If you own a house, it’s important to be aware of any foundation problems that may arise. Foundation issues can be serious and may lead to costly and extensive repairs down the road. They can also prevent you from selling your house. Here are six tell-tale signs that your house may have foundation problems.
Cracks in the walls, ceilings, or floors
While minor cracks in drywall naturally occur as a home settles, seeing significant cracks in the walls, ceilings, or floors of your home may indicate a serious foundation problem. Most homeowners do not notice foundational issues until the damage is done. Fortunately, there are early warning signs that can help identify potential problems. Cracks that appear in higher concentrations in one particular area could be an easy indicator. Homeowners should take these warning signs seriously, as untreated difficulties can lead to expensive and extensive repairs down the road.
Gaps around doors and windows
Foundation problems can be a nuisance, yet if addressed early enough, they are easy to fix. One clue that your foundation may be having issues is the presence of gaps around doors and windows. Paying attention to these tell-tale signs can help you catch foundation problems before they become more costly issues; gaps around doors or windows are an unmistakable signal that it’s time to call in the experts.
Doors or windows are difficult to open
Foundation issues can cause more than just hard-to-open doors and windows; they can also create a domino effect of damage throughout your home. Poorly balanced foundations can place strain on the structural framework of a building, causing everything from irksome paint cracks to major shifts in walls or ceilings. Sticking doors and windows are often a sign that something is amiss, so it’s important to have these issues investigated by an experienced professional as soon as possible to save you time and money down the line.
Cracks in the foundation
Foundation problems pose a serious risk to the safety and stability of your home. If not addressed quickly, they can cause cracking in the foundation that can be difficult to repair without professional help. Poorly maintained foundations can also lead to additional structural issues, making it even more important to monitor and address signs of foundation troubles as soon as they begin. Looking for signs like cracks in basement walls and other abnormalities early on is key to ensuring that you don’t have a big problem waiting down the line. Take proactive steps now, rather than waiting until all it may take is a minor tremor to cause major damage.
Water in the basement or crawl space
Foundation problems caused by shifting soil, stucco damage, poor drainage and more can lead to a host of negative implications for your home. Of these, water in the basement or crawl space is arguably the most serious. Water in your lower level can undermine structural integrity and can lead to extensive property damage if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, there are professionals available who specialize in diagnosing and repairing foundation issues that lead to water problems in lower levels of the home. Proper diagnosis and remediation will ensure your home stays safe and sound while protecting your family from potentially catastrophic losses that could be incurred without quick action.
Sagging floors
Sagging floors can be a direct consequence of foundation issues, and it is best to address them as soon as possible before the problem becomes worse. Generally, this issue is caused by missing or compromised foundational support that needs to be corrected for the flooring above to appear level. If the issue is ignored, building materials may begin to warp and roof leakage might occur in extreme cases. Individuals need to monitor any visible changes in their flooring which may indicate an underlying problem with their home’s foundation. If you suspect your sagging floors are caused by a foundation issue, it would be wise to contact a professional as early as possible.
These are just a few signs that you may have foundation problems. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Don’t wait until your foundation is in danger of collapsing – address the issue now and save yourself time, money, and headaches down the road.
Identifying the problem and solution
It can be a daunting task to discover the real problem or solution of a foundation issue. Here are a couple of tips for how to know if you are on the right track:
- Get advice from someone who won’t deliver the solution.
- Home Inspector (even if you aren’t buying or selling)
- Engineer (not tied to a company that does foundation repairs)
- General Contractor (who can address all potential issues)
- Have one or more of the people who can identify the problem and design a solution refer you to at least 2 – 3 companies who specialize in the repair, and have each quote on the specified repair. Be open to additional input from the companies quoting the repair, but get an apples to apples comparison so you know how they compare financially.
- Be sure to get clarity on warranty information that goes with the repair. Make sure it goes with the property, not you personally, and that any future owner would be covered.
- Check on how long they have been doing this type of work, and research their reputation. Most companies in the foundation space offer healthy warranties. You want to make sure they can stand behind the repair.
#foundationproblems #homemaintenance #structuralintegrity #foundationrepair #homeownership #waterdamage #homeimprovement #foundationissues #saggingfloors #cracksinwalls #doorandwindowgaps #homefoundations
Richard has extensive experience in all aspects of buying and selling residential property. He has sold more than 400 homes and well over $100 million in residential real estate. There’s no need to guess. Get expert advice that will allow you to buy and sell with confidence and ease.
For neighborhood guides about Decatur and other intown neighborhoods, click here.
To learn more about the value of your home, please complete the form here.
If you are looking to purchase a home, please reach out here. We would love to help you have a wonderful buying experience.
You can always reach us through the Contact Us page here as well.
