Performance Standard: HBR articles 3-1 to 3-10 Click icon to view book 
Efflorescence (a white powdery substance) is present on surface of basement walls or floor.
This is a normal condition.
Warranty: NONE
Cracks in block foundations shall not exceed 1/8” Cracks in poured or cast (1/8″ = 2 pennies).
walls will be addressed only if they allow water to leak into the basement.
Warranty period; 1 year
Bows in block and poured or cast concrete foundations shall not be in excess of 1 inch in 8 feet when measured from a plumb line. The builder shall repair any deficiencies in excess of the performance guideline. If the wall is to remain unfinished per contract and the wall meets building codes as evidenced by passed inspections, then no corrective action is required, unless the builder determines that it is an active condition.
Warranty period; 1 year
Holes in exposed concrete walls larger than 3/8 inch in diameter or 3/8 inch in depth on the exterior are unacceptable. The builder will repair holes that do not meet the performance guideline.
Proper repair can be affected by thoroughly filling the hole. The repaired area will not match the color of the surrounding concrete.
Warranty period; 1 year
Leaks – The foundation will not allow water to leak (trickle) into the basement.
Warranty period; 1 year
Dampness caused by wicking through the basement walls or floor and condensation of water vapor on cool walls are not the responsibility of the builder.
Warranty period: None
Crawl spaces will be ventilated as required by code and ponding of water will not be present.
Notes
We install the foundation of your home according to the specifications of a licensed architect and the New York State building code. To protect your home’s foundation, follow guidelines for installation and maintenance of landscaping and drainage in this manual.
Homeowner Operation and Maintenance
Cracks -Foundation walls are subject to a variety of pressures, thermal stresses and movements which can cause hairline cracks which do not affect the ability of the foundation wall to support the structure. Small settlement cracks can easily be filled as part of routine homeowner maintenance.
Dampness -A damp proofing material has been applied to the exterior of the foundation wall. In addition, BUILDER has installed a drainage system to control sub-surface water. Dampness may appear on the interior of the foundation wall due to one or a combination of the following:
Water may enter the wall system during the construction process before the wall is protected. This moisture is a temporary condition and will dry with time.
Within the first year, settlement of the grade and backfill area around the foundation may occur which prevents surface and sub-surface water from being carried away from the foundation. Once settlement has completed and the sunken areas are filled, the water should travel away from the foundation by its designation path.
Condensation on the interior of the foundation wall is often mistakenly attributed to leakage. Condensation will occur anytime the surface temperature of the wall is below the dew point temperature of the basement air. Condensation can be minimized by regulating ventilation of the basement. Basement windows should be kept closed when the heating system is operating as well as in the spring until warm air has raised the ground and foundation wall temperatures. Proper venting of gas water heaters, clothes dryers and other moisture generating appliances are helpful in reducing condensation on foundation walls.
Read more about condensation
BUILDER Limited Warranty Guidelines
The foundation will meet the performance standards
Cracks – Shrinkage or backfill cracks are not unusual in foundation walls. These cracks will be repaired by BUILDER only if they or larger than 1/8” or allow water to leak into the basement.
Repairs may consist of painting and/or patching. BUILDER is not responsible for color variation between old and new mortar.
Leaks – BUILDER will correct conditions that permit water leak into the basement, provided you have complied with the drainage and landscaping guidelines.
