Your home is most likely the biggest investment you’ll make. And, your house’s foundation is the most important part of the structure. It’s important to stay on top of the health of your foundation regularly. Don’t wait to have your foundation inspected until you are ready to sell your home. It’s recommended that you have a licensed professional inspector periodically inspect your foundation. In the meantime, walk through your home as if you were a prospective buyer and look for these danger signs.
Water – Moisture is a big threat to your foundation and can result in damage affecting the stability of your foundation. Even roof leaks can create problems for your foundation by trapping water in the walls, etc.
Cracks in floors and walls – These are sure signs that the foundation may be shifting.
Staircases – Check for shaky banisters.
Bulges – Look for bulges in the floor, especially under carpets.
Noises – Listen closely for noises coming from behind the walls.
Smells – Noticing a musty smell? That may be a sure sign of moisture.
Bugs – An excess amount of bugs can also be an indication of excess moisture.
Should you find one or more of these, you will want a licensed professional to perform the inspection. A professional inspection knows exactly what to look for and will dig deeper into the investigation than you are able to do.
For example, a professional inspector will notice not only the items in your checklist above, he/she will inspect:
• The structure of the foundation
• The sealing and waterproofing
• Signs of foundation movement
• The attic and roof for water and ventilation
• Gutters
And look for:
• Crumbling concrete or plaster; buckling pillars; peeling walls; cracks – both vertical and horizontal; stains; mold
• Doors and windows that don’t open/close properly or act “sticky”
Remember, at the first sign of anything going on with your foundation, call a professional right away!! The longer you wait, the damage will increase and that means your repair will be more intense and expensive. Early detection will save you money on repairs and even utilities!
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