What is a Home Foundation Inspection?

Along with the roof, the foundation is your home’s most important area. Since it supports the entire structure, the tiniest problem could land you in a world of trouble as further structural damage and costly repairs may reach upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. 

Even worse, if the problem goes out of hand, your insurance policy won’t cover any repairs, especially if the damage is the result of normal aging or settlement. 

Believe it or not, you can circumvent potential issues by closely monitoring your foundation and scheduling a periodic home foundation inspection. Although most commonly used when buying a property, a foundation inspection is also beneficial if you’re looking to sell and make sure there are no surprises. 

So without further ado, let’s talk about a home foundation inspection and how it can benefit you. 

Home Foundation Inspection Explained

A home foundation inspection is a visual evaluation of the structural integrity of the construction. An inspector closely checks the foundation and looks for signs of damage that could impact your home’s structural integrity and safety. 

Since problems with the foundation are not easy to recognize for the average person, this inspection is a must. A certified inspector has the expertise to spot indications of damage that most homeowners would likely overlook. 

Why You May Need A Home Foundation Inspection

We recommend scheduling a home foundation inspection if:

• You noticed a problem - a small crack or doors that aren’t closing properly could be a sign of structural issues, which you want to address as soon as possible.
• You’re purchasing a home - repairing a damaged foundation requires a sizable investment, so if you’re looking at a home, a foundation inspection is a must. With a full report, you may be able to negotiate the price.
• You’re selling a home - inspecting the foundation before listing a home is a good idea as it allows for a smoother sales process. 
• You want to keep your home in good shape - even if you don’t suspect there are any issues, you can still benefit from a professional inspection. After all, you can minimize any structural issues by repairing the damage immediately, so a period inspection is more than worth it. 
• You want to add a floor - a new floor is a major addition, and you must confirm if the foundation in its current condition can support it. 

With that said, you may also be wondering how to spot signs of foundation damage, which is what we’ll cover next. 

Signs Of Foundation Issues

Although difficult to detect, you can notice some small signs of foundation damage before scheduling an inspection. 

Let’s start with doors or windows that have trouble closing or opening. This may point to a serious defect that puts your entire home out of alignment. Keep in mind that this is only a red flag if multiple doors or windows exhibit the same problem. 

Another huge indication of foundation damage is cracks that run wall to wall. While vertical cracks are typically not an issue as they are likely a side effect of the concrete curing process, horizontal cracks are an indication something is wrong with the foundation. This is also true for diagonal cracks starting at the corners of doors or windows and moving upwards toward the ceiling, and stair-shaped cracks in the brickwork. 

The same applies to bowed walls and uneven floors. Even a torn wallpaper may indicate cracking or bowing.

Another huge red flag is a musty odor in the basement. This is an indication of a mold infestation. How does it point to a foundation problem?

Well, small cracks in the foundation may have let the water into your basement, contributing to mold growth. The sooner you address the issue, the better. Mold can spread to foundation beams, rot them, and even worse, attract termites (which also require a lot of money to eliminate). 

You may even notice a descending feeling of sorts, where one side of the home appears to be lower than the other. This may be a sign that the foundation is sinking. 

Lastly, if the kitchen counters or cabinets start separating from the wall because there are noticeable gaps between them and the wall, there’s likely an issue with the foundation. 

What To Expect During A Home Foundation Inspection? 

A home foundation inspection consists of three steps: 

1. The Inspector arrives at the property and asks the homeowner to show them areas of concern. 
2. The inspector walks through the home and visually inspects the entire home (including the exterior) to find any signs the foundation has moved. If needed, the inspection company may perform a floor-level survey to check if the home is settling. 
3. After the inspection, the  inspector will write a report that details any issues, along with repair recommendations. If applicable, the report can also contain a repair estimate. 

A home foundation inspection is comprehensive and may take anywhere from an hour to two hours. The complexity of the inspection will differ from the type of the foundation. For example, with slab foundations, it’s necessary to check if the foundation is post-tensioned (the condition of steel cables). A basement foundation is much more simple and may only require the inspector to check the walls for bowing. 

How Much Does A Foundation Inspection Cost?

It’s not easy to tell. Many factors determine the cost of the inspection, including the size of the home, the type of the home, the complexity of the issue, and even your distance from the inspector’s office. 

Feel free to contact a home inspection company that offers foundation inspection services to receive an exact quote. 

Keep Your Home Stable

The structural integrity of your home should be one of your main concerns. This is exactly why home foundation inspections are so important if you want to maintain your home in perfect condition.

Fortunately, most foundation problems aren’t emergencies (regardless of how they appear), but if you don’t address them as soon as possible, the value of your home will decrease and the ensuing repairs will leave a significant dent in your wallet. 

When it comes to any type of inspection, Certified Inspectors is a fine choice. We possess almost every possible certification in the industry and have close to thirty years of experience in real estate construction. With us inspecting your foundation, you don’t need to worry about anything. We’ll provide you with industry-standard price estimates for repairs and guide you through the process to avoid getting ripped off. 

Plus, we’re not qualified to fix the problem, so you can expect a thorough and objective service. 

Schedule a home foundation inspection by calling (561) 570-6311 or filling out our contact form.