Signs of Foundation Problems in Your Home
There’s a reason they call it the “foundation.” It’s the root of your house and everything built on top of it is relying on its stability to stay intact. Catching foundational problems early and fixing them can prevent further damage and costs.
Why Do Foundational Problems Occur?
One of the biggest misconceptions about foundational problems is that they only occur in older homes. In actuality, it can happen to any house, even if it’s new.
Here are some of the reasons foundational problems occur:
- Your stem walls have deteriorated. Your walls and floors are attached to a base structure called a “stem wall.” When there’s a problem with the stem wall, it can cause foundational problems.
- Your house has foundation settlement issues. When the soil under the foundation shifts, it can cause foundation settlement issues. This can be the result of many things, including weather, load and time.
- Your house has foundation heave problems. Increases in moisture can cause expanding or swelling in soil. This causes the upward movement (“heave”) of a foundation or slab.
Signs of Foundation Problems
There are a number of signs of foundation problems that can help you catch and fix problems.
Some of the signs include:
- Foundation cracks
- Wall or floor cracks
- Uneven floors
- Doors that stick or don’t open/close properly
- Gaps around window frames
- Water leaks
- Separation of counters and cabinets from the wall
The Cost of a Foundation Problem
On average, homeowners pay roughly $4,530 for foundation repairs, according to Angie’s List (now Angi). However, the cost can run up to tens of thousands of dollars or more for serious foundational issues. The cost of the repair will depend on the extent of the problem.
For example, major foundation cracks might cost roughly $800 to fix. Fixing foundation leaks and waterproofing could run between $2,000 and $7,000. If your walls are bowed, contractors might use carbon fiber or steel reinforcement strips to straighten them, which can cost $4,000 to $12,000 for 12 of them.
If you see signs of foundation problems, your first step is to hire a foundation repair inspector. They can help identify the more immediate issues that need to be addressed and offer potential solutions.
Alternative to Repairing a Foundational Problem
Sometimes, homeowners aren’t able to swing the cost of the foundational repair. However, at the same time, they have trouble selling the house because of its foundation issues. Fortunately, there’s another option. The Buy Guys is a homebuying company that buys houses “as is” in Florida, Georgia and Texas. If we’re able to make you a cash offer, you don’t have to make any repairs to the house in order to sell it.
Additionally, the virtual process is quick and easy. Typically, the entire process from a signed contract to cash in hand can be as quick as five days.
To find out how much your home is worth, give us a call at (888) 204-7603 and get a free estimate in minutes.
