HOBB Community

We recently had a home built.  It was completed in April of this year.  We have already begun to find cracks in our inside walls and ceiling as well as cracks in the brick.  We also have a set of french doors that won't open.  Some of the cracks are wide enough to slip probably 3 or 4 credit cards in.  They are all situated in the back left corner of the house.  We know this has to be problems with the foundation.  We have talked to the contractor and he seemed willing to help but my concern is this.  What about down the road?  If we are having this kind of problem already, what is going to happen in a few years and what about the resale value of the home?  Can we force the contractor to buy the house back?  Any help would be great!
Thank you in advance!

We live in south central Oklahoma

I’m replying because no one more qualified has had a chance. I think what you’re describing could be normal settling, that can be patched, or it might be a serious fault. Only someone qualified (who doesn’t work for the builder) on site could really determine that with more certainty. I think the gap is not currently big enough to be a sure sign of a structural defect, and I really hope it isn’t.

Assuming you don’t have some sort of drainage problem, or a soil problem, you may be okay. I understand your concern, as if they patch it, and it keeps moving, they will be long gone while your foundation sinks. If you can afford a qualified inspector, you might do that as a precaution or just for peace of mind. Otherwise, all anybody can do is guess at this point.

Some minor cracking issues are normal due to shrinkage, loading, deflection, settling, truss uplift etc.

If your issues continue to grow as result of substandard building practices, then they're likely to cost you money down the road unless you can disguise problems before the sale, you fail to disclose defects to the buyers, the buyers don't hire a home inspector or structural engineer or the inspector or engineer miss hidden issues. Some real estate agents often recommend inspectors that are seller friendly. One hand washes the other.

Get your own experts, ones who are not in the builder's back pocket.  If the builder or anyone else associated with the sale recommends or hires them its' likely they'll say what he pays them to say. 

Can you name the builder?

I don't recommend selling without full disclosure.  You can be sued.   http://www.okbar.org/obj/articles_04/051504shelton.htm

HADD.com has an OK contact, too.

Thanks everyone for your responses!  I'd rather not post who the builder is right now as they have been cooperative thus far.  As I said earlier, our main concern is down the road.  Currently, we are watching for more cracks/settling to see if this problem is going to get any worse, then we will try to get it corrected.  I just don't want to have to take a big loss or get stuck with a house that won't sale down the road because of major issues.  Thanks once again for your responses.