Thinking about buying a home with foundation issues?
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’ve done this before, there is a lot to remember when buying a house. Besides all the paperwork and the actual buying process, there’s the whole aspect of inspecting the house itself to make sure you’re getting a fair price and that you aren’t going to be stuck with major repairs after you buy it.
One of the first things you should look at when buying a house is its foundation. That’s literally what the entire house is built on, no? The good news is you don’t need construction experience to spot foundation problems. Here are a few things to look for:
- Multiple misaligned doors and windows – Look for multiple doors or windows that don’t open and close properly. If the problem is limited to one door or window, it’s probably not a sign of a foundation problem.
- Uneven floors or staircases
- Cracks in drywall – These could indicate the wall behind the drywall is cracked, and if so, there could be a foundation problem.
- Gaps in wall seams or between the ceiling and the wall – Even small gaps are a red flag.
- Large cracks in the exterior concrete
- Signs of flooding in the basement or perimeter of the house
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have a second and more thorough home inspection done focusing on the foundation.
For more information about foundation damage, see Structural or Non-Structural? Understanding Foundation Cracks.
How much does a foundation inspection cost?
Since you want to know if you’re buying a home with foundation problems, you should also have a professional – either a foundation repair contractor or a structural engineer – inspect the house before you sign on the dotted line. While a foundation inspection for a real estate transaction isn’t free, it will be worth it in the long run. Since a foundation can be repaired, a problem isn’t always a deal-breaker. However, it’s always better to know what you’re getting into before you sign. If the home does need foundation repair, you can figure this cost into your offer.
Here at Epp Foundation Repair – as of January 26, 2022 – the cost of a foundation inspection is $175. However, the cost in your area might be different.
If you’re thinking of buying a home with foundation issues and you’re in our service area in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, or Missouri, contact us today.
