If you’re looking into getting a foundation inspection then you might be wondering what exactly that consists of. First off, it’s important to get an inspection because you want to make sure that you’re always looking out for potential problems so that you can catch them and fix them before they get worse. Foundation repairs can get pricey if it’s a big job so getting an inspection can save you a lot of money. Foundation inspections are done by trained professionals who look in specific areas for damage. They will give you estimates and tell you about any damages that they can see. Let’s look more in-depth at what to expect during an inspection and what these professionals are looking for. If you’re seeking additional information, read more.
What To Expect During A Foundation Inspection?
When you are looking into getting a foundation inspection you might want to know exactly what you can expect. The professional will come to your home and assess your foundation and surrounding areas. They will give you time to talk so that they can answer questions and take notes about any possible damage that you’ve seen inside your home as well. The professional’s job is to look and see if there are any signs of damage and give you a full report so that you are able to get them repaired properly.
What Will They Do During An Inspection?
They will look at a lot of different areas of your home and foundation to look for damage. These are typically key areas where you will notice cracking or other signs of wear if your foundation is damaged in any way. Here are the areas that they’ll be looking at.
- The Exterior
This is usually where the inspection will start. They will walk around the outside perimeter of your home and foundation to look for any cracks or unevenness. Everything should be leveled and flush but if they aren’t then the professional will make note of that. They’ll also be looking for water damage and cracks.
- The Interior
Inspectors will move to the inside of your home typically looking for somewhat of the same things. They’ll be looking for cracks and separation in the walls as these are signs of damage and moving. They will also do tests on your floors to make sure they are level and not bubbles or slanted in any way.
- Windows and Doors
They will check all of your windows and doors. If your foundation is settling or moving out of place then it would most likely be visible on the windows and doors. They’ll be looking out for cracks or separation around the outer edges of the doors and windows. They will also be looking for any kind of sticking when opening or closing the doors and windows.
- Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces can show signs of damage as well. They will mostly be looking for signs of moisture like molding or mildew as well as actual water-damaged wood and other materials.
- Substructure Supports
Substructure supports will be checked as well for signs of moving, settling, or damage. They’ll check to make sure they are level and there is no buckling.
Why Should You Let A Professional Do Your Inspection?
Inspections are important to keep up with because they allow for professionals to catch damages and problems before they get way worse. Catching these early will save you both time and money when it comes to any repairs that you’d need. Never decide to do an inspection yourself. It’s important to hire a professional to do your inspections for a lot of reasons. Professionals are trained and certified to be able to do inspections. They know exactly what they are looking for. They are great at seeing things that you may not see when trying to inspect your foundation. Professionals will also give you an estimate or let you know what type of repairs you might need to fix the foundation’s problems that they found.
When Should You Get An Inspection Done?
There are a lot of reasons that you may want to get an inspection. You should be getting regular inspections on your home to keep it in good shape and repair, but there are also other reasons that you should get an inspection. If you’re going through any of these situations or notice these things then it might be time to call a professional to get an inspection.
- If you are buying a home you might want to get it inspected first to get an idea of where it is at.
- If you are selling a home then you will want to get an inspection done before signing any type of contract.
- If you notice any signs of damage, moving, or buckling such as cracks, pulling, or slanted floors/walls.
- If you’ve experienced a natural disaster or a large thunderstorm then you might want to get an inspection to make sure that there were no damages done from water or high winds.
- You should get an inspection every once in a while just to ensure your home is in good shape and there are no issues at hand.
Foundation repair specialists are here to give you an inspection of your foundation. It’s important to make sure that you call a professional when getting an inspection so that you can trust them and ensure that they are telling you accurate information. They are trained and certified to do inspections and to know exactly what to look for. These professionals will come to your foundation and they will look at many different areas of your foundation to look for signs of any type of damage or shifting. They will also provide you with a detailed outline of what damages they saw as well as what they will do to repair them. If you’ve noticed any signs of damage, or if you’re buying or selling a home, or if you are just ready for your regular inspection then it’s time to call a professional and get an inspection scheduled.
