder, but luckily most are just straight concrete. But I guess you probably don’t have to deal with frost heave down there, so maybe cinder blocks are more stable. Who knows.
Having a wood foundation in an area prone to hurricanes and humidity sounds like a bad idea.
True that. Not that bad when dealing with ice and snow and overall gloominess lol
Hahaha 😂😂😂
Lots of concrete and lots of rebar connected from the foundation to the top of the cinder block.
Hey Kalise, Dustin already mentioned that before me.. but yeah, totally! 🤣
Oh no, , I really hope that’s not the case!
Hey , we added a new section to our house around five years back using cinderblock, and fortunately it has been trouble-free.
Absolutely, it’s a common practice in the South due to building codes that consider climate and geography.
Houses in North Carolina as a whole are
Avoid using wood foundations in Florida. The high water table, termite presence, and hurricanes can all damage the foundation. According to code, we use blocks with rebar and fill the cells with concrete.
The building regulations in Florida require solid construction with block walls reinforced with rebar and filled with poured concrete. This applies to all structural elements like footers and foundations.
Uses a tie beam (made of solid poured concrete) at the top of the wall to ensure stability and cohesion.
In Florida, it’s hard to imagine not having to deal with termites. They are a common pest, and humans often build wooden structures like ‘houses’ to satisfy their appetites.
That silcock with the shark bite needs to be replaced.
Definitely a red flag! This should’ve been noticed during inspection. Looks like shoddy masonry work.
It’s always a worry in a new construction.
You should definitely reach out to the builder to check if it’s still under warranty.
Can you tell me the location of this house with a block foundation?
Absolutely
Typically, new buildings come with a sort of warranty, and I believe it’s 10 years for the main structure but shorter for appliances and roofing. But seriously, why isn’t it a concrete foundation at the very least? Seems like cutting corners!
It appears that the brick laying was done by an amateur. This is worrisome, especially since the joints aren’t properly pointed, which is crucial.
They most likely did not fill the core with concrete.
That center block is simple to replace. It likely had a minor crack before being put in place.
You know, that hairline crack is pretty common in a lot of foundations. Just use some acrylic caulking to fill it in and prevent moisture from seeping in.
How strong is the foundation of your house?
I’m not seeing any damage below that, so I’m thinking the cinderblock itself was the only issue.
Sure thing!
If it’s a newly constructed building, make sure to verify with your builder.
The cement foundation looks a bit pale in that spot. It might cause a crack in the block.
Agreed about the cinder block. It’s not a problem with concrete.
Legally, builders are required to provide a 1-year warranty.
In states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, houses are constructed on cinder blocks to prevent damage from hurricanes and flooding.
Eh, just grab some concrete caulking and you’re all set, it’s common with block foundations. I’ve witnessed newer block foundations collapsing within a couple of years. Always opt for a poured foundation, people.
‘t lose any sleep over a small problem like that. You can always fill in the gaps with mortar if you want, but it’s not worth losing sleep over.
The sink is sinking because of the faucet. Try using a splash block to fix it.
Is definitely too fast for that.
The house seems to be settling, possibly due to inadequate mortar or using the wrong type, especially for glass tiles. Contact a masonry company to have it replaced.