When to get your foundation inspected

As a homeowner, it is unlikely that you have the knowledge and experience to identify when a foundation needs to be repaired. But that’s okay; most people are not foundation experts. That said, the foundation is one of the most important parts of any structure. A damaged foundation will lower the value of a home, cause problems with other parts of the structure and it can make the home unsafe.

While in some cases, the signs will be obvious, it is not always easy to tell when a foundation needs repair. In many cases, it requires the knowledge and experience of a professional inspector to identify the problem. Furthermore, by the time the problem becomes obvious, it is very likely that it is the result of an issue that has existed for some time and it just didn’t exhibit the obvious signs right away. If problems like these are caught earlier, it could save the homeowner a lot of money on the repairs.

Visible Damage

One of the easiest signs to identify is visible damage. If your home has foundation problems, you may notice cracks in the foundation, cracks where walls meet floors, and the walls might start to crack or bow. Additionally, you may notice signs like floors and walls that have started to slope or walls that look like they are sagging or bulging. If any of these visible signs of foundation damage are present, then you may need to schedule a foundation inspection.

Drainage Issues

Poor drainage can lead to problems with the home’s foundation. If your home or property has been experiencing drainage problems, then it is a good idea to get a foundation inspection to ensure that it has not caused any damage. If your gutters and downspouts are poorly maintained it could be an issue. If you notice signs of erosion or pooling water when it rains, then this could damage the foundation. If your property experiences soil loss after heavy rains, it could cause problems with the foundation. In addition to calling for an inspection, you should hire a contractor to address these issues if any of them are present.

Local Foundation Problems

If you notice that many of the homes or buildings in your neighborhood are in need of foundation repair, then it might be a good idea to get your home inspected. For the most part, homes that are built in the same neighborhood are going to be built in the same type of soil. If several of the homes in your neighborhood have had foundation trouble, then it could be a sign that there is an issue with the area’s soil and this could cause problems for several structures. In this situation, it is better to play it safe and catch any potential problem early.

If you have any doubts about your foundation, then it is a good move to get it checked out. Even if you do not see signs of a problem, it could be a good idea to have it checked if you know that it is an older home and the foundation has not had a professional inspection for many years.

With Montclair Construction, you have a company that has been inspecting and repairing foundations in the San Francisco and Oakland area for more than thirty years. We can perform a full inspection of your foundation to ensure that it is safe, and if any problems are found, we can provide you with an estimate for the repairs. For a team that has a reputation built on quality and fair dealing, contact Montclair construction today.

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