Buying a Home? Look for these 5 Foundation Problems

There’s always a list of desired qualities you’re hoping to find in a new home. Sure, the number of bedrooms, property size and kitchen are important – but what’s most important is often completely overlooked.

Without a solid foundation supporting the home, you could be getting yourself into a potentially dangerous living situation. And it doesn’t matter whether the home is newly constructed or well established: foundation problems can affect both.

To avoid purchasing a home with foundation problems, here are five warning signs to look for when house hunting.

#1) Foundation Cracks

Cracks larger than 1/16” and horizontal cracks in brick exteriors or concrete walls are special cause for concern. Large cracks could mean that the home is potentially experiencing more settling than is normal whereas horizontal cracks can indicate that a large amount of water pressure is affecting the foundation. Cracks located at a 45-degree angle could indicate extensive foundation damage.

#2) Uneven Load Bearing

When exterior foundation walls are noticeably crooked from up and down and/or side to side, the foundation could have shifted or the surrounding soil could be causing wall pressure. The same goes for if a bulge or curve in the foundation wall or poured concrete wall is detected.

Foundation settling or sinking can be caused by poor building construction. Prior to building a home, the soil needs to be properly compacted before construction begins.

#3) Foundation Upheaval

When under-slab plumbing leaks and heavy rain or frost causes a lot of moisture to become trapped, excessive weight is created on the soil. Upheaval is typically located in the perimeter area of a concrete slab foundation, although a home’s interior and garage walls can also be pushed upwards.

#4) Irregular Flooring

Cracks that appear in vinyl or ceramic tile over a concrete floor or sagging, bowing or dipping floors typically indicate foundation issues. Besides being unsightly, uneven floors can be dangerous to house inhabitants and guests. These cracks will only worsen if the foundation movement isn’t halted.

#5) Sticky Doors and Windows

When there is difficulty opening and closing windows or there are doors that start jamming or fail to latch, a foundation evaluation is recommended.

If a home’s experiencing sticking doors and windows without any other signs of foundation problems, humidity is often to blame. However, if cracks and other damage is noticed around the home, then sticking windows and doors could be due to foundation problems.

Of course, slight unevenness in a home is completely normal. Over the years, homes do settle which can create a little bit of shifting. When having your home inspected, it’s the more dramatic foundation changes that are cause for concern.

If the home you’re looking at displays some of the warning signs above, a foundation professional can give you solid advice about what to do.