The Home Foundation Inspection Process
A home foundation inspection by a qualified expert is not only an important part of foundation maintenance, but can also prevent the need for costly repairs or foundation replacement. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your foundation is in good shape.
When you request an inspection, both the exterior and interior of your home will be checked for foundation problems.
When looking at interior and exterior walls, the foundation inspector will look for cracks, bows, displacements, and tilts. Cracks are evaluated based on location, size, and direction. Not all cracks in brick, plaster, masonry, drywall, or plaster are an indicator of structural damage. Sometimes cracks are the result of the normal settlement of the house. However, poor soil conditions and other factors can contribute to excessive settlement, which can lead to foundation problems. For this reason, soil conditions, slopes, and drainage will also be observed.
The inspector will also determine if the footing is straight by looking down the length of the footing wall from each corner. Doors and windows will be inspected to ensure they open and close properly. Basements and crawl spaces will be entered and tested to determine if studs and supports are straight and secure.
Concrete slabs will be tested for chips, cracks, flaking, and displacement, including sidewalk, patio, and garage slabs. Floors above basement or basement will be checked for tilt, sag, and other types of displacement. Chimneys will also be inspected for cracks, broken bricks, and slant.
Your foundation inspector will look for any areas where water has entered the building. Water is the worst enemy of a foundation. Any standing water near or on the foundation (or even the roof) could spell trouble. If there is evidence of a moisture problem, your inspector will look for the cause of the problem.
The inspector will take notes on everything found, summarize the findings, and make cost-effective recommendations on any necessary repairs. Even when the damage appears severe, there may be ways to correct the problem rather than replace the foundation.
The ability to diagnose not only existing but also potential foundation problems is critical. Identifying the underlying cause of the situation is also vital. When a foundation problem is not properly addressed, it can result in more expensive repairs later.
It is important to choose the right foundation inspector for your property. Look for someone with extensive experience inspecting home foundations. A foundation expert who has performed thousands of inspections will know how to properly assess your home and property. Many times foundation damage is not obvious. A seasoned professional won’t miss even the slightest indicator of an underlying problem.
If you are aware of any type of foundation damage, request an inspection as soon as possible. Basic problems don’t go away over time, they usually get worse. Between inspections, record any known changes to the foundation, such as an increasing crack. Keep drain nipples free of debris and stay alert for even minor structural damage. It will pay off in the long run.