Need help

[jimmi2469]

My garage ceiling is showing signs of collapse and need advice. First, need help in how to approach repair. Second, since we bought the house only 6 months ago, do I have any grounds to pursue the original homeowner.

Situation:

I have a three car garage in a 20 yr old home. The inside of the garage is built with a 18ft ceiling but close to the front a storage area was built running parallel with the front of the garage and extending 8 ft toward the rear of the garage. It extends 9 ft from the top of the garage ceiling and has one support post between the 2 car and 1 car spaces. The entire base on the bottom has joint tape peeling and nail heads popping thru the drywall. A sag in the entire base of the storage area is obvious and inside the storage area the joist (constructed of 2x4's nailed together is separating, currently with a 6 inch separation between the top and second 2x4. The owner stated he had added many things to the home himself and as they were the only owners, I am concerned he did not follow proper structural guidelines for this storage area. I believe the storage section is headed for collapse and am eager to resolve the issue. I am also concerned with the cost and proper repair/reconstruction of this area.

Anyone have advice or need more info let me know. I am attaching a few images to assist in the analysis.

[Don_P]

First, do you have grounds to go after the previous owner... I don't think so. He disclosed to you that he had done work himself, he is not a professional. You had the option to have a professional inspection done based on that disclosure. You can always find someone to see it differently.

I really can't tell anything that would mean much from the photo's. You need to hire a local engineer to check it in person. They can suggest ways to make it safe until you can repair it.

[VALENT]

I agree with Don P on both issues. Find someone knowledgeable in your area to look at and discuss the options with you.

[David]

I don't believe you have any recourse to a previous homeowner unless you prove deceit. If the owner knew that it was unsafe and covered it up, then you have recourse. Since previous h/o said he did some things himself, imo it would be hard to prove he tried to cover something up.

[VALENT]

Agreed. Well said, David.