The dangers of ignoring home foundation issues
Do the words “foundation issue” make your eyes bug out of your head? While there are some minor foundation problems and repairs that aren’t worth losing sleep over, there can also be more severe home foundation issues that can drastically impact the structure of your house.
Major issues left untreated can cause various problems, from drywall cracks and structural framing damage to cracking glass on windows and (worst case scenario) your home sinking into the ground. Yikes!
Foundation repair cost estimates
When dealing with such an essential element of the home, you may worry that the repair costs will exceed your budget. We have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that minor foundation repairs are typically inexpensive. On the other hand, a severe foundation repair can be costly. Let’s break down the costs associated with the most common types of repairs.
From least to most expensive foundation repairs:
- Patch a hairline crack – DIY ($30-50)
- Repair a hairline crack – Licensed professional ($100-$200)
- Restore downspout drainage ($200-$300)
- Install new gutters ($2,000-$3,000)
- Re-grade a home’s foundation due to sloping ($2,000-$5,000)
- Level a house ($3,000-$20,000)
- Raise a house ($10,000-$40,000)
- Raise a house and replace the foundation ($20,000-$100,000)
The warning signs of home foundation issues
Before we get into foundation warning signs, it’s important to note that just because you have some of these issues present in your home does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the foundation. These warning signs serve as a guide to determine if your home requires professional help. Now, for the warning signs!
- Sticky doors or windows (a common trend in older homes that can be easily repaired)
- Cracks in the drywall (another common occurrence, but can indicate settling)
- Uneven flooring levels in the home
- Water not draining away from the home
- Large overgrown trees near the home (it’s rare for tree roots to cause foundation issues, but it can happen)
- Pooling surface water around your home’s foundation
- Vertical cracks in concrete foundation (not usually concerning)
- Horizontal cracks in concrete foundation (cause for concern due to lateral pressure on the walls)
Home foundation maintenance tips
We talk about home maintenance often in our blogs, and that’s because performing regular home maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive home repairs. When it comes to preventing home foundation issues, ensure all water is draining away from the house, including the downspouts in your gutter system, and check around your home’s foundation and in the crawlspace for standing water or water stains.
How professionals check your home for foundation issues
You may be asking yourself, what would a professional do to inspect my home for foundation issues? We’ve got answers. Here’s the step-by-step process a licensed home inspector would follow.
- Closely inspect the home’s perimeter to check for cracking
- Measure any cracks to determine their severity (cracks a quarter of an inch wide or more can be considered problematic)
- Investigate any offset cracks in the foundation (problematic cracks that can indicate a potential failure in the supporting soils)
- Look for signs of rust or exposed steel rebar. Rebar installed too close to the surface of the concrete can be damaged when exposed to weather
- Take a step back from the home to look at the whole house for signs of a sagging roof, damaged gutters and downspouts, and any leaning walls
Get started with Zoom Home Inspections
When you hire Zoom for a home inspection, we not only check the home’s foundation but do a thorough analysis of all aspects of your home to ensure safety issues and repairs are noted. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, click here or call us at (425) 301-2747 for more information.
