https://johntedesco.net/blog/2010/02/08/was-cracked-retaining-wall-built-correctly/ Investigative Journalist in Houston, Texas Wed, 06 Sep 2017 02:38:15 +0000 hourly 1 https://johntedesco.net/blog/2010/02/08/was-cracked-retaining-wall-built-correctly/#comment-63 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:02:06 +0000 http://johntedesco.net/blog/?p=4630#comment-63 Our analysis of USDA Web Soil Survey data (http://www.homeownersoftexas.org/Rivermist_Soil_Survey.pdf) shows the subdivision sits on expansive clay soil that’s unsuitable for building. Maybe that’s why homes blocks away are showing cracks in walls & trim due to foundation problems. A new law that went into effect in September requires new homes built on expansive soil to have engineered foundations, but that doesn’t help these homeowners. And even if other new laws are passed to protect people guard against other kinds of construction defects, they too won’t help people with problems today. That’s why people in the know look at older homes built before 1989 when RCLA was passed and builders shielded themselves from accountability.

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