Anytime you are purchasing a home, it is an exciting time. Along with that excitement comes a certain amount of stress as well. You don’t want to purchase a home, only to find that there are significant issues like foundation problems down the road. You want to know that the home you’re buying is a solid one. JMark Inspections is here to talk about what you should be looking for to spot potential foundation problems when purchasing a home.

What Does Foundation Damage Look Like from the Outside?

There are certain signs of foundation trouble that you can visibly see when you are standing outside the house. Following is what you should be looking for:
– Stair-step cracking in bricks
– Horizontal cracks on the foundation
– Gaps around any of the windows or the garage
– Sunken porches
– Chimney leaning away from the house

Warning Signs of a Bad Foundation from the Inside

When walking through the home, look for these warning signs that could indicate the house has foundation problems.
– Windows or doors that are difficult to open and close
– Cracks in the drywall
– Sloping floors
– Cracks in the ceiling
– Separation between the walls and the ceiling
– Moisture in crawl spaces
– Moisture in the basement

Ask Questions When Signs of Foundation Problems are Present

Most people don’t want to come within five yards of a home that has foundation trouble. That is because it can be so difficult as well as expensive to repair. However, it’s important that you know you don’t have to walk away from a house just because there are signs of foundation issues. You need to find out the following information to make an educated decision.
– Find out if the sellers have had any repairs done on the foundation. They have to give you this information by law.
– You may choose to have a foundation inspection performed on the foundation outside of the regular home inspection that most lenders require.
– Research the problem and see what it is going to cost to get it fixed.
– Decipher whether or not that foundation concerns are going to have an impact on your financing. Some lenders won’t finance a house with foundation issues.

Is it Safe to Buy a House that has had Foundation Repairs?

If the home that you like has had foundation repairs performed, many buyers look at this as a positive. If the repairs have been done right, this means that you shouldn’t have to have them done again. The cosmetic issues that often left behind after foundation repair can usually be easily dealt with.

Home & Commercial Property Inspections in Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Conroe, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas

If you are getting ready to buy a home, it’s important that you call on the pros at JMark Inspections to perform a home inspection for you. We will be able to tell you what kind of condition the foundation is in, so you don’t end up with problems down the road. Call us today!