Checking the Foundation of Your House (Foundation Inspection Checklist)

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As a homeowner, you should always be aware of the condition of your house's foundation. Not only can it affect the value of your home, but it can also impact your safety. To help you stay on top of the health of your foundation, here are some tips from a professional home inspector on how to check the foundation of the house. With these suggestions, you'll be able to spot any potential problems early and get them fixed before they become significant issues.

 Signs to Look Out For - Your Foundation Inspection Checklist

• Check for cracks on the interior and exterior of your home
• Search for any gaps around doors or windows
• Look for signs of water intrusion and leaks
• Examine your yard and basement for indicators of pooling water and/or mold growth

Cracks in the foundation

Having cracks in your home's foundation can be a sign of a much bigger issue. The presence of foundation cracks can mean that your home's structure is compromised and needs to be repaired before further damage is done. If you're worried about cracks in your home's foundation, here are a few tips from a foundation inspector to help you determine if they're a cause for concern:

• Check the Size of the Cracks – Inspectors will look for any crack larger than 0.5mm wide. These cracks can indicate problems with the stability of your home's foundation and need to be addressed as soon as possible.
• Examine the Location of the Cracks – Pay attention to where the cracks are located in your home. For example, if they are found on the outside walls or around windows and doors, this could indicate structural issues that need to be addressed.
• Listen for Unusual Noises – As your foundation shifts and settles, it can cause creaks and groans. Listen for any strange noises from the foundation and contact an inspector immediately if you hear anything out of the ordinary.
• Look for Signs of Settlement – Uneven floors or sticking windows and doors are signs that your home's foundation may have settled. If this is the case, it's essential to call an inspector immediately.

By following these tips from an inspector, you can help determine whether or not your home's foundation needs repair. Also, remember that addressing any issues with the foundation sooner rather than later can help save you from costly repairs in the future.

Gaps around doors and windows

If you're inspecting the foundation with this foundation inspection checklist, the most essential thing to look for is any gaps around doors and windows. These can be caused by settling the foundation or other factors and should be addressed as soon as possible.

First, check to ensure the door or window frames are still level and square with the wall. If there is any movement or warping, this could be an indication of a shifting foundation. Next, look for any gaps between the frame and the wall itself. This can signify foundation settling, eventually leading to structural damage if left unaddressed. For minor cracks that aren't a hazard, you may be able to fill in the gaps with spackle and caulk. For more severe cracks that show signs of sinking, it may be time to call a professional for help.

Water seepage

Inspect the walls and floor for water staining, discoloration, or dampness. Pay close attention to any corners and crevices. Look for any cracks in the foundation walls or floors. Even small hairline cracks can be a sign of water seepage. Check around windows and doors for any signs of water intrusion. If there's any visible water or evidence of water stains, this could be a sign of a problem.

Look at the house's exterior and inspect the siding and foundation for any signs of cracking or warping due to water damage. Check the gutters and downspouts to ensure they're in good condition and draining correctly away from the house.

Test the ground around the foundation to see if it's saturated with water. If it is, this could signify water seeping into the foundation from below. If you suspect that your house's foundation may have a water seepage issue, it's essential to contact a professional to get it checked out as soon as possible. Taking steps to address the problem early on can save you a lot of time and money down the road.

Pooling water

When inspecting your foundation, pooling water is one of the main things you should look out for. Water can cause significant damage to your home's foundation over time. It can cause the soil to shift and settle, create cracks in the foundation walls, and even drive mold growth inside your home.

Here are some tips from an inspector on what to look for when checking for pooling water around your home's foundation:

• Look for puddles of water around your foundation walls. If you spot any, it could indicate a leak or crack in the foundation wall that allows water to seep in.
• Check the soil around the foundation for wetness. If it feels soggy or saturated, there may be a problem with drainage or waterproofing around the foundation.
• Examine the grade of your yard. The soil should slope away from the house, so water flows away from the foundation rather than towards it.
• If you have downspouts near the house, ensure they are draining away from the foundation, not towards it.

Following these tips from an inspector, you can help ensure that your home's foundation is in good condition and free from pooling water. Regular inspection and maintenance can also help prevent severe structural damage.

Foundation Repair Costs

Most homeowners will pay around $4,911 to repair foundation issues. Another way to prevent these costs is by taking a few minutes to check your foundation for cracks and other signs of damage before hiring a contractor. Cracks in the walls are one example that indicates there could be structural issues with your home's foundation. Other potential problems include bulging windows or doors, sloping floors, and a generally uneven surface when you walk on it. If any of these signs appear in your home, have them checked out by a professional immediately!

If you're in the Denver area, you can look at our guide for foundation repair costs in Denver to get an idea of what repairs might cost.

Reach Out to Our Team to Schedule a Foundation Inspection

Our team at Denver Foundation Repair Specialists hopes you've enjoyed our foundation inspection checklist. If you notice signs of foundation issues, please don't wait to call a foundation repair contractor. The quicker you complete repairs, the better chance of successful and less costly foundation repairs. So give our team a call today and receive a free quote.