What is washout
 

We seem to be having a problem with a new home purchase in gilchrist. The back of the property is sinking in and the builder claims it is a washout problem. Has anyone ever heard of this and can this problem be corrected?

Back in thee Midwest, a washout was a rain overflow, like in a ditch or low spot. It sounds to me like that's a sinkhole waiting to happen!

Welcome to the new poster. Where in Gilchrist is it so people who live close can look and tell you what they think?

We have had some gully washers lately or it could be a sinkhole. What do YOU think it is?

The problem is the house is finished and our realtor neglected to tell us there was problem prior to our deposit. Seems to me it is refund time!

There may not have been a problem up until recently so, hopefully, that won't be a problem for you.

jbirds99 - sorry to hear of your dilemma! i would want to know from the builder where my property washed off to and will he be putting it back - stabilized!

this website may give you some info and enlightenment How to Stop a Washout on a Hillside Landscape | eHow

and before you do anything else - i would suggest that you take photos - from a variety of angles. you might need documentation at some point.

The Villages do not need to do underhanded things to sell houses and I don't believe they would. If you could post some pictures, some of us could help you if that is what you are seeking.

If it is a problem, your home is under warranty and many of us can attest to the fact that your problem will be solved in one way or another.

I have been reading this forum religiously for six years and never have heard of anything that was not treated fairly in a situation like this.

:shocked:

that is an irresponsible post, U have zero info as to the location, nor have you first hand knowledge of the facts.

Take pictures and contact the builder if this is prior to purchase or warranty department if already purchased. I am sure it will be fixed regardless of the cause.

There can be several different causes of the "washout". The most likely cause is that the area was probably opened up during the installation of the infrastructure. Where gas lines or telephone/cable lines or sewer lines were installed. And now with all the rain it has settled into a pocket that was not filled properly. And all that needs to be done is fill added and lawn or landscape repaired. Actually a minor problem in the scheme of things.

Sinkholes do happen, but that would usually be a very large (think car size minimum) hole that could be 3 to 10 feet deep. Much worse then a washout. Again this can be repaired but requires more action then a washout.

In any case the problem will be resolved.