The list of things to consider when buying or selling a home is exhaustive. Wiring issues, water damage, faulty plumbing, HVAC systems, and whatnot. But, foundation issues top the list. The entire structure of your home stands on its foundation, and therefore, it demands serious inspection. Foundation issues can potentially jeopardize your house’s safety and stability.
This blog explains why foundation issues should not be ignored or underestimated, how to identify signs of foundation issues, and how to take care of them. So, let’s begin.
What Are Foundation Issues?
Foundation issues are basically problems in the structure that supports the house. They may include cracks, sinking or moving foundations, or even a foundation collapse. All these problems can degenerate the structural fabric of the entire house and lead to structural damages and impaired waterproofing, among other problems.
Common Types Of Foundation Issues
Usually, you can come across the following problems related to the foundation.
- Cracks In The Foundation: The foundation settlement of the house may have small cracks, which can be ignored, but large, wide cracks indicate a problem.
- Uneven Floors: Whether the floors are warped or doors and windows do not close normally, it may be due to foundation shifting.
- Walls Separating: Cracks in the walls and separation between walls and floors or walls and ceilings are undeniable evidence of movement.
- Sagging Rooflines: If a roofline is jagged or slanting downward, it could be due to problems with the foundation.
Why Foundation Issues Matter
Foundation issues are a big deal because they affect the stability and safety of the entire home. Here’s why they should never be ignored:
Costly Repairs
The biggest concern with foundation issues is the cost. Fixing a broken foundation or preventing further damage costs tens of thousands of dollars. Even a few minor cracks may require a few hundred dollars to fix. Besides, it is expensive to tackle the problem once it has spread.
Structural Integrity
The foundation is the base of the whole home. If it begins to deform or settle unevenly, it negatively affects the rest of the construction. This can affect:
- Walls: Cacks can appear on walls, or entire parts of walls become bowed.
- Floors: Floor problems such as poor floor levels pose several inconveniences and even a danger to those living in the house.
- Doors And Windows: Due to foundation issues, doors and windows may malfunction or stop working altogether.
In extreme instances, a compromised base can cause parts of a house to give way.
Water Damage
Foundation issues often allow water in the house’s structure. If there are little cracks or openings in the foundation, water penetrates the structure. It can seep into the basement or crawl space, leading to:
- Mold Growth: Mold grows where there is only excessive moisture.
- Rotting Wood: Water tends to decay or rot wooden framing that supports beams and other structures.
- Rust And Corrosion: If water contacts metal pipes, they get rusty or corrode.
Water-related problems can seriously impact the foundation and create more problems. It would be much more expensive to repair.
Property Value Drop
Foundation issues can significantly reduce a home’s value. Buyers approach houses with foundation issues with caution, as fixing the foundation usually costs a lot of money and may also be a safety issue. A National Association of Realtors report found that homes with foundation issues can lose as much as 10-20% of their market value.
In any venture, a problem with a home’s foundation puts off customers or makes it hard to make a sale.
How To Spot Signs Of Foundation Issues
Now that we know why foundation issues are a big deal, let’s look at how to spot them. If you can detect them early, you will not have to spend a lot of money to fix them.
Common Signs of Foundation Issues
Here are some telltale signs of foundation issues that you must not ignore.
- Cracks In Walls and Ceilings: These include horizontal or diagonal cracks in the walls, especially at the seams of door and window frames.
- Gaps Around Windows Or Doors: Old doors and windows that have become a little hard to open and close or new gaps around the frames are signs of movement in the foundation area.
- Sloping Floors: Roll a marble or a ball on the floor; if it rolls to the side, the floor is uneven, and the foundation may have issues.
- Bowing Or Cracked Foundation Walls: In a basement, you can look at walls that extend to the bottom. These may be faded or even cracked because of the soil’s pressure on the foundation.
These signs indicate that you should hire a professional to inspect the house.
Why Foundation Inspection Is Necessary
Foundation issues are among the first things that a qualified inspector will check during a home inspection. It is important that the foundation of the home is inspected closely by a professional to establish any signs of weakness.
A home inspection can identify visible and hidden foundation issues that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye.
- Important Tip: Even when not buying or selling a house, a foundation inspection every few years can benefit in the long run.
What Happens If You Ignore Foundation Issues?
Ignoring foundation issues can lead to serious and costly consequences. Here’s what can happen if you don’t take action:
- Worsening Damage: Sometimes, small cracks or shifting or moving may not seem much of a problem, but if left alone, they can progress to more serious issues.
- Safety Hazards: A failure can lead to hazardous living conditions because specific structural components of a building may become compromised or change significantly.
- Higher Repair Costs: Waiting too long to repair foundation issues can lead to even more expensive repairs in the future. The longer you wait, the worse the structure’s condition is because water, soil movements, and other factors begin to affect structures.
Conclusion
Foundation issues are a big deal in home inspections because they directly impact your home’s safety, value, and longevity. Spotting signs of foundation issues can help prevent expensive repairs and give you peace of mind. If you are thinking of purchasing a home or are worried about your home’s foundation, do not hesitate to call in a professional.
If you’re worried about potential foundation issues in your home, don’t wait until it’s too late. 1st Rate Inspections offers thorough and detailed foundation inspections to help you catch problems early and save on costly repairs. Contact us today to set an appointment for our inspection service.
