If you are a homeowner then you should pay close attention to your foundation. The foundation of your home is what keeps your home stabilized and secure. It is possible to have foundation problems when it comes to normal wear and tear or weather issues that put a lot of stress on your foundation. You should keep an eye out for your foundation and look out for any signs that you’d need an inspection. Getting an inspection will let you know if there are any damages to your foundation and what means they will need to fix it.
There are a few signs that you can look into to see if you need to get an inspection on your foundation. After all, you don’t want to have to call a local foundation repair company and find out later rather than sooner that you need extensive house leveling in Springfield.
When Should I Get My Foundation Inspected?
There are a few signs that you should look for when determining if you should get your foundation inspected or not. Your foundation can be inspected whether you notice these signs or not and it’s important to keep up with inspections on your foundation just to eliminate any surprise problems from occurring. Here are some signs to pay attention to that could indicate that you should get your foundation inspected.
- Indoor Cracks. Cracks are the number one thing to look out for and you’ve probably already been keeping an eye out for cracks in your foundation. This is usually the first sign of a problem with your foundation. However, this doesn’t mean that the crack is a huge problem, but it does require an inspection to determine just how bad the crack is and how it needs to be repaired.
- Uneven Floors. Uneven floors can be a sign that something might be wrong with the foundation. If your foundation is moving for some reason, then this can result in uneven floors requiring house leveling services. If you have bubbles or if it feels slanted when you walk on the floor, then definitely get an inspection on your foundation.
- Doors/Windows. If the doors and windows don’t seem to fit in the doorway or window way anymore then there could be an issue. This may cause sticking or it might cause the doors and windows to just be difficult to open or close. There also might be visible cracks around the outside of the door or window.
- Bowing Walls. This is another huge indicator of a problem. Bowing walls are usually a bigger issue because that is proof that the foundation is moving and putting extra pressure where it doesn’t belong. Leaving a bowed wall could cause a lot more damage if it collapses.
- Standing Water or a Leak. Leaks and water can indicate a huge problem with your foundation. Having a crack in your foundation that leads outside or somewhere with water can result in a crack that is leaking. This should be looked at immediately because cracks are a cause for concern but also leaks can cause a lot of water damage.
- Exterior Cracks. Exterior cracks are somewhat common and can be caused by the natural settling of the home. With that being said, you should still keep an eye on any exterior cracks as they could get worse if the underlying issue is a foundation problem that needs to be taken care of.
- Crawl Space/Basement Moisture. Moisture anywhere in a home is typically cause for concern, especially in a crawlspace or basement. If there is water or signs of water in these areas, then this could mean that there are foundation issues. Water damage plus the initial foundation problem can cause a lot of issues if it isn’t taken care of right away.
Some of these signs are more pressing than others, but either way, if you notice any of these signs then you should get an inspection done on your foundation. This will get a professional to look at your foundation and determine how bad the damages are as well as a plan to repair it.
Everything You Need to Know About Foundation Inspections
First off, you might be wondering what even is a foundation inspection? Well, foundation inspections are offered by all foundation repair companies. This initial inspection can tell you and the professional a lot about your foundation. Typically, you’ll call for an inspection if it’s time for one or if you have noticed signs of a foundation problem.
The inspection will be done by a professional foundation repair contractor and they will do in depth inspections over your whole foundation. This includes the exterior, interior, crawl spaces, and areas around your foundation. The inspector will be looking for cracks, signs of water damage, leaks, bowed walls, or uneven floors. Depending on how much area the inspector has to cover will determine how long an inspection typically takes.
Inspections are not free, but they can save you a lot of money if you compare it to finding a huge foundation issue that needs repairing as soon as possible, potentially slab jacking or house leveling. On average an inspection can cost from $400 to $700. The higher range of that is $1000 to $3000 for a larger area or more complex foundation. Most homeowners will pay an average of $500 for a foundation inspection.
The Bottom Line
Overall, there are signs that homeowners should look to determine if they need a foundation inspection. Inspections are available to maintain your foundation and ensure that everything is in check and taken care of. If you’re unsure about a sign that you may have seen, then it is always best to go ahead and get a foundation inspection. This will avoid any issues in the future that might arise due to foundation problems.
A foundation repair company will do an inspection on your entire foundation and surrounding areas to look for signs of damage or improper drainage. They will then give you a detailed document that goes over what possible issues they’ve found and they will go over methods on how to repair it as well. Foundation repair companies will do their best to ensure your foundation is taken care of, all you have to do is call for an inspection and they do the rest for you.
