We all want to keep our homes safe and secure for ourselves and our loved ones. With so many areas of home maintenance to keep track of, some may slip through the cracks. One area that is often overlooked, despite its outsized importance to the rest of the home, is the foundation.
Identifying foundation issues before they grow into larger problems can save you time and money down the road. But how do you know when you need a foundation inspection? Here are a few key times when we recommend a professional inspection.
Buying or Selling
Before buying a new home or selling your existing house, you should hire a professional to inspect the foundation. Doing so before you list your home on the market will give you time to address any issues and may result in a quicker sale! We also recommend having a foundation inspection before finalizing the purchase of a new home, since most home inspectors are not foundation experts.
Natural Disasters
When a natural disaster strikes, whether it’s an earthquake, flood, or mudslide, it could have a significant impact on your home’s foundation. Should you experience one of these (or another) serious events, you need to have your foundation inspected as soon as possible.
Neighborhood Foundation Issues
If you have multiple neighbors with foundation trouble, you should hire an expert to conduct a full assessment of your foundation. A professional can determine whether your home is sitting on unstable soil or if your foundation shows early warning signs you need to address.
And last, but most certainly not least….
Visible damage
You always need to have a professional foundation inspection completed if your home has visible damage. Warning signs of foundation trouble include cracks in your wall(s) or brickwork, an uneven floor, a damp crawl space, and windows or doors that no longer sit flush in their frames.
The sooner you identify foundation issues and have them addressed, the better. Promptly fixing damage to your foundation will help keep your home safe for you and your loved ones.
