Everything You Need to Know about Foundation Inspection Services
Most potential home buyers and real estate agents know a home inspection is a critical step when purchasing a new home. Home inspections can uncover many problems that could be detrimental to your next investment, such as mold, water damage, or uneven floors. But what about your current investment?
Many people do yearly maintenance on their vehicles, but when was the last time your home was given a thorough inspection? Including a regular home foundation inspection can help identify hidden structural issues early. Home inspections are usually done right before or after someone sells a home. Scheduling routine home inspections helps you spot problems and tackle them before they become more significant.
What Should I Expect with a Home Foundation Inspection?
Home foundation inspections are a visual examination of the structure and systems of the home, from roof to foundation. While inspectors and home size vary, a typical home inspection can take about 90 minutes. They will look internally and externally for any findings and detail them in a report. It is recommended to set aside about 90 minutes for the foundation engineer inspector to do their work.
Homeowners should be present for the inspection as it explains the home inspector’s findings firsthand. A home inspection report should include:
- Any potential problems and their severity.
- Items that need a replacement or service.
- Areas of your home that are passable but need close monitoring.
On the exterior of your home, inspectors are looking at exterior walls for cracks or signs of foundation settlement. “Foundation and water problems are two of the biggest insurance risks, and if an inspector finds signs of damage, your home may be deemed uninsurable. This is why it is important to have a foundation expert do an inspection to help you prepare for insurers, learn about potential solutions, and secure your home,” said Tim Tracy, a sales trainer for Groundworks.
Scheduling a free foundation inspection can help identify these risks early and give you peace of mind.
The roof and yard grading will also be inspected on the exterior of your home. It’s essential to view this area to ensure that precipitation is being effectively routed away from your home. Roof damage or improper yard drainage will guide water into the home instead of away and may cause foundation problems.
Inside the home, plumbing and electrical work are top priorities for inspection. They will look for visible leaks and check the water pressure. Inspectors will inspect the wiring and the electrical panels for any safety or fire hazards.
What Is Not Included in a House Foundation Inspection?
While highly beneficial, professional home inspections cannot always identify everything that may be wrong on the property. Inspectors are looking for visual cues to problems but will not look behind walls or underneath the flooring, inside pipes or sewer lines, or behind electrical panels.
Inspectors are not experts on some of the issues they may discover. They may be able to identify an electrical problem, but they are not certified electricians that can provide an immediate solution. The same can be said about foundation damage, as a home inspection company cannot provide foundation solutions. In cases like this, a specialized house foundation inspection conducted by a licensed professional is necessary to find a permanent solution for your home.
Is a Foundation Inspection Worth the Investment?
According to research compiled by Angi, the average home inspection process ranges from from $296 to $424, depending on location and square footage. Common problems found during inspections can cost thousands of dollars, and they only get more expensive over time. Catching a concern early is well worth the cost of a yearly home inspection cost.
Protect your biggest investment by giving your home the professional walk-through it deserves. Remember, if a home inspector finds foundation problems in your home, contact us immediately to keep your home secure!
Our Simple Process
Schedule a Free Foundation Inspection With Groundworks
If you’re thinking about getting your home inspected, consider working with Groundworks. We specialize in foundation repair, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting.
When we inspect your home, we’ll look out for these issues and identify the causes behind them. After that, we’ll formulate a repair plan that fits your home’s unique needs. With offices in 36 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, we’re equipped and ready to handle even the most complex foundation problems with expertise and care.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection!
Foundation Inspection Related Resources
