Articles and Advice

What To Do About Foundation Problems

An issue with your home's foundation can be serious and needs to be addressed. Here's what you can do.

There's no doubt that "foundation problems" are two words that no homeowner, buyer, or seller ever wants to hear. While foundation problems are indeed serious business, they don't have to ruin a home that you own or derail a deal on a home. The trick is knowing how to deal with foundation problems, addressing them quickly, and understanding when it's time to call in a professional for assistance. That starts with knowing the signs of foundation problems and what to do when you spot a potential problem. Get started with our home improvement guide on what to do about foundation problems.

Understand What Causes Foundation Problems
While foundation problems can happen anywhere, there are some common factors to look out for that may put your home at increased risk. Foundation problems can be caused by the type of soil that the home was built on, plumbing damage, severe shifts in temperature, floods, earthquakes, overgrown tree roots, or poor drainage around the home. It's especially important to check regularly for foundation problems if your home has any of these fairly common risk factors.
Check for Signs of Foundation Problems Outdoors
Foundation problems are not always easy to spot without a trained eye, but there are a number of common signs that can help you know when it's time to call in a pro. Outdoor signs of foundation problems include cracked bricks, cracks in concrete, rotation of walls, displaced moldings, and gaps in doors, windows, or garage doors. A larger crack may be a sign of a more serious underlying issue in the foundation.
Indoor Signs of Foundation Problems
Signs of foundation damage can pop up inside the home as well, even if you don't spot anything outdoors. The most common indoor signs of foundation problems are uneven floors, cracks in the walls, sheetrock, or floor, and misaligned doors or windows. While plumbing leaks aren't a sign of foundation damage on their own, a serious leak can lead to issues with the foundation, so it's important to be aware of any leaks.
What to Do When You See Signs of Trouble
Even if you're normally a DIY home improvement expert, foundation problems are best left to the pros. The equipment and expertise required to address foundation problems are extensive, so calling a professional contractor is simply the way to go if you're experiencing foundation problems. A pro can assess whether there's a problem, where the problem is located, and how to fix it with minimal disruption to the home.
How to Choose a Foundation Repair Contractor
Addressing foundation problems can be an expensive home improvement issue, so it's important to choose a contractor you can trust. Start by educating yourself on common foundation problems and the specific repair methods that may be used to address any issues. Make sure that your contractor is licensed, insured, and offers a warranty on their work. Don't be afraid to "interview" multiple contractors, ask plenty of questions, learn everything you can about the process, and choose the team you feel most comfortable working on this important repair project for your home.

While foundation problems can grow into a big issue over time, knowing how to spot signs of trouble and checking your foundation regularly can help you deal with small foundation problems before they become big ones. If you believe that your home is showing signs of foundation problems, then the best thing that you can do is call a professional to assess and address the issue.

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What To Do About Foundation Problems

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