Hi there! I’m Sarah Maiga, your go to real estate expert & Broker of Maiga Homes Luxury Real Estate.
Today’s topic in our series is: Inspection Pitfalls & FAQs: How to Know if the Home You’re Buying has Foundation Issues.
In this installment of our series, we delve into a crucial aspect of home inspection: identifying and addressing potential foundation issues in the property you plan to buy. This exploration will be divided into four fundamental sections:
- Causes of Foundation Issues.
- Warning Signs of Foundation Issues.
- Preventive Measures for Foundation Issues.
- Steps to Take If Foundation Concerns Arise.
Let's begin by exploring the root causes of foundation problems. Three primary factors contribute to foundation complications, typically linked to changes in the home and the surrounding and underlying soil:
- Foundation Settlement.
- Foundation Heave.
- Stem Wall Deterioration.
Foundation settlement transpires when the soil surrounding or beneath the house descends. On the other hand, foundation heave involves the soil rising in the same regions. Both phenomena are predominantly triggered by water and drainage problems around the property, with seasonal freezing and thawing of soil moisture accelerating the process.
Stem wall deterioration also hinges on moisture levels; excessive dampness in the concrete foundation can instigate cracking and crumbling over time. Understanding that moisture is the common antagonist, let's delve into the telltale signs of foundation distress.
During the home inspection, the inspector will meticulously search for specific indications of foundation problems. These may include:
- Gaps in exterior walls, windows, or siding.
- A cracked or leaning chimney.
- Warped floors, walls, or ceilings.
- Gaps behind cabinetry or countertops.
- Excessive basement moisture.
- Exterior drainage complications.
The first port of call is inspecting the external wall integrity. A shifting foundation will likely cause noticeable gaps and cracks in the exterior walls, windows, and siding. Noticing such signs early can save potential homebuyers from costly repairs in the future. If a potential structural or foundation issue is identified, contacting a Structural Engineer for further evaluation would be an essential next step.
A structural engineer may adopt several strategies to rectify a foundation issue, depending on its nature and severity. These methods aim not only to resolve the immediate problem but also to mitigate future complications. The engineer will typically conduct a thorough assessment of the property and its surroundings to determine the most effective solution.
In cases of foundation settlement, where the soil beneath a home compacts or washes away, causing the home to sink unevenly, underpinning might be utilized. This process involves excavating sections of the soil below the current foundation and pouring concrete underpinning piers or installing steel piers in stages to support the foundation. The piers are extended to a more stable layer of soil or bedrock, providing a solid base to distribute the house's weight evenly and prevent further settling.
Alternatively, for issues involving foundation heave, where expanding soil pushes up against the foundation, the engineer may recommend soil stabilization techniques, such as removing and replacing the soil or injecting chemical compounds to change its properties. Another common solution for foundation heave is installing a root barrier if tree roots are causing the upheaval. In more severe cases, a structural engineer might design a new foundation system that can accommodate soil movement without damaging the structure. Ultimately, the choice of method will hinge on various factors, including the type of soil, the extent of the problem, and the specific characteristics of the home.
I hope I have given you a lot to think about and that you’ve learned a lot from today’s blog. Tune in to the next blog in this series - “5 of the Most Common Electrical Concerns Found & How to Address Them”
As always, if you think you may want to make a move in the next year, give me a call and set-up a consultation today as I create custom moving plans for all of my clients up to a year in advance.
And, don’t worry, if I am not able to personally assist you, I am well connected and can refer you to a similarly qualified agent anywhere in the world. In fact, if you haven’t yet had a chance, please check out another one of my videos on “ Why You Should Get a Real Estate Agent Referral for an Agent When Relocating” that will teach you all about how realtor-to-realtor referrals work & what to expect when you ask me for one!
You can also check out my other series on: Relocation, Selling a Home, Buying a Home, New Construction, Downsizing, Buying & Selling Simultaneously & more!
Thanks for reading, I’ll see you next time.
