Being an adult means you have been through many changes like you have got a job, got married, bought a car, have kids, bought a big house, and spend your weekend buying groceries instead of hanging out with friends!
However, you still might not have gone through foundation repair. There’s nothing to worry about if you haven’t. Most people have no idea about foundation repairs and what buyers and sellers need to consider.
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So, let’s get started.
Definition Of Foundation
Foundation is the base of the property or building typically built below the ground level. The foundation’s main purpose is to provide the building with structural stability from the ground by spreading it in a large area to prevent overloading the underlying soil.
In short, the foundation is the most important structural element of your house that makes sure it stands still for years.
According to a study done by the National Association of Builders, around 25% of homes in the USA have foundation problems.
How Do Foundation Problems Happen?
Foundation problems happen mainly due to the expansive soil. Soil expands and contracts due to differences in the moisture levels resulting in foundation problems.
The soil molecules start blowing and deflating when the moisture is high when it dries. These molecules have air bubbles trapped, but when they are tightly packed together and expand due to the high moisture levels, they push your foundation upward.
And when these molecules dry up, they start to sink, and your foundation falls back. When this repeats, again and again, your foundation will begin to weaken and will eventually break.
What To Look For Before Buying Or While Selling A Property?
Look For Damages
Before selling or buying any property, it is important to check whether the property is structurally strong or not. If certain things need to be repaired, these are signs to contact Pinnacle foundation repair immediately.
l Cabinets Start To Fall apart
If you see the cabinets separating from the walls, it’s a sign of foundation movement. Whenever there is a movement in the foundation, the wall gets out of level, resulting in the separation of cabinets, counters, etc.
l Flooring Appears Dangling, Bowing, or Drooping
A slight movement in the foundation also leads the floor to appear dangling, bowing, or drooping.
l Gaps Tend To Appear Around Doors And Windows
You may also start noticing gaps around the doors and windows, and they won’t latch properly because of the foundation.
l Doors And Windows Don’t Work Properly
You will likely see that the doors and windows are sticking with the frames. This is due to slab and pier, and beam foundations.
l The Slab Starts Moving In The Upward Direction
Experts call this phenomenon ‘foundation heaving,’ which occurs in areas where the clay is unstable.
l House Appears To Be Set Inside The Ground
Foundation experts call it ‘foundation settling,’ which occurs downwards.
l Cracks Start Appearing On Walls And Floors
The development of cracks on the walls is a clear sign of the foundation movement.
Hire experts to evaluate the damage
After checking the house thoroughly, if you see any problems mentioned above, you should right away call the experts to evaluate the damage.
Please book an appointment with them and let the experts inspect the damage. That’s because, in some cases, it could be the result of normal settling or an indicator of something serious.
Should You Fix The Problem?
After getting reports from the experts, it’s time to decide whether you should fix it or not.
If the report states some serious foundation problem, it is best to walk away because foundation repairs can cost you money. On the other hand, consider buying that property if the report reveals minor issues that you are comfortable fixing.
Also, this small problem can be your added benefit as you can get the property for a low price.
Is It Possible To Sell A Home With A Foundation Problem?
If you know that your house has foundation issues and still want to sell it, you have two choices:
You can either sell it, so house flippers can make certain repairs or sell it for profits.
Or you can make certain changes and then put it on sale. If you choose the second option, don’t forget to mention the information to the potential buyers.
Potential homebuyers will surely avoid buying the home if you have serious foundation issues.
Concluding
If you have some serious foundation problems, consider hiring experts like Pinnacle foundation repairs to help you evaluate the issues and fix them. Fixing your foundation will also help you increase your home’s overall value.
