What is Included in a Foundation Inspection?

Many people who are looking to purchase a new home have a foundation inspection performed. It is also a common service requested by homeowners who are experiencing foundation issues and want to understand how serious the problems are. In this article, we will explain what is included in a foundation inspection, so you can know exactly what to expect when hiring one of these professionals.

A Foundation Inspection is a thorough evaluation of the substructure of your home, including the footer and slab. The professionals performing this service will use a camera to take photos of the inside and outside of your house to look for signs of damage. They will then perform tests to measure the depth of your footer and slab, which helps them determine what type of repairs are needed. They will also check for damage to the foundation itself, such as cracks or separations, bowed walls, and uneven floors.

This part of the process can involve digging down to the bottom of your basement or crawl space. They will look for the presence of water in the area, which may indicate that it is leaking through your basement walls and into the substructure. They will also evaluate the grade of your yard and surrounding area to make sure water is draining away from the foundation. They will also inspect the gutter system, the condition of the retaining wall and any other site terrain features.

Once the foundation inspector has gathered this information, they will examine your interior and exterior walls for any signs of movement. They will look for cracks, separations, leaning or listing walls or doors, and sticking windows and doors. The specialist will then do a forensic analysis of the structure and foundation to see what caused these symptoms. They will then recommend what steps to take to remedy the problem. This may include a recommendation to install piers, as well as maintenance and prevention suggestions.

It is important to note that not all foundation inspections result in the need for repairs. Sometimes the cracking found in a home’s foundation is purely cosmetic and will resolve itself with time. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as changes in temperature, soil conditions or the weight of furniture and other items in the home.

When hiring a professional for a Foundation Inspection, it is essential to find out what the total cost will be. Some companies will provide a diagram of your house to look at, and others will just give you a verbal estimate based on calculations. It is also important to ask what kind of warranty will be provided on the work. This will help to ensure that you are getting a quality job that is worth the investment. This is especially important if you are planning on selling your home in the future. By having a good warranty in place, you will be able to sell your home with confidence and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.