What Happens if My Home Inspector Finds a Foundation Issue?

What is a Home Foundation Inspection?

The home foundation inspection is just a part of the regular home inspection, in which the inspector evaluates the foundation of the building. The inspector checks for any defects and required fixes that can create any problems in the future.

What is Included in the Inspection for the Foundation?

During an inspection of the foundation of a house, the certified home inspector visualizes the foundation from each possible side. The inspector checks the structural elements linked to the foundation, such as:

• Leveling of floors
• Condition of walls
• Movement of doors and windows
• Signs of water damage and much more

Signs That the Foundation of a Home is Problematic

We may say that all foundations can have minor cracks or issues that can be ignored. However, if you or your home inspector can find the following signs in your home, it means your foundation needs immediate attention:

• Cracks in the walls
• Sticking windows
• Misalignment in the roof
• Sagging floor
• Poor drainage of the building 

Foundation Issues That Can’t be Ignored

During a detailed inspection, the inspector can find several issues in the foundation; some of them can be put on hold, while others may need immediate fixation. The issues that can’t be ignored are:

• Cracks in the foundation that are more than ⅛ inches
• Issues with the leveling of the foundation
• Damaged plumbing or utility lines in the foundation

What are the Common Causes Behind Foundation Issues?

Foundation issues can be caused by several factors, including natural disasters and human errors. These factors can be:

1. Ground Movement

Soil settling, change in the groundwater, soil erosion, and changing soil moisture can lead to ground movements that can disturb the structural integrity of a house, and there can be cracks observed in the foundation. 

2. Poor Drainage

A poor drainage system can lead to water accumulating near the foundation of the house. This water may be a reason for soil erosion and high moisture in the foundation, which may lead to cracks.

3. Poor Building Practices

It has also been observed that the foundations fail due to poor building practices, such as the builders not leveling it or inadequate reinforcement while pouring concrete. This may lead to foundation instability in the beginning and bigger problems with overall structural integrity of the building in future.

4. Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like earthquakes or seismic activity can also damage the foundation of the building. If there has been any recent seismic activity in your area, a foundation inspection is recommended to detect any issues.

What if Issues are found in the Foundation Inspection?

After finding signs of issues with the foundation, a home inspector may recommend further evaluation by the structural engineers. The structural engineer can detect the real reason behind the issue and recommend necessary actions by proposing a fixation plan of the foundation. 

Whether the structural engineer suggests simple fixes like filling of cracks or recommends extensive repair work such as installing steel piers, the homeowner should get the foundation fixed at the earliest possible.

What Does a Structural Engineer Analyze?

The responsibility of the structural engineers is to carry out a technical assessment in which they can analyze:

• Condition of the soil
• Load distribution
• Mechanism of structural support in the building
• Quality of the material used in building construction
• Expected damages due to the issue

After a complete analysis, the structural engineers provide a detailed report in which the factor behind the issue is mentioned, and they may recommend necessary fixes and precautionary measures to avoid the issue in the future.

Is it Possible to Avoid Future Foundation Issues Once Your Home has them?

It can be difficult to eliminate foundation issues completely and ensure they do not occur again. However, fixing foundation issues proactively at the initial stage can help minimize their severity, and major loss can be avoided with the help of home foundation inspection and regular maintenance.

The Solution

The foundation of a building is a major structural component; any issue with it can lead to major defects in the overall structure of the building.

If you can also feel sagging floors, cracks in walls, and foundation, or any other signs that are related to the foundation issues, schedule an inspection with GreenWorks Inspections immediately and take essential steps to control the damage occurring to your home.