When you are thinking about buying a home, the foundation is one of the biggest elements to consider. It plays a major role in the overall structural integrity of a home. There are a few things to keep in mind related to a home’s foundation, so that once you buy a home, you can be confident that the foundation is best for your needs.
Look for Signs of Damage
You want to know how to spot foundation damage that could present serious issues down the road. You want to look at the entire house to determine the health of the foundation. These signs could indicate a relatively major issue:
· Misaligned windows and doors
· Windows that are hard to open
· Cracked drywall
· Large exterior concrete cracks
· Doors that fit oddly in the frame
· Sloping staircases or floors
· Gaps between the ceiling and the walls
· Water around the home’s perimeter or in the crawlspace or basement
If any of these issues are present, it does not automatically indicate a foundation issue. However, all of them warrant further inspection to determine the cause. You should have a professional contractor come out and evaluate any of these issues when they are present. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and let you know what it would take to fix it properly. In some cases, it might not be worth the time and money to fix it, so consider your budget once you determine what the fix requires in terms of money and time.
Not All Foundation Cracks Are a Big Deal
There are times when a small crack is present, but this is just due to the normal settling that a house does. The size is generally the biggest indicator if the crack is a problem or not. In general, a crack that is 1/4 inch or smaller is often not a big deal. These cracks commonly appear when a house settles over time after it is built. This crack has probably been present almost as long as the house has. However, if you find cracks that are larger or deep, this could be costly to fix. You want to have the larger cracks promptly inspected to determine what is needed to fix them.
Some Damage Can Be Corrected
When you are considering buying a home with foundation issues, you want to determine the severity of any issues that you find. Many of them can be fixed before you move in. Of course, if you do opt to fix them, it is imperative that you have a qualified professional do the work. Never attempt foundation work by yourself unless you are a professional.
Do not be afraid to ask the owners or the real estate agent specific questions about the foundation. If there are issues with the foundation, this can become incredibly problematic and costly, so you definitely want to be picky and ensure that the home you choose has a foundation that meets your needs and expectations.