Foundation repair is a major expense that can have a serious impact on the resale value of your home. If you notice problems with your foundation, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible.
Cracks in the concrete and masonry are a sign of a failing foundation. These cracks can allow water to penetrate the home and cause damage over time. If you have a basement or crawlspace, you should also look for signs of water damage.
Sagging and shifting floors are another indication of foundation problems. Changing weather conditions, erosion, or other causes can cause a foundation to sink or shift. Sagging floors can lead to cracks, rot, and mold in your home.
If you have a slab foundation, sagging may be caused by the settling of soil around the structure. Often, slab jacking, or raising, can fix this problem.
Stairstep cracks in the mortar along the walls or outside of your house are another sign that you need to have your foundation looked at. Depending on the situation, your contractor might seal the foundation to keep moisture out or repair it with polyjacking.
The cost of a Foundation Repair depends on the amount of work that needs to be done. A home with a large, complex foundation that isn’t easily accessible to workers costs more to fix than a smaller, less difficult to access home.
Foundation repairs can be costly, but they’re essential for the long-term stability of your home and resale value. So, if you are considering a purchase, make sure to check for foundation issues before making your offer.
Walls that bow or bulge and drywall that tears are other signs of foundation problems. You might also notice that doors or windows aren’t opening and closing properly.
Exterior and interior walls that have cracks or bowed are other common warning signs. You should also check for drywall that tears or peels from the wall and wallpaper that is pulling away from the wall.
If your home has concrete floors, you should inspect them for sagging and shifting. Sagging or heaving floors can be caused by a variety of problems, including poor drainage and rotting wood. You should have these problems repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.
Gaps between your home’s walls and doors or windows are a major concern. These gaps can lead to leaks or water penetration, which could damage your walls and drywall.
Slopes and stains in the carpet or hardwood floors are also a sign of foundation problems. These issues can result from settling or shifting soil around the structure and are a serious issue that should be addressed immediately.
Your resale value will be negatively affected by foundation problems, and it might even impact your mortgage approval. Be sure to discuss the costs of potential foundation repairs with your lender before you make an offer on a property.
Your foundation can be a real problem, but you can always try to save the cost of repairs by choosing a home with less problems. If you have any questions, call a professional foundation contractor and schedule an evaluation.