It’s recommended for homeowners to do a foundation inspection twice a year in order to prevent problems in the house structure. However, it’s not everyone that follows that rule. Most people only notice there is a foundation problem when the damages have already taken a toll on the house.
That’s why it’s so important to notice the signs of foundation damage before the problem escalates. Below are some of the signs you need to check to make sure your foundation and your house are safe and secure.
Visible Cracks in the House
These are the types of damages you can notice visually without even trying to find out any harm. For example, cracks in the walls: if you notice any, you better take a look at your house state. They may show up due to several reasons, but if the crack is large enough to scare, you should be aware of the possibility of any irregularity in your house foundation.
The Discreet Ones
And since we are speaking up on damages in the house: the visible cracks are not the only ones seen as signs of defects in the foundation. Keep an eye on the general issues that you may find around your house.
Nuisances like heaving or sloping doors and difficulty in opening and closing windows not only can be signs the house is aging, but also that the foundation is in need of an inspection.
Trouble in the Neighborhood
It’s always good to keep an eye around your neighborhood. If by chance one of your neighbors finds out about a problem in their foundation, you should check on yours as well, since it can be an issue in the area you live in.
Around Your Lawn
Issues such as the problems of grass growth, erosion, or ponding around the foundation and gushing gutters may indicate water drainage problems. It’s common for many foundation issues to be an outcome of water intrusion in the underground.
In this case, you’re also recommended to hire footing inspection services, since it’s the base of the house structure that actually is in touch with the earth.
Floor Unevenness
When the foundation is somehow damaged, it can modify the house structure. Some signs of this change may turn up as an irregularity in the house, such as the unevenness of the floor.
Be aware in case of furniture not looking straight or things on the floor seeming to be crooked or about to fall. This irregularity in some cases can also cause serious accidents.
How Much Does a Foundation Inspection Cost?
The cost of a foundation inspection can vary widely, depending on several aspects. Without including the repairs, you can hire a professional to do a simple inspection and that would cost around $200 to $700. While a more complex and detailed inspection project would range to a higher price, varying between $1,000 to $3,000.
Now the repairing would be a service in addition and the price could range depending on the kind of damage the foundation has.
- Cracks: Repairing cracks around the house would cost around $250 to $800, according to the extension and scale of the cracks.
- Leaks: Repairing leaks can come out to be more expensive, about $400 to $2,000, and even $7,000 if the leaking issue turns out to be large.
- Piers: The installation of piers underground the house, in order to lift and support the foundation when it’s sinking may range from around $1,000 to $3,000 per unit.
- Mudjacking: To stabilize the house structure and put the foundation in its place, the price of this process can vary from $500 to $1,500.
- Wall reinforcement strips: For damaged and bowing walls, the cost of the reinforcement could become around $350 to $1,000 per strip.
A New House
If you have just bought your house or if you are thinking about buying one, it’s highly recommended for you to do a foundation inspection, since it’s a brand new place for you and you’re not completely aware of all structures of the house.
In reality, a complete inspection is recommended right after or before buying the house; because certainly there’s nothing more important than being aware of all the conditions of your home since it’s a question of safety and comfort.
Finally, if you suspect any damage to your house foundation, ignoring it or letting it for later will only make things worse.
Call a licensed foundation inspector to check your house and make sure it’s ok. The safety and comfort of your home should always be in the first place.
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