...with your advice I feel very confident in how to approach this now. I researched the "title" issues & know how to check if the inspector is certified (my agent also mentioned we might need an engineer as well, but the inspector alone may say its the mortar & estimates - enough to know its beyond my scope to handle financial) From my novice perspective, it does seem likely its Mortar between the bricks (We don't have documentation on the age of the roof - and the masonry work may very well have been done 20-30 years ago - but its certainly not all the original stuff on the exterior wall?)

My contract allows me to pull out (with earnest money) if the inspection shows major undisclosed structural issues. I hope this doesn't happen but even if I need to bow out on this property- its a beautiful area with lots of historic brick homes -sombody bolder with more experience will still want it - & I'll get the next one -a little wiser for having gone through this process!

I will let you know what happened!

Today a certified (ASHI) inspector came and noted the following:

• bowing across wall was above wall ties
• suspects original ties mid wall, below bow, were
put in to when the bowing occured
• most likely the bowing occured from some roof
leakage
-Ill know about the roof by tomorrow but ..
• if the roof has no leaks the bow/ties are likely from quite awhile back - some additional ties would be good "preventative" maintenance, but the wall doesn't seem to be on borrowed time, are there foundation problems, and wall ties though not cheap, won't break the bank even for a teacher on a budget!

Whoopie! & Thanks again!

My ... I have lost my ability to type... I typed "are there foundation problems" I meant to type "there are no foundation problems" according to the inspector.

Thanks for the update, Ormond!

Glad to hear foundation is sound.

Best of luck, however it turns out! And please keep us posted; inquiring minds need to know!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

sigh...the story has a sad ending!

I was so excited ... the inspector (-minus the furnace) gave the home a thumbs up! I found a someone to do the all the wall ties...

BUT .. the property had a major water damage claim in the last 12 months ... and the insurace companies wanted no part of it (123 years old & a flat roof) - if they would insure it - they warned me that any new claim in 5 years would result in cancellation of my policy? No policy means no mortgage loan - and so, its over ...

Long story - made short .. I bought another place just down the street from the one I originally wanted... despite your best efforts ... you can't ignore issues like insurance? Old homes, even if your willing to take the risk ... may be out of reach for the average shmo' ....

But thanks to everyone for their time (I wish I had better news!)

beckynbloop

Hi beckynbloop,

You're right, about old homes, and insurance, and everything. All in all, I think the story isn't so sad as you think it is!

That's interesting, about the water damage claim. Insurance companies can get downright nasty about this, and perhaps for good reason. Not only can water do considerable long term damage, but can result in mold problems down the road. (I think insurance companies are nasty ANYWAY--but that's another story! :)

Well, stay in touch! Hopefully your problems will be so minor that you can just chime in on the board from time to time and tell us how yer' doing! :)

Best of luck, and congratulations on your new home!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous